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How to Treat and Prevent Dark Circles Eyes

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By stevemark122000

Cosmetologists report that at some point in life, most people will experience dark circles eyes. They may be a long standing problem or can appear overnight depending upon the cause. Whether you have just developed this condition or you’ve had it as long as you can remember, discovering ways to treat and prevent dark circles, not only will give you a healthier appearance, but can eliminate health issues at the root of the problem.



The skin under the eyes is very thin and somewhat transparent, making the veins appear as dark circles when inflamed and irritated. Conditions such as colds, sinus infections, allergies that cause itchy eyes, can promote dark circles due to vascular inflammation caused by scratching and rubbing the skin. People with hay fever have very prominent dark circles at the height of allergy season. Food allergies have been found to make these circles even darker.

Medications that cause blood vessels to dilate will darken circles because of an increase in size and blood flow through the veins under the skin. Lack of sleep, pregnancy and menstruation can make the skin more pale, which can bolden the appearance of these dark circles. Nutrient deficiency, especially iron, or lack of balance in the diet can be a cause of the darkened appearance under the eyes. The aging process can make these circles more prominent because as we get older, collagen in skin decreases, resulting in thinner, more transparent skin.

It’s important to always wear healthy sunscreen protection when exposed to the sun to avoid skin damage and skin weakening. Vitamin K has been useful in healing bruising and it is believed that when applied topically as a cream it helps diminish dark circles. Vitamin C strengthens bloods vessel walls making them less vulnerable to inflammation.

Foods such as black currants, onions, parsley, cranberries, bilberries, blueberries, legumes and green and black tea contain antioxidants that also may help strengthen blood vessels.

An unhealthy diet has been found to promote sleeplessness which causes pale skin. Foods that are processed, contain large amounts of sugar, hydrogenated oils, caffeine and alcohol should be eliminated from the diet. A diet rich in organic, raw fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers is important because they are an excellent source of essential cleansing nutrients like vitamin A (promotes healthy eyes), B Complex (promotes sound sleep when taken before evening) and vitamin c( strengthens blood vessels).

Cool cucumbers moisturize skin,tighten pores and reduce puffiness. They should be placed on closed eyes for about 15 minutes. Several herbs are effective in treating dark circles. Eyebright is used to strengthen the connective tissue around the eye. Golden seal is a great anti-inflammatory. Gotu kola(Cetella) reduces puffiness and promotes collagen growth. Witch hazel applied topically with a cotton ball reduces bruising and inflammation under the eyes. Aesin is an algae that improves elasticity of skin and stops the breakdown of collagen.

There are a number of causes for dark circles eyes. Targeting all areas by avoiding unhealthy foods, eating a healthy, balanced diet, insuring proper sun protection and rest will not only treat the problem but will help to eliminate any undetected health issues in the body.

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JPSO138 profile image

JPSO138  says:
4 months ago

Now I know the reasons why. Great hub again.

Jen's Solitude profile image

Jen's Solitude  says:
4 months ago

Hi Steve, As always a very informative hub. Am I correct in assuming blood pressure medication is the type that would dilate blood vessels in the eyes?

I have noticed very dark circles appear when MS fatigue hits me as well, but I suppose that can't be counteracted except by what I usually do, which is to get extra rest.

Thanks for the info.

stevemark122000 profile image

stevemark122000  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for your comment JPS0138 and for stopping by.

Thanks for your comment Jen!

Yes, blood pressure medications could have that effect.

Alexander Mark profile image

Alexander Mark  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for a timely hub. I have been suffering from this for several years now - due in part to a bad diet, lack of sleep, (back pain and overweight), and can't get rid of them. What is vitamin K and how can I get it naturally?

stevemark122000 profile image

stevemark122000  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for your comment Alexander!

Foods that are high in vitamin K include Leafy green vegetables such as kale, collards, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, beet greens, spinach, broccoli, green onions, asparagus and sauerkraut and parsley.

metaphysician profile image

metaphysician  says:
4 months ago

First, I have discovered the reason why and second, found the remedies for it. I have black eyes too due to sleeping problem.

Jennifer Bhala profile image

Jennifer Bhala  says:
4 months ago

Just be cautious about sunscreen because the sun is actually cooking the ingredients of it into your skin. What affect is that having? Maybe skin cancers come from using too much sunscreen?

stevemark122000 profile image

stevemark122000  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for your comment Jennifer!

You have a good point. This is true with several leading brand sunscreen. There are sunscreen that are healthy for your skin

http://hubpages.com/hub/Screening-Sunscreens

jill of alltrades profile image

jill of alltrades  says:
4 months ago

Another great hub Steve! I've used cucumber slices before. Just like tea, they are good for soothing tired eyes too.

You are right, a balanced diet is the key to healthy looking skin.

ethel smith profile image

ethel smith  says:
4 months ago

Cucumber slices also make you feel chilled as you have to sit and relax when they are applied.

kiran8 profile image

kiran8  says:
4 months ago

Very informative, something that most ladies would want to know...thanks a lot:)

Nanny J.O.A.T. profile image

Nanny J.O.A.T.  says:
4 months ago

Having had circles ever since I was a child - the lack of sleep and allergies are the #1 reasons I get dark circles. They never really do go away - they just fade to a lighter color. Sometimes - no matter what -you're gonna have them.

Nancy's Niche profile image

Nancy's Niche  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for the information and a thumbs up for helping resolve a problem many of us have...

wiffdog profile image

wiffdog  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for that . . . I will try the Vitamin K

ocbill profile image

ocbill  says:
4 months ago

great stuff for our society that is becoming more sleep deprived.

Hilly Chism profile image

Hilly Chism  says:
4 months ago

Thanks for the tips, I hope they work otherwise I'm going to have to adopt a healthy lifestyle :)

Iðunn profile image

Iðunn  says:
4 months ago

I found this one really useful and in fact, I had just bought some vitamin e tabs about the time this Hub came out. I do have this problem. I'm going to try the cucumber thing. Great tips.

fortunerep profile image

fortunerep  says:
4 months ago

You have some of the greatest hubs on skin care. I love them, great one!

dori

Balinese profile image

Balinese  says:
4 months ago

Great stuff thanks for the info - i really need it .

Cheers

Balinese

Jenny30 profile image

Jenny30  says:
4 months ago

I am a skin therapist and so I treat many skin conditions. I also do many eye treatments! I have to say, you def. did your homework! Great hub!

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