Why do eyes get dark circles when staying up late?

Many people must greet the new day with unsightly dark circles under their eyes. Dark circles make your eyes lose their charm and reduce your confidence. So, what causes dark circles?

Causes of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes.

This area of skin is much thinner than other parts of the body, making it very susceptible to damage even from minor impacts.

Allergic Rhinitis: The skin around the nose and eyes becomes swollen, causing blood circulation to stagnate, leading to increasingly prominent dark circles. Sometimes, even eye creams are hard to improve the condition as they do not address pigmentation issues.
Damaged Blood Vessels Around the Eyes: The skin is only 1/10th the thickness of other skin areas, so actions like rubbing your eyes, removing makeup, crying, sneezing, or UV exposure can cause blood vessels to burst, resulting in dark circles.
Lifestyle Choices: This is the most common cause—modern living often leads to sleep deprivation, late nights, and restless sleep, causing the skin around the eyes to become puffy, resulting in dark circles by the next morning.
Improper Makeup Removal: Residue from cosmetics like eyeliner and mascara that accumulates over time can also create unattractive dark circles.
Aging: Time causes the skin around the eyes to age, sag, and become more prone to environmental factors like dust and UV rays, leading to the formation of dark circles.

Staying up late is a main cause of dark circles.

How to Remedy Dark Circles

Use ice packs around the eyes to help tighten skin cells and improve firmness. However, do not apply for too long as this can cause the blood vessels under the skin to burst.
Don’t forget to use eye drops (moisturizing type) to prevent dry, red, and allergic eyes. Regularly care for your eyes with fruit masks.
You can use thin slices of cucumber to place on your eyes every evening before bed.

To avoid tired eyes, pay attention to the following:

Avoid staying up late to prevent eye aging: According to Healthline, sleep helps restore your body after a long tiring day. It repairs damage in the body quickly. Getting enough deep sleep helps you recover physically very quickly. If you don’t sleep enough, your blood vessels don’t relax, leading to dilation and increased blood flow. Since the skin under your eyes is thinner, the dark color (due to increased blood flow) will be more noticeable in this area. In summary, lack of sleep causes dark circles. It can also lead to puffy eyes (the swelling under the eyes). According to the National Institutes of Health, study participants reported having more noticeable wrinkles and looking sadder compared to those who had good sleep.
Limit salt intake if you often stay up late. Salty foods are not good for the skin, making it prone to swelling and dullness. Have smaller dinners and avoid eating too much. Instead, include a light, easily digestible snack that is low in fat and rich in vitamin B, which is good for brain function.
Limit fast food such as instant noodles and pastries. Try to eat at least one hour before bedtime. Avoid coffee or any stimulants in the evening. Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your body, enhances brain function, and prevents dry eyes.
Additionally, you should supplement your diet with fruit juices high in vitamins C and B. Vitamin C prevents oxidation and is good for the skin and digestive system. Even when staying up late, ensure you get at least 4-5 hours of sleep per night. When sleeping, lie on your side to reduce pressure on your heart.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated to avoid facial swelling the next morning. Staying up late directly affects your skin’s appearance, especially on the face, making it prone to dullness and aging. Regularly massage your skin gently to improve blood circulation under the skin, preventing a pale and dull appearance upon waking.
Don’t forget to apply moisturizer before bed. This ensures the restoration of moisture and elasticity to the skin. Limit the use of whitening creams on nights you stay up late. Fruit masks are a good choice. Your skin will feel refreshed, bright, and not puffy.
A shower can help you relax and combat fatigue. When showering, gently massage to remove dead skin cells and restore the softness of your skin. Showering after morning exercise is also very beneficial for health.