When it comes to things we'd like to change about our skin, dark under-eye circles are in a class by themselves, and as more men step up their routines to tackle the more technical aspects of skin care, they realise that said circles are more difficult to treat than, say, dryness or acne.
Some men may believe that dark circles under their eyes make them appear older, less youthful and energetic, or as if they need more sleep.
Many men are unwilling to wear makeup to conceal dark circles. So, what alternatives do men seek to eliminate dark circles under their eyes?
So In this article, we will discuss just that. here‘s how you can treat dark circles in men -
How Men Can Treat Dark Circles Under Their Eyes
There are several things you can try to get rid of your dark circles without the use of makeup:
1. Get More Sleep
A lack of sleep will not usually cause under-eye dark circles, but it may make you pale, making any dark circles or shadows more visible.
2. Change Your Diet
Consume collagen-supporting foods in addition to drinking plenty of water. According to a 2014 study, hyaluronic acid will aid in collagen production.
Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids that can increase collagen and hyaluronic acid include:
- oranges
- broccoli
- strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
- kiwis
- Cauliflower
3. Treat Your Allergies
Allergies such as hay fever can cause puffiness and swelling of the skin around your eyes. The skin may darken as a result of this. Antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine may be prescribed by your doctor.
4. Stop Smoking
Tobacco smoke harms your face's skin. It has the ability to degrade collagen, among other things.
5. Add an Extra Pillow
When you lie flat, fluid can collect in your lower eyelids, making your eyes puffy. Consider using an extra pillow or two to elevate your head.
6. Calm Your Eczema
Eczema can cause skin thinning. Discuss with your doctor what causes your eczema — household cleaners, fragrances, wool — and whether you require prescription topical medications such as:
- corticosteroids
- PDE4 inhibitors
- calcineurin inhibitors
7. Get More Exercise
Exercising more frequently and for a longer period will increase circulation and benefit your complexion.
8. Stop Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your eyelids as well as the skin beneath your eyes. Broken blood vessels can appear as dark circles.
9. Wear Sunscreen
UVA rays can penetrate deep into your skin and damage the elastin and collagen that keep your skin looking young.
Home Remedies for Treating Dark Circles
1. Shrink Your Blood Vessels
Apply a cold compress to your eyes for about 20 minutes. The cold may help to reduce puffiness and shrink blood vessels. This can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as moisturising and anti-ageing properties. Consider massaging aloe vera gel under your eyes before going to bed and leaving it on for about 10 minutes before cleaning with a clean cloth or cotton pad. Natural healers argue that this may help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil's moisturising properties promote skin health. Natural healers recommend massaging a few drops of virgin coconut oil under your eyes before going to bed and leaving it there overnight to treat dark circles.
4. Tomato Juice
A 2012 study found that the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes is beneficial to the skin.
Natural healers recommend combining equal parts tomato juice and lemon juice and applying this mixture under your eyes for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. For two to three weeks, apply the mixture twice a day.
Are Dark Circles Actually Different for Men?
While the causes of dark under-eye circles are nearly identical in men and women, their appearance in men can be influenced by a number of factors, including:
1. Skin
Men's skin is generally 25% thicker than women's and has a higher collagen and elastin density. Therefore, eye circles may be less noticeable. Men are also less likely to have bluish discolouration as a cause because their skin is thicker. Dark circles can be caused by skin discolouration caused by conditions such as melasma, but men are less likely to be affected by these types of dark circles.
2. Bone Structure
Because men and women have different bone structures, the appearance and treatments may differ slightly. However, your bone structure can have two effects on dark circles: Dark circles are usually reduced if you have a strong bone structure that keeps your eye area taut and smooth. However, some people may have deep inset bone structures that make shadows under their eyes more prominent, implying that treatment may need to go a little deeper.
3. Allergies
If you've ever had allergies, you're probably familiar with the drawn, tired look they can give your entire face, and the resulting under-eye circles caused by allergies causing blood vessels around the eyes to dilate are just the icing on the cake. However, men also have an advantage here because allergies are more common in women, which means women may be more prone to allergic shiners.
Takeaway
Unless the dark circles under your eyes are hereditary or the result of advanced age, you have a number of different options to reduce — or even get rid of — their appearance.
If you're still concerned, or if home remedies haven't worked, consult your doctor about medical treatments for pigmentation reduction.
References
Amar Surjushe, 2008; Aloe vera: A short review - https://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2008;volume=53;issue=4;spage=163;epage=166;aulast=Surjushe
Silke K. Schagen, 2012; Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/derm.22876
Dark circles under eyes - https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/definition/sym-20050624
Chinatsu Kawada, 2014; Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin - https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-13-70
