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Dark eye circles and eye bags affect both men and women. They make you look tired and aged. Suffice to say, it's a look that many can do without. Adding to the woes, dark eye circles can also be hard to get rid of!
So what causes dark eye circles and eye bags, and what can you do to fix them?
Causes of Dark Eye Circles and eye bags
It’s in your genes
Ageing, sleep deprivation and stress are among the commonly known causes of dark circles under the eyes, but genetics play a part as well. The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on our body, based on our genes. The thinner the skin, the more prominent the blood vessels underneath appear.
If you have fair skin and, coupled with poor blood circulation due to sleep deprivation or other factors, you are more susceptible to having dark circles under your eyes and eye bags.
Vitamin deficiency
A lesser-discussed or often-overlooked cause is a nutritional deficiency. Our body needs a range of vitamins and nutrients to be healthy, and a lack of any can show up in one form or another, including eye bags and dark circles under the eyes.
Vitamin B12 or the lack of it can result in two of its common symptoms: tiredness and pale skin. This often leads to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and eye bags, making them even more prominent.
Sun exposure
Overexposure to the sun, as we all know, is terrible for the skin. The sun's rays can affect collagen levels, spelling trouble for the already thin skin around the eyes.
Additionally, overexposure causes the body to produce excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This often leads to the darkening of the skin underneath the eyes, giving it the dark eye circles and eye bag appearance.
What you can do to reduce dark eye circles & eye bags
Adopting a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, incorporating good eating, sleeping, and exercise, would be an ideal first step. Quit smoking and reduce the alcohol and caffeine intake, as these bad habits may dehydrate you and constrict the blood vessels, which will lead to poor circulation, making the blood vessels appear darker and more prominent.
Increase your Vitamin C intake
Get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, and boost the all-important vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. This can help synthesise collagen, leading to a healthier appearance. You also opt for retinol, which stimulates collagen production.
Lather on the sunscreen
Whether you love going out in the sun or not, remember to lather on the sunscreen. The effects of sun damage are well known and documented. A broad-spectrum sunscreen goes a long way in protecting skin, especially the thin layer under our eyes.
EyeArt® Method (Tear Trough Fillers)
If the dark circles and eye bags persist, an option is to seek qualified help. This can help you better understand your body and its needs and find a solution to eliminate this pesky problem.
Amaris B. Clinic effectively treats tired-looking eyes, dark circles, fine lines, and volume loss under the eyes using tear trough fillers and Dr Ivan Puah's EyeArt® Method.
This method involves carefully injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers to add volume and lift around the eyes, reducing dark circles and helping you look more refreshed and youthful.
What to expect during the EyeArt® Method (Tear Trough Fillers) treatment
During your consultation, Dr Ivan Puah will discuss your condition and expectations. He will explain how to manage your treatment and answer any questions you have.
After applying tubing cream and letting it take effect in 30 minutes, Dr Puah will use a special technique called the EyeArt® Method (Tear Trough Fillers) to inject hyaluronic acid fillers into the area under your eyes. This will help lift and support the skin while filling any hollows for a smoother appearance.
Say hello to bright eyes!
FAQ on Dark Eye Circles and Eye Bags
Can losing weight cause dark circles under the eyes and eye bags?
Significant weight loss can make under-eye bags and hollows more noticeable.
Why does lack of sleep cause dark circles and eye bags?
Not getting enough sleep can lead to paler, more translucent skin, which makes the blood vessels under the eyes more visible.
Can rubbing my eyes lead to dark circles or eye bags?
Chronic eye rubbing can increase melanin production, resulting in visible enlarged blood vessels and discolouration.
Why do my eyes appear darker during an allergic reaction?
Nasal congestion and allergies can cause inflammation of the blood vessels under the eyes.
How does ageing affect the appearance of our eyes?
As we age, we lose volume under the eyes, creating a "tear trough"—a noticeable depression below the eyes that casts shadows, making us look tired.
