Dark under eye circles and what you can do about them

Clients often ask me "what is the solution to dark under eye circles?". My answer is always the same: 'if there was a simple solution I would surely not have mine'. If you met me in person you've also met my circles; there's no way to hide them, not even under makeup. My family, on my dad's side has been (by nature or by whatever else) marked. When we are tired, the dark circles are very pronounced but even when we are rested they are there. So what is the cause? What do dark circles tell us? And what can we do to alleviate this undesirable symptom? 

The skin around the eyelids (periorbital skin) is the thinnest skin in the body. 

Blood vessels under the eyes can become dilated and engorged (for many reasons), which contribute to dark circles.

As we age the skin thins even more and the thinner the skin the more noticeable the blood vessels underneath it and the darker the circles.

There are many causes of this symptom from allergies, adrenal fatigue, lack of proper sleep, dietary insufficiencies, sinus infections, dehydration...

Eastern medicine points to an imbalance in kidney energy.

The eastern art of face reading tells us that the darkness around the eyes suggests a sensitive nature, someone who feels deeply... usually more than those around them.

dark under eye circle remedy/ womandivine.ca

There are a few simple (but not always easy to apply) things you can do to help alleviate dark circles however do not expect miracles. Be wary of skin care products which promise the cure... promises, promises. I am yet to find one which actually delivers.

Since dark circles are a symptom of a systemic situation in your body, external applications can only slightly alleviate the darkness. True change will come from within. 

• Be sure to drink plenty of purified water.
• Get sufficient rest.
• Go easy on salt.

The best dark circle home remedies are: thin potato slices and black tea rich in tannins.         Apply thinly sliced potato or cotton soaked in black tea to your cleansed eyes and relax for 15 - 20 minutes. 

If you are serious about addressing this symptom, if your dark circles are pronounced, pay a visit to a Chinese or Ayurvedic doctor or visit your trusted naturopath. Chances are you will not figure it out on your own. 

It's hard to accept but most of our concerns in regards to the way we look need to be addressed from the inside. No shortcuts...sorry.

And please, if you ever find an instantaneous dark circle cure let me know :-)