Dark Circles- Bags under Eyes

Dark circles or eye circles are blemishes that develop around the eyes due to numerous reasons. They are also known as bags under eyes. They often give an unpleasant look of tiredness to the entire face, and therefore can be really annoying. Dark circles, especially the constant ones are often a symptom of other illnesses and disorders. Let's take a look at some of the possible causes as well as remedies for this unpleasant skin problem.

Causes of Dark Circles
There can be numerous factors that cause dark circles around or under the eyes. One of the most common causes of dark circles is not getting enough sleep. Insufficient sleep can be a reason behind making the skin pale and the circles more prominent. Tiredness or fatigue is another factor that can cause dark circles.

Allergies, both seasonal and food allergy can also cause bags under eyes. Seasonal allergy like hay fever can be responsible for dark circles. On the other hand, food allergies can also cause puffiness under the eyes. Allergies caused by chemicals can also lead to the appearance of dark circles.

Dark circles can be hereditary. Skin around the eye is usually thinner than the rest of the body. In some individuals, the skin around the eyes is more transparent than the others, which is generally hereditary. In such people, dark circles can be nothing but a bluish shade produced when blood passes through the veins or vessels, which becomes more prominent due to the thinness of the skin.

Another reason behind the appearance of dark circles may be the incomplete digestion of proteins, caused by lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Insufficient amount of hydrochloric acid, in turn may be caused by the deficiency of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Due to the incomplete digestion of protein, carbon gets deposited under the skin around the eyes, which can cause dark circles. It can also be caused by deficiency of vitamin B12. Hence, proper intake of vitamins is essential for people suffering from dark circles

Anemia caused by deficiency of iron can also cause dark circles. Dark circles can also be a result of periorbital pigmentation where more melanin is produced in the skin under the eyes. When more melanin is produced in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, the dark circles appear brown. On the other hand, melanin produced in the dermis gives a bluish or bluish-gray color to the dark circles. Dark circles can also be a premenstrual syndrome, if they appear before the onset of menstruation. Poor blood circulation is also responsible for causing dark circles. Deficiency of vitamin K and vitamin B12 can also cause bags under eyes.

How to get rid of Dark Circles
A number of natural and herbal remedies can reduce dark circles or bags under eyes. Some of them are

• Tea bags are very effective in reducing swelling or puffiness under your eyes. Place them over your eyelids and keep them for at least 15 minutes.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Sufficient sleep, preferably for seven to eight hours.
• Cucumber slices are also very effective for dark circles. They can be kept over the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also make a mixture of cucumber and potato juice and apply them over your eyes with the help of cotton.
• Olive oil is also beneficial for dark circles as it has a nourishing effect on the skin.

To sum up, sufficient amount of sleep, having balanced diet that contains all essential vitamins and minerals, avoiding smoking and drinking plenty of water is very essential for getting rid of dark circles. But, even after taking adequate care, if symptoms persists, you can consult a dermatologist.