Most of us, at least once in a lifetime, seem to be affected by under eye dark circles, which make the face look more miserable than ever. Under eye dark circles can result from many conditions like stress, poor nutrition, excessive sun exposure, lack of sleep, etc. However, did you ever hear of allergies causing under eye dark circles? Yes, they do.
There seems to be a scientific connection between allergies and dark circles. Experts opine that allergies can lead to dark circles because of a histamine reaction or due to frequent itching or rubbing of the eyes.
Dark eye bags or circles arising due to allergies and/or allergy factors are commonly referred to as “allergy shiners“ by some critics, who do not believe that dark circles can result from any kind of allergies.
Though there are numerous allergies that can ultimately result in under eye circles, allergies most commonly related to dark circles are — nasal passage difficulties, and/or sinus problems that usually occur in case of dust allergies, pet allergies and food allergies to mention a few kinds of allergies that can cause congestion of nasal passages and teary eyes.
Experts opine that sinus problems can get so uncomfortable and itchy that they can cause the region around your nose and eyes to be bruised. Constant itching and rubbing can lead to darkening of the skin around the teary red eyes.
Connection between Dairy Foods, Allergies and Dark Circles
Dairy foods are one of the most common causes of allergies in people. Further evidence also shows that removing dairy foods from one’s diet can lead to skin lightening around the eyes.
Experts suggest that you could probably go on a completely dairy-free diet for about 30 days to check whether there is any improvement and/or lightening of the skin under and around your eyes.
Treatment for Under Eye Dark Circles
When under eye dark circles result from allergies, the following remedies can be of use:
- Consult a doctor for medications and/or ways to tackle the itching bouts around the eyes and nose
- Makeup and/or cleaning techniques that can somewhat hide the dark circles under and around the eyes
- Be gentle and avoid rubbing your eyes and nose too vigorously
Dietary efforts that can help alleviate the dark circles around your eyes include — drinking plenty of water, vitamin B, vitamin C and grape seed oil. Some other home remedies that can help lighten the dark circles around the eyes are — cold compressors for the eyes, applying raw potato and/or cucumber slices over the eyelids for about 15-20 minutes, lemon and tomato juice or lemon and cucumber juice mixed and applied over the eyes for 10-15 minutes, are among some remedies that can be prepared at home.
Tea Bags are a Remedy for Dark Circles
Tea bags contain caffeine that diminishes puffiness and reduces dark circles under the eyes. The caffeine also reduces water contained in the tissues surrounding the eyes. For this reason, many eye circle creams include caffeine among the ingredients. Additionally, tea also hosts antioxidants, which are good for the skin.
Take a squeezed out, used tea bag. Ensure it is cool to touch. Put it on your eyes for a few minutes. This will reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Ensure the tea does not get into your eyes. Chamomile tea is exceptionally useful as chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Other herbal tea bags are not as useful.
