Some Reasons Why Dark Circles & Puffiness May Be Happening to you.

When people look in the mirror and see dark circles and under eye bags, most want to find out what is causing them to form. The medical terms for this conditions is periorbital dark circles and periorbital puffiness.

Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Genetics and heredity can predispose people to dark circles and under eye puffiness.
2. As we age the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic due to a slow down in collagen protein production.
3. Interrupted sleep cycles are another common reason for dark circles and bags.
4. Stress or anxiety often leads to sleeplessness and under eye issues.
5. Some kidney and thyroid diseases may also contribute to dark circles and puffiness.
6. Pregnancy and menstrual cycles can cause the skin to get paler due to hormonal variations which will cause dark veins to show.
7. An unhealthy and malnourished diet will not provide the body with the vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients which are vital for healthy skin. Some types of medicines could dilate the blood vessels in the under eye tissue, which will cause the skin layers to appear darker. Exposing skin to the sun’s ultra violet rays can cause dark circles by producing melanin which darkens the skin.
8. Allergies to animals or food can cause the eyes to get itchy and irritated, which will intensify under eye issues . Hay fever type allergic reactions to pollen or dust and smoke particles in the atmosphere are specifically harmful and will cause swelling and discoloration in the sensitive skin near the eyes.

One of the first steps which can be taken to diminish dark circles and puffiness, is to make sure that you consistently have a full and refreshing nights sleep. Using a high protection factor sunscreen lotion and putting on good quality defensive sunglasses will also help protect the skin.

Ensure your diet includes plenty of fresh vegetables and protein. Drink a lot of water daily so that the skin is well hydrated. Beverages such as alcohol, coffee and caffeinated colas ought to be avoided. Taking a health supplement which contains vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients will help to diminish puffiness and dark circles. Placing a cold compress over the eye area will have an immediate but short-term effect of reducing the eye bags. A folk cure is to use chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes.