What causes sunken eyes?

As we age, we often get dark circles under our eyes. Sometimes this can happen to younger people too. We came across a well researched article that uncovers some of the causes.

A number of factors can contribute to this effect officially known as “tear trough hollows”

Age usually plays a factor. It’s more prevalent in older adults. As we get older, our body has less collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and a lack of it makes our eyes seem sunken. This is a tough one. It’s tough to get younger. However, exercise has also been linked to better skin tone and a healthier look. Start slow – go for a walk.

Nutrition & Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamin C, K and iron can cause sunken eyes. People that suffer from general malnutrition may have sunken eyes. Apparently, google tells us that eating foods such as watermelon, celery and cucumber can help. Essentially the flush out the excess water and this helps reduce the puffy and dark appearance under the eyes.

Leafy green vegetables can help too! Foods in this category would include broccoli, kale, spinach, sprouts, cabbage, various chards, beet greens, watercress and our favourite….romaine lettuce! See, this doesn’t have to taste bad. This could be fun.

Good Quality Sleep

We’ve all had sleep issues at one time or the other. At least we think so…well most people have!

• • OK….so what does it mean to get good quality sleep?
    • – sleeping for most of the time in bed
    • – taking no more than 30 minutes to fall asleep
    • – waking no more than once per night
    • – not being awake for more than 20 minutes during the night
    • – elevate your head if you find your eyes are swollen, fluids may be pooling under your eyes. Try some of our pillows for a great fit.

Lack of Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause so many problems, we honestly don’t know where to start or end! A good resource, is our section on this blog under “better sleep”.

Dehydration

A lack of water can be a contributor to sunken hollow eyes – especially in children. It’s very easy to become dehydrated as a child. Their little bodies are simply not as durable nor carry as much mass to absorb fluctuations in water levels. Sunken eyes can be an indicator that you should contact your physician about your child’s health if you have any concerns.

Weight Loss

Weight loss? Often we associate a loss of weight with being healthy…but it depends on where you are starting from and why you are losing weight. Dramatic and a sudden loss of weight can be an indicator of severe illness.

Alternately, if you were say – 20 lbs over weight, and lost that weight in a healthy manner over time, this can mean less fat on your face, and you guessed it – the appearance of sunken eyes. The blood vessels around your eyes also can appear more transparent with a loss of weight. Tradeoffs…tradeoffs.

Smoking

With the ole Covid-19, we’re guessing that smoking is even less popular now than it wasn’t before. Smoking is hard on your skin – we’re lacking a good medical term. It also makes your skin less elastic and degrades your collagen. Collagen is the protein that provides the material to keep your skin taught and not sagging.

If all these aren’t enough – we’d be remiss not to mention causes cancer…makes you smell and costs a lot of money. Think of the skin cream you could buy!

Sinus Infections

If you have ever had a sinus infection, you know how sore they can make your head. Your eyes can appear more sunken and darker. Check with your physician if there’s any doubt!

Trauma

If you’ve had an injury to your face or head, it goes without saying…this can cause dark circles under your eyes. Remember grade 7 when you got in a fight with the bully? One of you may have wound up with a black eye. At least this kind of dark circles under your eyes is temporary – but the emotional scar could last for years!

So now we know what causes sunken eyes…how about some fixes?

Some home remedies?

1. Stay hydrated! Limit things that dehydrate you – caffeinated beverages, alcohol. You know, all the fun stuff. 8 – 10 glasses of water a day will help!
2. Good quality sleep.
3. Almond oil. Not sure where you find this, but apparently it helps as it’s high in vitamin E.
4. Raw potatoes on the eyes. Yes you heard that right. Apparently it’s the vitamin C, enzymes and starch.
5. Tea bags. Let them cool after making your tea and place under your eyes for 10 minutes.
6. Cucumber slices. This is beginning to make me hungry. Cooling and reducing swelling.
7. Fish oil. Break open the capsule and place under your eyes. Be careful not to get in your eyes
8. Lemon oil. Often referred to as ‘nature’s bleach’ aids in dead skin removal and discoloration. Make sure you dilute, and be extra careful not to get IN your eyes.
9. Sun Protection! Sunscreen protects your collagen! You recall us mentioning collagen in this post?

If all else fails, you have the home remedies provide for ingredients to make a spartan meal.

Disclaimer: We didn’t come up with these ideas or concepts and have no idea if the home remedies actually work. Talk to your Doctor before any changes in your exercise, eating, health or sleep routine. Read the article in full here.