Rather unsightly, dark circles and bags under the eyes mark the lower eyelid, where the skin is extremely fine and delicate. As they weigh down the eyes, we try by all means to attenuate them.
Indeed, the contour of the eye is a sensitive zone, very often solicited (blinks, frowning) which more easily shows the signs of age and fatigue in particular.
But dark circles, just like bags, not only have various origins, but they can also be aggravated by certain factors, many of which can be fought against.
But what are the causes of their appearance and why is it more visible in some people? Is it possible to get rid of them permanently?
If you want to get rid of them, get to know them better to fight them better!
Dark circles or bags under the eyes: what are the differences?
Dark Circles
We talk about dark circles when marks appear on the lower eyelid. These are colored: gray/blue or brown/yellowish and are a sign of disturbed lymphatic tissue circulation.
They can be distinguished as follows:
Brownish dark circles or "pigment dark circles" are due to poorly drained pigments that accumulate in the vessels due to slowed microcirculation.
Since the epidermis is 4 times thinner on the eyelids, the accumulation of melanin pigments is then more visible.
Bluish circles or "vascular dark circles" underline a problem of venous stasis with less efficient local micro-circulation.
Dark circles are caused by aging, which leads to the disappearance of fat located between the orbital bone and the eyeball. With age, the already very thin epidermis on the eyelid becomes thinner and deeper.
Dark circles are often hereditary. They become more pronounced with fatigue, age, and poor hygiene.
But other causes can also accentuate dark circles:
hormonal changes: premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy or menopause,
biliary or hepatic disorders,
a bad digestion, a lazy intestine, constipation.
Bags Under Eyes
They are induced by swelling under the lower eyelids. Their appearance is most often associated with a phenomenon of tissue engorgement (water retention and/or fatty deposits), and poor blood and lymphatic circulation in the eye contour area.
2 types of bags can be distinguished:
puffiness due to water retention: swelling appears as a result of fluid retention under the eyes. The eyelid begins to swell because of poor drainage.
Fatty bags: in this case fatty deposits accumulate on the lower eyelid.
They are also hereditary and increase with age.
Like dark circles, bags under the eyes are aggravated by lack of sleep or bad lifestyle habits.
Dark circles and puffiness: 4 common causes
Heredity
The hereditary factor plays an important role here: all types of dark circles are concerned as well as bags.
For example, dark circles are often more present in people with a family predisposition to produce melanin around the eyes.
Similarly, dark circles also depend on the bone structure of your face, directly inherited from your parents.
Healthy living
Tobacco, alcohol, food too rich in fat or salt, lack of sleep... accentuate blood and lymphatic circulation problems.
Alcohol and tobacco weaken the epidermis and disturb the circulation of fluids. This creates oedemas under the skin and promotes water retention under the eyes.
Over time, foods that are too rich in fat can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits and contribute to the appearance of puffiness.
A salty diet will increase the body's water retention and can lead to a build-up of water under the eye.
Fatigue, stress, anxiety are also important factors. Especially stress and anxiety, which in the long-term release cortisol and cause water retention, which will be visible under the eyes.
When fatigue or lack of sleep is felt, the skin on the face turns pale. The epidermis on the eyelids is so thin that the capillary and blood network is even more visible, accentuating dark circles and facial features.
Age
It is undeniable, the occurrence of dark circles or puffiness becomes more pronounced with age: the cause is the loss of elasticity of the skin.
Over the years the very delicate skin under the eye loses collagen creating skin slackening and slippage of adipose tissue.
At the same time, the circulation of the lymphatic system is slower, resulting in poor lymph drainage.
Small oedemas then appear under the eyes, responsible for bags or pigment deposits.
Blood and lymphatic circulation
Poor blood circulation and disturbance of the lymphatic tissue are the main reasons for bags or dark circles under the eyes.
Also, in addition to age, the lying position (during sleep) slows down the circulation of blood and lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic circulation has the role of draining the tissues and participates in the drainage of the body. If it does not function optimally, the elimination of white blood cells, residues, or pigments will not occur properly. This can lead to the appearance of dark circles or swelling under the thin skin of the eye.
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By Alissa
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