Red eyes, under-eye bruises, under-eye bags – are they the result of poor sleep quality or a symptom of health problems?

Looking in the mirror, we often notice the presence of dark circles or bags under our eyes. Sometimes both deficiencies occur together. These physical signs can be an indication to us that something is wrong with our health, or they can potentially signify a disease, especially if they occur together with other symptoms. Nevertheless, in most cases, dark circles under the eyes are primarily attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle, fatigue and insufficient sleep.

The unsightly appearance of dark circles and bags under the eyes is an indisputable fact. These blemishes destroy the vibrant, healthy appearance of the face and give it an aged look, prompting those affected by this shortcoming to take extensive measures to eliminate them. In order to effectively address dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, it is first necessary to determine the root cause. In addition, it is advisable to evaluate your daily habits and prioritize getting a restful night’s sleep, as this often serves as a cornerstone for combating the problem of dark circles and bags under the eyes.

In a nutshell:

  • Both young and elderly people are prone to the occurrence of dark circles and bags under the eyes. This affliction consistently worsens the overall appearance of the face, regardless of age. The unfortunate result of under-eye bags is a tired and weary appearance, lacking the vitality and vigor we would like.
  • Lack of sleep, excessive stress, overwork, various allergies and certain diseases are among the more common of the causes of dark circles and bags under the eyes. In many cases, dark circles and bags under the eyes are also caused by frequent use of stimulants.
  • One of the most common causes of bags and dark circles under the eyes is insufficient sleep. Lack of sufficient rest hinders the body’s natural rejuvenation processes that occur at night, causing blood and lymph circulation in the eye area to be impaired.
  • To temporarily reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles, home remedies such as cold compresses can be used to help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels. However, in order to effectively solve this problem, it is recommended to identify and eliminate the root cause.

The presence of dark circles under the eyes – a symptom of fatigue or a health problem, and at the same time a beauty drawback

 The face of a woman with shadows under the eyes

Thesetting of the eyes plays a key role in determining the overall appearance of our face. Dark circles and bags under the eyes are definitely not desirable features, as they give the impression of exhaustion, illness, fatigue, weakness. On the other hand, a radiant and uniform complexion, free of discoloration and puffiness around the eyes, gives the impression of rest and visually emphasizes the youthfulness of the face.

Insufficient rest, excessive exertion and disruption of the body’s natural renewal processes are common factors that can lead to the presence of both dark circles and bags under the eyes. Nevertheless, it should be noted that fatigue is not the only factor contributing to these ailments.

Due to its delicate nature, the skin under the eyes is both thin and highly sensitive. As a result, it is extremely susceptible to many harmful factors, including external factors such as environmental pollution and internal factors such as lack of sleep.

With the passage of time, the skin around the eyes gradually becomes thinner and more fragile, which is attributed to the natural progression of diminishing collagen fibers and the loss of their initial density, cohesion and elasticity.

In addition, the skin around the eyes has a limited number of sebaceous glands, which can lead to water loss and insufficient hydration, making it vulnerable to external factors.

As a delicate, thin and sensitive part of the skin, the skin around the eyes tends to reveal any health disorders, as well asas well as fatigue, lack of sleep, excessive consumption of stimulants, frequent exposure to UV radiation and other harmful environmental influences.

The most common symptoms of dark circles under the eyes

Under-eye bruises, or otherwise, dark circles manifested by a change in the color of the skin under the eyes, mostly occur due to excessive dilation of blood vessels in the delicate and thin skin surrounding the eye. Dehydration, skin hypoxia or melanin accumulation under the lower eyelid can also contribute to dark circles.

Typical symptoms of dark circles under the eyes are:

  • A prominent discoloration extending diagonally under the lower eyelid and resembling a shadow is the primary characteristic of under-eye bruises. These spots can vary in hue, such as brown, purple, yellowish.
  • The skin around the eyes lacks radiance and vitality. The skin around the eyes can also have an uneven tone and be much duller than skin in other areas of the face.
  • Visually older skin under the eyes than in other areas of the face. More wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes than in other areas of the face. In addition, the skin may be puffy, hypersensitive.

Purple dark circles under the eyes

The most common form of dark circles under the eyes is characterized by shades of purple, red and pink. Such dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, although they usually result from insufficient sleep, restless sleep, disrupted sleep phases and inadequate sleep quality, as well as excessive workload, fatigue or excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, they can be attributed to insufficient blood flow in the eye area and a lack of oxygen in the skin.

Dark circles under the eyes with a yellow tint

There are many factors that can contribute to the appearance of yellow shadows under the eyes, such as: liver problems, inadequate diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and gastrointestinal ailments. It is also possible that yellow shadows under the eyes are influenced by genetic factors. People with fair complexions tend to show more noticeable yellow shadows.

Brown, gray or brown shadows under the eyes

In some people, under-eye discoloration takes on a dark brown or grayish color. These spots may manifest as diagonal stripes under the lower eyelid or circles surrounding the eyes. They are usually caused by overexposure to the sun, which stimulates increased melanin production in the skin. In addition, factors such as skin aging, poor diet, dehydration and allergies can contribute to the development of these spots.

Factors responsible for the appearance of dark circles under the eyes

The appearance of dark circles under the eyes can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as a poor lifestyle, which includes insufficient healthy sleep, exhaustion, inadequate nutrition and excessive use of stimulants.

The ailment is increasingly linked to excessive eye strain caused by prolonged staring at computer or phone screens. Moreover, the presence of dark circles under the eyes is often a consequence of health disorders.

Causes of under-eye bruises:

  • insufficient rest, sleep-related difficulties, superficial, sporadic and unsatisfactory sleep,
  • overwork,
  • constant fatigue,
  • stress,
  • decline in vitality,
  • skin aging (atrophy of the fatty lining around the eyes, weakening of the skinry, reduced resistance to negative factors for the skin, increased visibility of blood vessels and veins),
  • exhaustion,
  • excessive alcohol consumption,
  • cigarette smoking,
  • overexposure to blue light from any screens,
  • genetic factors (inherited dark circles under the eyes from parents),
  • inadequate eye care practices, such as lack of moisturization, excessive rubbing and use of low-quality cosmetics,
  • staying in smog,
  • poor diet, deficiencies of important nutrients (e.g. essential vitamins, minerals, proteins),
  • allergies,
  • certain medical conditions.

What diseases can cause dark circles under the eyes?

Some diseases can lead to dark circles under the eyes,. These include:

  • anemia,
  • thyroid diseases,
  • Among the various conditions that can occur, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease,
  • allergic conjunctivitis,
  • atopic dermatitis,
  • dermatomyositis (in this disease, the presence of dark circles under the eyes occurs due to the loss of collagen in the skin),
  • diseases of the spleen,
  • kidney diseases,
  • liver diseases,
  • diabetes.

In case of the presence of dark circles under the eyes and a concomitant deterioration of general health or the appearance of additional symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What are the effective methods of eliminating dark circles under the eyes?

The causes of dark circles under the eyes in different people can vary. The key is to identify the specific factors that contribute to this condition in order to effectively address and eliminate them.

However, regardless of the cause of dark circles under the eyes, the following tips are worth implementing:

  • Take care to improve the quality of your sleep. This can be a very helpful step, not only in terms of eliminating dark circles under the eyes, but also in improving your mood. Practicing good sleep hygiene, including establishing regular rest hours and sleeping 7-8 hours a night, can make a big difference.
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle (avoid stimulants, include regular physical activity in your schedule and maintain a balanced diet).
  • Ensure a daily dose of relaxation, and avoid overwork.
  • Consider including adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, small-leaf bacopa or gotu kola in your diet, as well as bedroom accessories such as a weighted quilt to improve sleep quality.
  • Regular walks outdoors can help oxygenate the body and improve overall well-being.
  • Consume plenty of vegetables, fruits and other nutrient-rich foods.
  • Use appropriate cosmetics, including skin lightening and skin tone evening preparations, as well as eye creams thatre reduce dark circles, improve the skin barrier and provide extra protection against harmful factors.
  • Use natural remedies, such as herbal eye compresses. If the right herbs are used for compresses, such as cornflower, calendula, green tea, arnica, they can be very helpful in leveling dark circles under the eyes.

Natural remedies and home recipes to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes

There are several effective home remedies that can eliminate dark circles under the eyes. Here are some of them:

Applying cold compresses

Applying cold compresses can provide relief for tired eyes and reduce dark circles and puffiness. Such compresses cause blood vessels to constrict, which results in a reduction in the appearance of bruises and the subsidence of puffiness. To make such a cold compress, we can use several options: applying ice cubes, applying chilled spoons, applying specialized gel eye packs.

Makeup tricks

To hide and reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, while brightening the skin, it is recommended to use a concealer in a slightly lighter shade than the natural skin tone. In addition, a subtle application of highlighter at the inner corners of the eyes can also have the desired effect.

Using tea packs

To increase the radiance of the skin around the eyes, you can use cold compresses of strong tea essence. First, brew the tea in a small amount of water and let it cool. Then soak a piece of gauze in the cooled tea and gently place it on the eye area. Leave the compress on for a few minutes for optimal results.

Gently apply pressure to the skin under the eyes

To improve blood and lymph circulation and thus reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, it’s a good idea to give the eye area a soothing massage. You will perform the massage by tapping the skin and making gentle, unhurried circular movements with your fingertips on the skin around the eyes for several minutes. Alternatively, you can use a special massager or face roller for this purpose.

Restful, rejuvenating sleep

A consistent and sufficient amount of good, deep sleep is an effective way to rejuvenate the body and relieve symptoms of exhaustion and tension, which ultimately leads to a reduction in dark circles under the eyes. It is recommended that nightly sleep should last 7-8 hours. If you encounter difficulties in maintaining proper sleep, consider incorporating herbal infusions of medicinal plants such as valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, angelica or other similar options into your evening routine.

Using cucumber compresses

Cucumber slices have both refreshing and firming properties, making them an effective remedy for reducing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. For optimal results, simply cool the cucumber slices for a short time, then gently place them on the closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Using herbal ointments and compresses

The use of herbal compresses containing ingredients such as chamomile, calendula and horse chestnut can be used to improve the health of blood vessels, improve the complexion around the eyes and reduce the appearance of bruises. In addition, the use of ointments containing extracts of witch hazel, ruscus, and skylight have proven to be very effective in eliminating dark circles under the eyes.

Symptoms and causes of bags and puffiness under the eyes

 woman having bags under the eyes

Mild swelling under the lower eyelid is commonly referred to as bags under the eyes. This swelling leads to the formation of a characteristic depression, giving the impression of a bag under the eye.

The problem of bags under the eyes is common and affects many people. These bags are usually caused by dysfunctions in blood and lymph circulation, as well as the accumulation of lymph in the eye regions. Factors such as lack of sleep or feeling tired can contribute to these abnormalities. In addition, the skin under the eyes has less blood flow compared to other areas of the face, making it more prone to puffiness.

Also, the aging process can contribute to the formation of bags under the eyes. Importantly, the layer of fat that surrounds the eye area is quite thin and gradually shrinks with age, causing the hollows under the eyes to become more noticeable.

What are the main symptoms of bags under the eyes?

The clear and main symptom of bags under the eyes is the presence of swelling under the lower eyelids. The skin in this particular area appears uneven, bulging and puffy, which contributes to a tired appearance of both the eyes and the entire face.

The skin surrounding the bags under the eyes may have a darker tint compared to the rest of the skin. The area surrounding the bags may experience sensitivity or itching.

Moreover, the skin in this area may have reduced firmness and elasticity. These factors contribute to the development of prominent wrinkles and other signs of aging around the eyes. The presence of bags under the eyes often coincides with the presence of under-eye bruises. Such bruises further accentuate their visibility.

The main factors contributing to the formation of bags under the eyes

The formation of bags under the eyes can be attributed to a number of factors, including both internal and external influences.

Let’s take a look at the main causes of their occurrence:

  • too little sleep or poor quality sleep (too shallow sleep or intermittent sleep),
  • physical overload of the body, experiencing extreme fatigue,
  • high and frequent stress,
  • hereditary factors,
  • consumption of large amounts of alcohol,
  • nutritional deficiencies, unhealthy diet,
  • excessive salt intake causing water retention and swelling of the body,
  • working long hours at a computer,
  • reduction in skin firmness and elasticity as the aging process progresses, reduction in fat around the eyes,
  • kidney disorders,
  • allergies,
  • thyroid diseases,
  • sinus diseases.

Effective ways to get rid of bothersome bags under the eyes

If the presence of bags under the eyes is not an inherited trait passed down from previous generations, there are methods to reduce their appearance.

Pay attention to the following suggestions:

  • sleep 7-8 hours each night,
  • limit contact with stressors,
  • avoid excessive physical exertion,
  • regularly moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes,
  • limit your intake of strong coffee,
  • perform massages and muscle exercises around the eyes.
  • follow a nutrient-rich diet with minimal salt intake,
  • keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water (about 2 liters per day),
  • use refreshing cold compresses under the eyes,
  • use herbal compresses made from medicinal plants with soothing and anti-edematous effects (herbs such as lime, sage, calendula, plantain, arnica, aloe vera, echinacea, chamomile will work well here).

If you have any concerns that dark circles under your eyes may indicate kidney or thyroid problems or any other health-related issues, it would be wise to seek medical advice. Additionally, it would be beneficial to adopt a healthier lifestyle.