5 Reasons You Have Dark Under Eye Circles & How to Conceal Them

Did you know there are several explanations for those dark circles beneath your eyes other than just a lack of sleep? 

Having dark circles can make you look tired and sickly as they cause your eyes to look sunken. 

Here are the most common causes of dark circles beneath the eyes, what you can do to prevent them, and how to conceal using Oxygenetix Foundation.

SCREEN TIME

The work we do in this digital age has turned our eyes ever increasingly to the computer screen. Many people spend a large portion of their day straining their eyes on their computer, phone, or tablet.

Our eye muscles work hard as our eyes focus and re-focus on and off screens. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is defined as the pain and strain caused by overexposure to screens. According to WebMD: Research shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms (of CVS).

In addition to headaches, back pain, blurred vision, and eye irritation, the strain from screens can cause dark circles. Our muscles are made of tiny red blood cells, so when we strain them these cells move off track and pool around areas of stress. Since the skin of our eyelids is relatively thin, it is easy to see the red blood cells migration, appearing as a darker tint underneath the eyes. 

If you think your under eye circles are related to screen exposure, there are things you can do immediately. Start by changing your computer to eye friendly settings. 

Computer Setting Tips

The brightness of your screen should match your environment. It is best to not be directly in front of a window or light source but to the side. Floor lamps are great for lighting the room at night since your screen should be darker as a smooth transition for sleep.

Blue light from screens can cause various eye issues, therefore, warmer colors such as orange or red are encouraged. There are settings for warmth under your computer display settings. (For Microsoft Windows these settings can be found in the Control Panel. Apple Computers display settings are in System Preferences.)

There are also screen filter applications you can download to your computer to aid even more in your eye comfort efforts, such as f.lux for Mac OS or SunsetScreen for Windows.

Make sure to give your eyes many breaks throughout the day by looking away from your screen for at least 20 seconds at a time. 

 AGE

As we age our skin becomes thinner as collagen levels and elasticity decrease. The blood vessels beneath the skin become more apparent and dark circles may appear.

To test if age is causing your dark circles, gently stretch the skin under your eyes. If it appears darker, you most likely have collagen loss.

You can always improve the health and vitality of aged skin.

• Replenish from the inside. This includes drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3′s such as berries and fish. Lean proteins such as eggs are also known to promote collagen production. 
• Apply Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix daily. Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix contains  Hyaluronic Acid to bind moisture from the air, plumping and rejuvenating the skin. Ceravitae® promotes cellular turnover to heal the skin to create a more youthful appearance by encouraging collagen and elastin production. Additionally, the aloe vera in Hydro Matrix contains malic acid which is known to improve skin elasticity.

ALLERGIES

If you suffer from nasal congestion due to allergies your dark circles may be allergic shiners.

When the body is allergic to something the body releases histamine, creating blood flow and inflammation in the affected area so the immune system chemicals can do their job. The dilation of blood vessels causes congestion, an itchy throat, and irritated eyes. Nasal congestion swells the veins underneath the eyes creating a dark tint. This can also happen from nasal congestion due to the flu or a cold. 

Healthline lists types of common nasal allergies that can cause allergic shiners:

• an allergy to certain foods
• indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, or mold
• outdoor allergens, such as tree, grass, ragweed pollen, also known as seasonal allergies or hay fever
• cigarette smoke, pollution, perfumes, or other irritants that can make allergy symptoms worse

There are many things you can do for nasal congestion relief. Hot compresses and steam do wonders for loosening the build-up. Heat some water on the stove and gently inhale the steam from a distance. For more severe cases there are many antihistamines available for allergies. 

To keep your allergies at bay keep your environment clean of dust, mold, and pollen. Close doors during months you have allergies, using the A/C if needed. Keep the air in your home fresh with a humidifier or air purifier.

Try to resist rubbing those itchy eyes as it only makes allergic shiners worse. 

GENETICS

Genetics play a large role in the likelihood of having dark circles beneath our eyes. Those with darker complexions more commonly have darker pigmentation under the eyes. Those with thin eyelid skin show blood vessels underneath more easily. Some even inherit eye sagging that can cause shadows to cast underneath the eyes, creating the appearance of dark circles.

Although there is no way to prevent hereditary dark circles under the eyes, there are things we can do to lighten their appearance. 

Injectables

You can get injectables to fill in the hollow eye and promote collagen production. Oxygenetix Global Medical Advisory Board member Dr. Rivkin from Los Angeles, CA, practices a noninvasive Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty for under eye circles. 

Dr. Rivkin “uses an injectable filler to even out the plane beneath the eye, filling in the depression between the cheek and the eyelid. This eliminates the shadow, which creates the darkness and improves the appearance of protruding lower lids. Dr. Rivkin uses Restylane, Belotero or Juvederm for this non-surgical blepharoplasty procedure.”

The injectables promote collagen production, showing results long after the procedure. 

Chemical Peel

Get a chemical peel to reduce pigmentation. Oxygenetix Global Medical Advisory Board member, Dr. Rabia Malik, offers an Eye Revive Treatment at her practice in London. The Eye Revive Treatment addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.

This treatment incorporates the use of a Superficial alpha hydroxy acid peel, and is safe and effective for use around the delicate eye area. Initial application of the peel solution is followed by application of a customized serum containing a mixture of antioxidants and peptides to address your individual skin concerns.  

Heather Brannon, MD tells Very Well Health that Alpha Hydroxy Acids work as an exfoliant explaining, 

“They cause the cells of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin. Alpha hydroxy acids may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin."

SUN OVEREXPOSURE

When we don’t protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays, our skin ages faster. Premature wrinkling, sagging skin, and discolorations are all signs of sun overexposure. Sun damaged skin underneath the eyes can appear darker as the skin loses elasticity. Blood vessels shown through frail skin creates a dark tint. However, dark circles due to sun overexposure are easy to prevent.

Here are some easy tips to protect your eyes from sun rays:

• Wear an SPF on your face every day. Most sunscreens are filled with harmful toxins that permeate the bloodstream. Use a breathable, physical SPF that is non-comedogenic. 
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Regardless of how sunny or cloudy it seems outside, UV rays can do damage to our eyes any time of day.
• Wear a brimmed hat. A hat will protect you from UV rays that may hit the eyes above your sunglasses. Hats offer an extra level of protection for your face and eyes. 
• Treat sunburns and overexposed skin immediately. When your skin feels tight or sensitive after a little too much sun exposure, be sure to soothe it immediately so the skin stops burning. 

HEAL & CONCEAL WITH OXYGENATING FOUNDATION

Conceal your dark circles with Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation. This hypoallergenic and breathable formula is safe for all skin types and safe around the delicate eye area. The gentle pigments camouflage any redness or dark skin easily with buildable layers.

After applying Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix to the eye area to prime the skin, use your clean ring finger or a small brush to apply Oxygenating Foundation. Use a light tapping motion and blend onto your cheekbones for best results. You can achieve the desired coverage by reapplying every 30-60 seconds until you are satisfied.