Yes, pandas are cute. However, we can't rock the dark circle situation as well as them. Dark under-eye circles can make you look tired or sick even if you don't feel like it. Although, let's agree that appearance should not be the only motive to look up how to get rid of dark circles.
The color of your under-eyes can be a red flag for your health and habits. Nevertheless, it can also be a natural aging process or the pigmentation of your skin.
Let me add that dark under-eye circles can have different shades — purple, dark brown, blue, or even black. It depends on the color of your skin.
To dive in immediately — the most known reason why you might have dark circles — you are oversleeping or undersleeping. Yes, oversleeping can be harmful as well. However, if the problem is undersleeping, maybe you are facing difficulties as a result of your bedding? Perhaps now you are debating on changing your mattress to meet your needs more sufficiently?
In this article, I take an in-depth look at all the possible causes and how to get rid of dark circles under eyes fast.
Table of Contents
Why Does It Happen
You have guessed it — there isn't a simple answer to this question. It depends. But don't worry, I will walk you through it and lend you tips on how to get rid of dark circles.
Allergies
A number of us are blessed with never facing the itchiness and annoying sneezes from allergies. Some of us, sadly, do come across these symptoms. Speaking of sneezes, your dark circles can be caused by allergic shiners.
To put things simpler — allergic shiners promote blocked sinuses. And that may be the reason you can't seem to figure out how to get rid of dark circles under eyes.
The allergies can be caused by indoor or outdoor factors:
- Dust mites
- Tree, grass, ragweed pollen
- Pets
- Mold
- Certain foods
- Hay
- Cigarette smoke, perfumes
People are usually aware of their allergies. Nevertheless, better be safe than sorry, so let's take a look at the symptoms:
- Runny nose or eyes and sneezing
- Clogged nose
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy throat
Seeing these symptoms majority of us could agree that it is easy to mistake them for a cold or flu.
So as always, if you feel that you might be allergic to something, get tested! If it turns out that you have allergies, the answer to "how to get rid of dark circles under eyes" will be one step closer.
Let me point out — studies show that if you have allergic tendencies, it is impossible to prevent yourself from getting allergies[1] beforehand. So, if you get an allergic reaction at some point in your life, the only option would be — manage and alleviate the symptoms.
Speaking of that, there are various ways of how to get rid of dark circles under eyes and ease your allergies.
The simplest solution would be to avoid allergens. Sadly, it is not always possible to stay away from animals or stay inside when the pollen count is high.
Another option of how to get rid of dark circles would be medication. The primary medicament is Antihistamine for a more serious allergic reaction and decongestants for short-term relief of clogged nose or other symptoms. This may be the solution you are looking for if it comes across that you have allergies.
Let me add that you can use lotions to reduce itchiness if needed.
In order to find the best option for you — always consult with your doctor first.
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Anemia
Anemia would be a very uncomplicated reason. Anemia or iron deficiency causes hardship for oxygen to reach your eye tissues.
People with iron deficiency tend to look pale and have darker under-eye circles, so it is somewhat logical.
To simplify — iron is a mineral found in many foods naturally, but mostly meat and seafood. However, a supplement may be needed if the natural iron intake isn't reaching an adequate level (adult females need 18mg, adult males need 8mg).
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin and dark under-eye circles
- Uneven heartbeat
- Hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Unusual food cravings
To find out whether you are undergoing iron deficiency symptoms, the easiest way is to take a complete blood count (CBC) test. After that, you can determine if taking iron supplements is your personal best dark circles under eyes treatment.
Anyhow, it is possible that a diet change by eating more meat, seafood, nuts, beans, vegetables could be enough to end your search of how to get rid of dark circles.
Let's acknowledge the fact that not only a diet change can ease your anemia symptoms but it can also be beneficial for your sleep.
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Yes, it can be genetic. Your family might be responsible for your panda eye makeup. In all seriousness, this can be an inherited trait so take a look at your mom, dad, brother, or sister. Do they have dark circles? Maybe take a look at your childhood pictures and see if you've had them since then?
That means that your dark circles are not caused by health problems or bad lifestyle habits, so there is something to be happy about. Nevertheless, if this feature makes it harder for you to love yourself — options, treatments, and solutions are always available. There are ways of how to get rid of dark circles under eyes fast.
Sleeping
It may seem obvious, but as much as you may be lacking sleep, you can be oversleeping as well. Changing your sleeping habits can be a way how to get rid of dark circles under eyes fast.
Lack of sleep can cause blood vessels under the eyes to dilate, resulting in having dark circles.
However, sleeping for 12 hours a day is not considered healthy as well. So do not overdo your daily napping.
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How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles
So we already know that good sleep quality is crucial to get rid of dark circles. In order to have a clear understanding — I will tell you a few very important aspects.
Your Bed
There is no surprise that you can't seem to fall asleep (and get rid of dark circles) on the old mattress that you have slept on since middle school. Old mattresses tend to be lacking new technology, exceptional comfortability, and modern benefits that come with it.
Purchasing a brand new mattress and saying goodbye to your old one can literally change your sleep experience from head to toe. And you might be stunned by the choices and options available.
For example, Saatva mattress is very bouncy and responsive, cool temperature-wise, so if you hate feeling hot while sleeping — this mattress will blow your mind. To add, it is made out of a mixture of layers of spring and foam, so there is no doubt that it ventilates very well.
If that's not good enough — it's compatible and even great for all types of sleepers. So it doesn't matter if you sleep on your back or on your sides, you will still feel comfortable.
Layla mattress is flipable, so it has two firmness options to choose from. To add, it has pressure relief properties. And if that doesn't sound amazing already — this mattress is also made from high-quality materials, has motion isolation and the price is very affordable for this kind of sleeping experience.
Nowadays, there is no doubt that you can find a perfect mattress for yourself and invest in your sleep quality without the feeling of guilt.
By making your sleeping experience more enjoyable, you will feel happier overall. And with that, you would look happier, considering that dark circles would not worry you anymore.
No one could disagree that your bed can either be the cause or the solution to your problems.
Sleeping position
Sleeping quality is one of the most important factors of your well-being and getting rid of unhealthy appearance factors. Poor sleeping habits can even cause the under-eye bags to be puffy or seem swollen. Not a fun thing to have, right? That may be the reason you started wondering how to get rid of dark circles.
With that in mind, not such a fun fact — the puffiness can also be caused by sleeping on your stomach due to gravity and moving fluids.
Sleeping on your stomach can seem comfortable at first, but it may be damaging for some people. That is because it may strain your spine (body's weight is not distributed evenly) and hurt your neck (it isn't the most natural position for your neck).
To prevent that, you can try sleeping on your back, which is widely beneficial for your body — starting with the fact that it is the best position for your spine and a straightforward way of how to get rid of dark circles. By laying straight on your back, your spine remains straight as well so it also can prevent back pain.
Let me immediately add that if you decided to try this method or even if you have been sleeping on your back, you should check out our best pillow guide for back sleepers.
As much as it is an additional way of how to get rid of dark circles, sleeping on your back could also prevent wrinkles. Compared to sleeping on your stomach, where one side of your cheek can sometimes literally be crushed to your pillow — this way of sleeping is more gentle for your face.
By sleeping on your back, your face will not brush against your pillow, bed sheets, or any kind of other materials.
Nevertheless, this suggestion is not for you if you experience snoring or dealing with sleep apnea (breathing difficulties while asleep). On every occasion, consider your personal health first and then think about if this method of how to get rid of dark circles under eyes is fitting.
I would also like to mention that your dark circles could appear if you have insomnia — difficulty falling asleep and remaining asleep. Moreover, if you never considered that you may be suffering from insomnia, but your sleeping quality is poor three times a week at least for a month, and you constantly feel drained and tired during the day, get checked by a professional.
Easing your insomnia symptoms can also be an answer to how to get rid of dark circles and even a great help with skin aging[4].
Exercise
Firstly, let's remember the importance of physical activity. If you said to yourself, "here we go again," I can assure you that no one is going to suggest you go to the gym every day. So stick with me! I am perfectly aware that this type of exercise is not suited for everyone.
No desperate actions in this article. I can tell you that. If your life consists of zero physical activity, let's admit that it is not ideal for your well-being. At least try doing the absolute bare minimum, assuming it is the best you can manage at this time. Maybe exercising will help you the most with your "how to get rid of dark circles" question.
What I mean by bare minimum:
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Walking to the store instead of driving
- Walking around the room every half an hour
When the bare minimum is reached, evolve to the minimum:
- Going for long walks alone or with your friends
- Doing morning stretches
- Putting on music and throwing in some dance moves into your cleaning routine
- Attempting to do yoga just before going to bed (some slow poses). You can even do yoga in bed
Maybe that will hook you up for a more significant challenge? You can always go higher from here.
Trying out new things can open a variety of metaphorical doors you did not know existed.
Getting Rid Of Bad Habits
This one is rather obvious, but I will still say it just in case: quit smoking.
Smoking promotes bad sleeping, which makes your dark circles under eyes treatment harder to accomplish.
Moving on from that — caffeine[2]. Have you ever heard the saying "iced coffee and panic attack"? Caffeine is, in general, the most widely consumed central nervous system stimulant. Research shows that caffeine may help increase your learning or working performance and memory, but methylxanthine takes action on making you fatigued and aroused.
So yes, you would more likely have a panic or anxiety attack after drinking coffee either than after drinking herbal tea.
Caffeine has apparent effects on anxiety and sleep, which can be different for everyone considering their sensitivity.
It can be viewed as manipulating your body by compelling your mind into believing that you are not tired. And indeed, I don't think that you want to feel like running around for a few hours when you are supposed to be peacefully asleep. Am I right?
Not surprisingly, caffeine activates noradrenaline which affects the release of dopamine (neurotransmitter).
So limit the energy drinks, coffee, black and green tea. Try to drink it in the morning if you insist, but never in the evenings because it can take up to 10 hours before caffeine is out of your system.
If you are having hardships sleeping, there is no way you will catch that sweet snooze while drinking a cup of coffee in the evening. After maintaining this bad habit, once again, you will think to yourself looking in the mirror — "How to get rid of dark circles."
You can always change your hot beverage that contains caffeine to a herbal tea which will even promote sleepiness.
Pour yourself a cup of hot lavender, valerian wood, or lemon balm tea and feel no guilt about caffeine. You can even fall asleep sooner than you intended.
Another bad habit you need to manage is — have a reasonable sleeping schedule. You may love to stay up late every night and regret it every morning, but your health should come first. Does it? If not, now is the time to change that assuming you want to know how to get rid of dark circles.
You may be so used to staying up late, so when you need to go to sleep earlier, your body disagrees. It is just used to a different schedule by now. How to change that?
A reminder that irregular or unhealthy sleep patterns also can be the cause of your dark under-eye circles.
To start maintaining a new sleep schedule, slowly adjust your bedtime and attempt a little more every night. Fifteen minutes at a time, for example. Do not scare yourself with rapid changes. When you reach the perfect time, stick with it.
Use natural sleep remedies and make a bedtime ritual. Read a book, meditate, do yoga. In other words — wind down. Change spending time on your computer before bed to drinking herbal tea and taking a hot, relaxing bath.
Diet And Nutrition
Diet and nutrition[3] play a huge role in sleep quality and duration. Try to limit energy-rich foods if you can. However, that does not mean drastically converting your whole diet. You don't need to do that. Just make sure to balance your nutrition. Include more vegetables into your servings and make a more regular eating plan to accommodate your sleeping schedule.
Do not eat heavy meals before bed! It may cause heartburn and digestive problems as well as it could be way harder to fall asleep.
Of course, if you feel hungry in the evening, do not punish yourself and eat! Just make sure to choose a lighter meal and avoid junk food, which can be challenging if you plan to watch a movie or a TV show. Movie night without snacks is not a movie night, am I right? However, balance is the key. Write that down if you need to.
Home Remedies
The first thing is makeup. Yes, it's not precisely "treating" dark circles. However, it is a way to make them disappear temporarily. You can use a concealer that matches your skin tone or is a bit lighter. But be regardful to the fact that you need to use good makeup products for that.
I am acknowledging this because some products can do more harm than good. It can cause your symptoms to worsen or even activate an allergic reaction. If that happens, contact a medical professional immediately.
It is also possible that a self-care routine like a spa night with a hot bath, cucumbers, or tea bags under your eyes can lighten your circles after time. Relaxing is always a way to go!
- Sleep
As I've already mentioned before — make sure to get more of that sweet "beauty sleep." If you can't manage to get enough sleep at night, take a nap!
Naps are healthy and can help you feel way better. However, please don't overdo it. Oversleeping can also harm your well-being and make your dark circles under eyes treatment ineffective. Seven to nine hours of sleep should be enough for most people.
- Cold Compress
This method may be temporary as well, but applying cold compresses could shrink dilated blood vessels and reduce swelling as well as puffiness. You can attempt it with ice cubes as well as a cloth soaked in freezing water. Or even using a cold spoon. Apply it to the under eyes, and leave it for a bit. After that, your under-eye circles should lighten a bit.
- Changing Up Your Sleeping Position
Sleep on your back more, and maybe add more pillows to raise your head a little to prevent liquids from merging into your under-eyes. Changing your sleeping position can be the way of how to get rid of dark circles under eyes fast.
- Tea Bags For Your Eye Bags
If you have been actively searching for various ways of how to get rid of dark circles, you have probably seen this option. For example, research[5] shows that an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base used for wrinkles and dark circles had a significant effect.
This method of using tea bags was used for four weeks, and all of the participants had a reduction of wrinkles and dark circles.
In short – caffeine applied to the skin stimulates blood circulation.
How to use tea bags for your dark circles:
- Soak green or black tea bags in hot water for a few minutes
- Then take them out and after the teabags cool off, put them into the refrigerator for 20 minutes
- Lie down, put the cold tea bags on your eyes and keep them for about 15 minutes
That's it! Moreover, if someone dares to say that you look weird with tea bags on your eyes, make sure to show them your new, healthy look after a few weeks.
- Cucumber
How to get rid of dark circles using cucumber, you may ask?
Some time ago, it was super popular to lay in your bathtub with cucumbers on your eyes. You've seen it in the movies, you've heard about it from advertisements. Let's bring it back, shall we?
Cucumber consists of mostly water and has lots of vitamin C. These specifications are excellent for moisturizing and nourishing your skin. Also, silica[6] (silica is an important trace mineral that provides strength and flexibility to your skin) can be found, which is great for skin tissue.
- Facials, Lotions, And Creams
Getting a facial massage by a professional can be amazingly relaxing and should help with blood circulation. However, it has to be very gentle, because the area around the eyes is super sensitive. This dark circle under eyes treatment can be beneficial as well as very soothing after a long day.
Moreover, if you had stepped into a pharmacy or a makeup store and asked how to get rid of dark circles, you would probably be introduced to various skincare products, lotions, and creams.
Dark circles under eyes treatment lotions should be the ones that contain vitamins E and C.
Medical Treatments
Another way of how to get rid of dark circles is to choose medical treatments. Medical treatments are the ones that should give a more permanent solution or even some kind of a solution if the home remedies don't work for you.
However, I would recommend seeing a medical professional first and hearing their advice on what treatment you should attempt.
Your options could be:
- Chemical peels or bleaching creams — to lighten your hyperpigmentation under the eyes
- Laser therapy/surgery[7] — targets pigment and vascularity
- Tissue fillers — mostly hyaluronic acid gel used to fill in the under-eye area and conceal blood vessels from dilating
- Fat transplantation — a surgery that can have side effects because of how delicate the under-eye area is. So make sure to discuss it with your surgeon
- Medical tattoos — injects the needed color pigment under the skin
Most of the time, there are solutions to every problem. You can try every one of the home remedies and see what is the most effective for "how to get rid of dark circles under eyes." It can be a personal test.
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Conclusion
Perhaps now you are one step closer to understanding how to get rid of dark circles? Take these tips and tricks and apply them as you please.
Dark circles can harm your confidence, but it is nothing that can't be fixed!
Let's conclude that the majority of the time, to fix a personal problem, you might have to look back on your lifestyle.
Something may have slipped through your eyes. Maybe you never noticed that the earlier you have dinner, the better you sleep? Possibly your old mattress is preventing you from resting, and it is time for a new one?
If that is the case — check out our list of best mattresses, pillows, and even toppers. This selection might be a game-changer in regards to having a well-deserved snooze. Make sure every night is the best it can be.
Your health should always be your number one priority. When you are healthy — your mood is great. When your mood is great — you smile more. When you smile more — your world gets brighter.
So take care of your health and your appearance will follow.
Scientific References
1. Cathleen Muche-Borowski, Matthias Kopp, Imke Reese, et al. 'Allergy prevention'
2. A Nehlig , J L Daval, G Debry 'Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects'
3. Katri Peuhkuri, Nora Sihvola, Riitta Korpela ' Diet promotes sleep duration and quality'
4. P Oyetakin-White 1, A Suggs, B Koo, et al. 'Does poor sleep quality affect skin ageing?'
5. Fatemeh Ahmadr, Mohammad Ali Shatalebi 'Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base'
6. Shweta Kapoor, Swarnlata Saraf'Assessment of viscoelasticity and hydration effect of herbal moisturizers using bioengineering techniques'
7. Rashmi Sarkar, MD, MNAMS, et al. 'Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Comprehensive Review'
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