The dark blemishes surrounding the eyes are called dark circles. They are also known as eye circles, bags, or period eyes. They commonly appear due to sleeplessness and decrease in level of vitamin K. In some cases they are found to be inherited while in some other cases bruising causes them.

Almost all of us undergo distressing experience of having dark circles around our eyes sometime or the other in our lives. A dark circle can be more frustrating for those concerned for their look because it makes one appear older.

What are the causes?

Heredity

Dark circles under eyes in most people have been found to be hereditary similar to varicose veins.

Since the skin under the eyes is thinner than that in other portions of the face, any bluish tint becomes apparent with blood passing through the large veins just near the under eye skin surface. The circles look darker with the rise in the transparency of the skin. Such circles can be found to be an inherited trait in some people. The color under the eyes of the people, whose bone structure is a deep-set, becomes darker due to shadowing.

Allergies, asthma or eczema

Dark circles are sometimes associated with several other conditions like allergies, asthma or eczema. The itchy feeling caused by any such condition makes one rub or scratch the skin around the eyes contributing to dark circles. People suffering from hay fever (a seasonal rhinitis which is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen) will observe "smudges" under their eyes especially when allergy season reaches at its peak. The area under the eyes may also look darker due to allergies caused by certain foods.

Medications

The dilation of the blood vessels with the use of certain medications may turn the color of the skin under the eyes darker. Because of the thinness and delicacy of the skin under the eyes, any increase in blood flow through it becomes quite apparent.

Anemia

The insufficient nutritional contents in the diet or dietary imbalance may result in discoloration of under-eye areas. Dark circles are also believed to be caused due to insufficiency in mineral iron content. The condition of anemia that is caused due to iron deficiency signals inadequate flow of oxygen into the body tissues.

The iron deficiency at the time of pregnancy or menstruation too turns the skin pale, making the underlying veins under the eyes to become quite noticeable.

Fatigue

Sleeplessness or weariness may turn the skin under eyes pale allowing the blood underneath the skin to become noticeable and look darker.

Some experts, who are specialized in skin care, are of the view that fatigue is no way related to dark circles. In fact it is associated with dark circles because the gravity at the time of sleeping or lying down on bed, causes accumulation of the fluid in lower eyelid.

Age

Dark circles become more apparent and unending after reaching a certain age. Dark circles become easily noticeable due to excess folds of the under-eye skin.

Medical conditions

Poor circulation of blood can be the factor behind appearance of dark circles under eyes. However, blood circulation can improve with cardio exercise, which in turn, cause dark circles to fade. Sometimes dehydration (depletion of water from the body) may cause dark circles to appear.

Natural home remedies for dark circles

Adequate water intake can be a good option to make dark circles fade. All your body impurities will come out if you drink at least ten glasses of water a day, which in turn will lighten the dark circles around your eyes.

Performing yoga can be useful in avoiding dark circles. A 5-minute of regular pranayam can be sufficient for you to overcome dark circles. This is one of the effective way to get rid of dark circles.

Before you go for a sleep, you must apply and massage cold cream on the area of dark circles for minimum 15 minutes. You can also use almond oil with honey for massaging the dark-circled area. Massage helps make the dark-circled area become lighter and brighter. Almond oil is believed to be a good food for the skin. You can get the desired effect by massaging with almond oil every day for at two weeks.

Prepare a paste by mixing turmeric powder into pineapple juice and then apply it to dark circles.

Place cotton balls, soaked in a rose water or chilled water, on the dark circles for at least 10 minutes. You can also use a chilled spoon to cover the dark circle.

Use moisturizers containing avocado oil, sesame, vitamin K, Vitamin E and other natural ingredients for application to the dark area. This is one of the best home remedies for dark circles.

Pour almond powder onto milk and make a paste for application under the eyes.

Bring a fresh fig and cut it into two equal slices. Now, cover the dark areas with these slices for at least half an hour before rinsing the dark areas with warm water. Later use peanut oil for application.

Close your eyes and then cover them with thin pieces of raw cucumber for at least 20 minutes. A thin slice of potato can also be used over the closed eyes.

Eat food comprising rich vitamins and iron. You diet must include fresh fruits and vegetables. This is one of the best home remedies for dark circles.

Wear sunglasses while going out under the sun to avoid direct exposure. Your eyes will remain safe with sunglasses from the harmful rays of sun.