What are dark circles and how to combat them?

Why do dark circles appear?

Dark circles can surface for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:

Heredity (Genetics): If dark circles run in your family, you are more likely to develop them.
Aging: As we age, our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner, making blood vessels more noticeable, resulting in dark circles.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor nutrition can contribute to the development of dark circles.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and darkening of the skin under the eyes.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation around the eyes.

Types of dark circles

Dark circles come in various forms, including:

Hyperpigmentation: Dark circles caused by increased melanin production in the skin under the eyes.
Anatomical Causes: These dark circles are the result of anatomical features such as shadows and visible blood vessels.

How to eliminate dark circles

Eliminating dark circles involves addressing the root causes and adopting effective skincare routines. Some strategies include:

Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night can significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent melanin production.
Allergy Management: If allergies contribute to your dark circles, work on managing and treating your allergies.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from appearing dull and dehydrated.
Elevate Your Head: Elevating your head while sleeping can reduce the pooling of blood under your eyes and minimize puffiness.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the under-eye area can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Caffeine and Vitamin K Products: Use skincare products specifically formulated to combat dark circles, containing ingredients like caffeine or vitamin K.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can effectively combat dark circles and improve the overall appearance of your under-eye area.

Steps to follow to prevent dark circles from worsening

Preventing dark circles from worsening involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good skincare practices. Here are some steps to follow:

Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to allow your skin to regenerate.
Use high-quality sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful effects.
If you have allergies, seek treatment and minimize allergen exposure.
Stay well-hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily.
Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent fluid accumulation.
Apply a cold compress when needed to reduce puffiness.

A good option for these patches is those containing matcha tea, as it is a powerful antioxidant and an ally in promoting decongestion in the area. Below, we provide you with a recipe so you can make them yourself at home.

Ingredients:

30 ml of coconut oil or almond oil (or your preferred oil)
1 g of Premium Matcha de Matcha & CO
Cotton pads
Empty, transparent container

Preparation:

Mix the matcha tea into your chosen oil until there are no lumps. For every 30 ml of oil, add 1 g of matcha tea.
Cut the cotton pads in half.
Place the mixture in a container and soak the cotton pads until they are thoroughly saturated.
Store in the refrigerator and apply to the lower eye area or the upper lip area as desired.

Always use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
Incorporate skincare products designed to combat dark circles, containing ingredients such as caffeine or vitamin K.

On the other hand, in addition to everything mentioned above, it is also advisable to use a supplement that helps us take care of ourselves from the inside. An ideal option is Skin Cure by Matcha & CO. It contains a unique blend of specific probiotics for skin health, as well as collagen, hyaluronic acid, matcha, and vitamin B2. This will help improve skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration.