Those who are alarmed by their sudden appearance commonly seek remedies for tired eyes and dark eye circles. An old adage says that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but, far more frequently, they serve as windows to the body's overall health. Discolorations in the area are more unsightly than they are a real health concern, but they can be a signal that a change in one's lifestyle is in order. Therefore, knowing what causes dark circles and understanding how to remedy this condition is key to getting rid of the problem once and for all.
Are Dark Eye Circles Hereditary?
Unfortunately, some people are genetically predisposed to having red or dark eye circles. For these people, there is little that can be done naturally to reverse their appearance. A dark circle concealer and other cosmetics useful for treating tired eyes can, however, help to mask the discolorations. Still, some who believe that they have inherited dark circles may have actually inherited the lifestyle factors that commonly contribute to their onset and these individuals should know that a cure does exist.
Are Dark Eye Circles a Sign of Illness?
Some believe that discolored skin around the eyes is a sign of physical illness. This is usually only true when a person is in treatment for an underlying illness. When this is the case, dark eye circles can even be caused by certain medications used to treat a medical condition. For most people, however, shadows beneath the lids are not a sign of serious illness.
Improper Rest
It is also commonly believed that shadowy undertones are merely caused by a lack of good sleep. For people with busy lifestyles or who are experiencing stressful life circumstances, this is most likely the case. This is particularly true if the symptoms are not normally present and appear suddenly. In such instances, the cure for tired eyes is as simple as scheduling proper rest.
Sinus Issues
When dark eye circles are not easily remedied with proper rest, the next likely causes are sinus problems or dehydration. Sinus infections, pressure and congestion are usually accompanied with other symptoms such as a runny or a stuffy nose, pain in the sinus area or headaches. However, if these symptoms are not present and a person does not have a history of sinus issues, it is likely that dark eye circles are the result of dehydration, which is often also a sign of a poor diet.
Dehydration
An easy, natural cure for tired eyes resulting from dehydration is to, of course, drink more water. Further steps should be taken to keep the body hydrated on a daily basis though, which include consuming hydrating foods like fresh vegetables and fruits, and to eliminate foods that can contribute to dehydration, such as alcohol, foods containing caffeine, foods high in salt, and all sugary or processed foods. As previously mentioned, dark eye circles can be a sign of improper rest or of sinus issues and it should be noted that these same dietary adjustments may also help a person achieve better rest and can even strengthen the body against infections.
The Natural Aging Process
While the appearance of these unsightly discolorations can be reversed in most cases, dark eye circles can also be a part of the natural aging process. As humans mature, they experience changes in the skin's elasticity or might even experience decreases in weight, which can increase the appearance of shadows beneath the eyes. However, even if this is the case, the natural treatments noted above can also help slow the aging process and prevent dark eye circles from appearing more severe.
Expensive creams and treatments for dark eye circles are readily available. While some of these are effective in reducing the appearance of shadows, the only actual cure for tired eyes is to treat the conditions that are causing them to exist. Before spending time and money to alleviate the symptoms, anyone who is serious about keeping under eye shadows at bay is strongly advised to investigate their root cause and make necessary lifestyle changes to eliminate them for good.
Sources:
WebMD.com, Banish the Bags Under Your Eyes (accessed December 14, 2009).
About.com, Dark Circles Under Eyes (accessed December 14, 2009)
MayoClinic.com, Dark Circles Under Eyes (accessed December 14, 2009)
NYTimes.com, Putting 'You Look Tired' to Rest (accessed December 14, 2009)
Laura M. Sands - Writing has always been my easiest and most prized form of self-expression. I have a variety of different interests and am pleased with ...
