What are Under Eye Dark Circles?

Under eye dark circles are those black looking semi circles that appear below your eyes. They also can appear to be puffy.

Dark circles under eyes usually aren't a sign of exhaustion or serious illness, though they can make you feel old, unhealthy and tired. What appear to be under-eye circles are sometimes shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging.

If you get plenty of sleep and still have dark circles under your eyes, that's not unusual.

Who is affected?

Many believe that dark circles under the eyes are simply a sign of being overtired or sick. However, these dark circles can also develop as a normal part of the aging process as our skin around the eye begins to thin.

Some people who consistently enjoy good night's rests can also consistently have under eye dark circles. This condition does not discriminate by gender. Men and women are equally susceptible to having dark circles appear under their eyes. Asian and African populations are more likely to suffer from pigmentary conditions that can lead to dark circles under the eyes.

What are some of the most common causes of under-eye circles?

Fatigue isn't the only reason for under-eye circles.

Allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema), heredity — dark under-eye circles can run in families, lifestyle factors, such as physical or emotional stress, smoking, or chronic alcohol use can take a toll on your appearance. Also nasal congestion can dilate and darken the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose.

Pigmentation irregularities and sun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Rubbing or scratching your eyes can also contribute.

Finally, thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen — common as you age — can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious.

Which natural ingredients are helpful for Under Eye Dark Circles?

Several natural ingredients have been shown to be beneficial for under eye dark circles:

  • Caffeine
  • Cucumber Extract
  • Witch Hazel
  • Niacinamide

All of these ingredients are found in Zax’s Dark Circle Eye Cream.

Prevention and Quick Fixes

Simple things you can do to help keep your eyes looking youthful.

  1. Don't smoke, and always apply a sunscreen around the eye area. Smoking and exposure to UV rays both weaken collagen and cause premature wrinkling and sagging.
  2. Apply a moisturizer to the eye area nightly.
  3. To calm puffy eyes and fade dark circles use natural ingredients including caffeine, niacinamide, cucumber and witch hazel.

    When to see your doctor?

    Dark circles under the eyes and eye bags are not usually associated with any serious underlying medical condition. However, sometimes they can come on as sign of kidney or thyroid issues.

    If you dark circles or bag under your eyes appear suddenly and they do not go away with rest or allergy or cold relief, it is best to pay a visit to your doctor.