Do you look in the mirror every day and dread what you’re seeing? Dark shadows underneath your eyes that make you look like a vampire?
This phenomenon is known as panda eyes or undereye dark circles. They can be unsightly, embarrassing and even downright depressing.
Especially if you have an important event coming up where there’s sure to be lots of photo-taking or public appearances.
Whether you’ve been struggling with them for years or just recently, there’s still hope. But before we get to the cosmetic solutions on how to deal with panda eyes, it’s important to understand what causes them.
Causes of Dark Circles
Before we delve into the remedies, it is important to understand the causes of undereye dark circles.
Lack of sleep is a common culprit. Not getting enough shuteye can cause a condition where the blood vessels under the eyes becoming more visible. While not serious, it is a good indicator that your body isn’t getting enough rest.
Another cause of dark circles is frequently rubbing your eyes. Whether from allergies or bad habit, rubbing your eyes too aggressively can damage delicate blood vessels and causing inflammation.
For those sun-lovers, beware. Sun exposure can also darken the skin under the eyes. This is why sunscreen should also be applied even to the undereye area not just the cheeks and forehead.
But that’s not all, certain medical conditions such as anaemia, can result in pale skin and accentuate dark circles. Genetics and allergies can also make some individuals more prone to developing ‘panda eyes’.
Lastly, as we age, the skin naturally becomes thinner, making blood vessels and underlying structures more visible, leading to the appearance of dark circles.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to minimise the appearance of undereye dark circles. Here are some simple yet impactful remedies to consider.
How to Lessen the Appearance of Dark Circles
Stop Rubbing your Eyes
Breaking the habit of rubbing your eyes is crucial. Constant rubbing can lead to irritation, inflammation, and increased visibility of blood vessels, exacerbating the appearance of dark circles.
This can be difficult for some so it’s definitely a habit that you may need time to break.
Instead of rubbing, try using a cold compress or applying gentle pressure with clean fingers to alleviate any discomfort or itchiness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great ingredient for brightening the skin. This also means it helps with things like pigmentation. Which is essentially what dark circles are.
Topical vitamin C products are great for helping brighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, making the undereye area look more rejuvenated and less pigmented.
Look for serums or creams specifically formulated for the delicate undereye area.
Caffeine
A popular ingredient for dealing with ‘panda eyes’, caffeine owes this reputation to its vasoconstrictive properties.
Vasoconstriction here meaning that it can help constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness. This is perfect for those dark circles that are not caused by hyperpigmentation.
One popular trick is placing cool tea bags (green tea or chamomile) over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, consider using eye creams or serums containing caffeine to achieve a similar effect.
Get more Sleep
You can try a thousand different eye creams but if you don’t fix your sleep, the circles will keep coming back. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining healthy-looking skin in general. And not just for preventing ‘panda eyes’.
Those who don’t get enough sleep will usually find themselves suffering from dull, dry skin, acne and even more obvious signs of aging.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to help minimise the appearance of dark circles caused by sleep deprivation.
Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a sleep-friendly environment can significantly improve the quality and duration of your sleep.
Take some Iron
Sometimes the problem isn’t sleep or sun exposure, but an underlying medical condition like anaemia.
If you suspect anaemia or have been diagnosed with it, consult with a healthcare professional about your iron levels. Iron deficiency can contribute to pale skin, making dark circles more prominent.
By incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet or taking iron supplements under medical supervision, you can help combat this issue.
Desperate Measures
In more severe cases, where dark circles persist despite lifestyle changes and home remedies, you may consider professional treatments.
Chemical peels can help rejuvenate the skin and reduce pigmentation, while laser resurfacing can promote collagen production and improve the overall texture.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be an option for some since it lessens the appearance of pigmentation.
In extreme cases, surgery may be an option to address underlying causes such as fat pad herniation.
Bust those Panda Eyes
Undereye dark circles can be distressing, but with the right approach, they can be significantly reduced or even eliminated.
You can accomplish this by avoiding eye rubbing, incorporating vitamin C and caffeine-based products, ensuring sufficient sleep, addressing potential anaemia, and considering professional treatments.
With time, patience and a little bit of pocket money, you can make those panda eyes disappear for good.
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