“To make women look young. Then their outlook changes. They feel more joyous.” – Coco Chanel.

THE eyes are a big issue for most women. Most people do not want to be told they look tired, especially when they don’t feel tired but feel great. Most people think that lack of sleep causes dark circles, but there are several other causes.

Here are some of the things that can alleviate the dark circles that result from the varying causes.

FATIGUE OR ILLNESS

A good night’s rest and consistent sleep habits. Sleeping seven to eight hours a night is best, and not sleep that adds up to seven to eight hours.

Reducing stress, drinking a lot of water and the cessation of smoking go a long way. Exercise is always good for the circulation that it enhances everywhere.

ALLERGIES, CONGESTION, SINUS PROBLEMS

Allergy medication, nasal sprays, rinsing out sinuses, eucalyptus oils.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

This refers to too much melanin around the eyes. In most instances, this is genetic. Sunscreen can be used to prevent them from getting darker. Skin lighteners – vitamin C, Kojic acid, retinoids, will help them to improve.

The skin is very thin, so be careful not to be too aggressive. Boron Nitride is a naturally occurring mineral that reflects light away from the eye area, leaving dark circles and under-eye bags immediately brighter. Niacinamide, Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract, and Silanetriol as a combination of ingredients reduce eye puffiness, dark circles and under-eye bags while providing antioxidant protection.

THIN SKIN

Retinoids can thicken skin. Retinoids for anyone above the age of 40 is a must. Drinking water again is a must for this. Products with elastin and collagen help and IPL and other lasers close blood vessels which may be seen through the skin, especially when fair, or when a lot of weight is shed quickly. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract (Orange Stem Cell Extract – strengthens skin structure to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin; it organises and firms the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

ANAEMIA

Many women will realise that when they are menstruating their circles will become worse. Iron intake needs to be optimal with supplements, red meats, broccoli, or liver.

BRUISING

Do not rub eyes. Be gentle when removing contacts or removing make-up. Put on eye cream with ring fingers.

Common home remedies which can be used to alleviate all of the above:

* Cold cucumber slices

* Tea Bags

* Cold spoons

* Potato slices

Dr Simone Van-Horne is a consultant in Internal Medicine. Currently she is a hospitalist where she does inpatient-hospital medicine in Florida, and sees patients in a medical spa setting at Metamorphosis Medispa Wellness Center Inc in Hollywood, Florida, and at The Face Place JA at 3 Carvalho Rd, Kingston, and The Skin Bar, #16 Freeport Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. Contact info@spamorph.com and www.spamorph.com for questions.