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Although wrinkles, fine lines or crow’s feet prematurely age the face, to have dark circles under the eyes can make your entire
face look tired, old and haggard.
The eyes are the main focus of the face and also the first thing that people look at when meeting you – this is a major part of the "mental picture" they immediately form about you.
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There are many contributing factors that can be the cause of dark circles under the eyes, and although genetics can play a part, this is not the main cause of this problem.
It is therefore a good idea to have a smooth young-looking skin surrounding the eyes – this helps to create a more youthful appearance.
The skin around your eye area is the thinnest and most fragile skin found on the entire body, and must always be treated with the utmost care. The periorbital skin is about 0.55 mm thick, while skin on the rest of the face is about 2 mm thick.
Dark under-eye circles are equally found in men and women. They usually occur in adults, although children can also have dark circles under their eyes.
Sometimes it is a sign of nothing more than just a plain lack of sleep and exhaustion. This is usually remedied by a good night’s rest.
Naturopathic and Chinese medicine (Yang deficiency) view this problem as an under-performing liver or kidney ailment and we have found that there may be validity in this diagnosis.
Some people find that if they boost their liver and kidney functions, the dark circles under the eyes become far less prominent.
Although we are not implying that this problem is due to any disease of the liver or kidneys, it will definitely not harm anyone to pay some attention to these two very important detoxifying organs of the body.
As we age the skin starts to thin. Since the skin around the eyes is very thin to start-off with, aging makes the problem even more noticeable.
In aging, the collagen in the skin becomes thinner and it is not as resilient - therefore it is a good idea to start fighting premature skin aging as soon as possible. If skin care has been lacking in the past, all isn’t lost.
If you use a good skin care product formulated for the eye area, great improvement will be noted. In most cases dark circles are caused by the lymphatic drainage being compromised (see info below) and when the skin thins, this problem becomes even more visible.
When you get older, an enzymatic reaction called "glycation" occurs. This causes a domino effect - oxidation of the cells, cross-linking (aging), and hardening of the elastic collagen and elastin fibers. This all contributes to the formation of eye bags.
The health of the blood vessels is of utmost importance in fighting dark circles under the eyes. Fragile blood vessels (capillary permeability) will cause fluid to leak into the surrounding area, causing puffy eyes.
When looking for a cream or gel to combat this problem ensure that it will multi-task. In other words – it must help improve lymphatic drainage, strengthen blood vessels, boost collagen production and look after elastin fibers.
If you are unlucky enough to have problems with allergies or sinus, and suffer from hay fever and nasal congestion, the chances are good that you will also suffer from dark circles under the eyes.
This is not only caused by environmental or airborne allergens but food allergies or even supplements and medication can cause this.
Irritated skin and tissue caused by an allergic reaction will most likely trigger itchiness. This usually results in people rubbing their eyes – and this in turn will worsen the problem.
In our experience we have found that allergens are a very common reason for dark circles under the eyes. Relieving the allergic response of the body will make the dark circles less prominent. For more info…
Our lifestyle affects the way you look. Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, or caffeine containing drinks, can also contribute to dark circles under the eyes.
Smoking cigarettes interfere with the proper transport of oxygen to the cells (see iron deficiency anemia below). In naturopathic medicine it is believed that smoking depletes vitamin C, which is critical to the manufacture of collagen and proper skin health.
Apart from damaging the lungs, smoking also directly affects the health of blood vessels, which can contribute to dark circles under the eyes.
Alcohol and caffeine should be limited as both these substances can have an impact on this problem.
If there is a shortage of iron in the body, oxygen cannot be properly transported by the blood. Hemoglobin is the oxygen transporting component in the blood, moving oxygen from the lungs to the cells where it is released for normal cell metabolism.
If you suffer from an iron deficiency anemia, the skin around your eyes can have a bluish tint. This is due to an oxygen shortage - should this shortage increase, the blue tint of the skin will become more prominent.
As soon as this shortage is corrected, the bluish tint of the skin will fade away. Please note - if an iron supplement is taken, it would be a good idea to take it with orange juice, as vitamin C assists with iron absorption.
When the skin cannot get rid of excess fluid in the tissues it will result in edema (oedema). This will cause puffiness and can also contribute to dark rings and circles under the eyes.
There are various factors that cause fluid retention. Impaired kidney or liver functions are a major cause (this underscores the naturopathic and Chinese "Yang deficiency" approach to this problem).
Apart from these serious medical conditions, there are also a host of other ailments that may contribute to this.
An excessive intake of salt – raw salt added to cooked food, salt added while cooking or sodium added in the manufacture of convenience foods – has a great effect on
fluid retention.
Excessive salt intake affects our health and can increase blood pressure.
Using certain medication – such as taking cortisone internally – can cause the tissue to retain fluid and become puffy. Cortisone also thins the skin and causes skin fragility.
Medication to reduce fluid retention (diuretic) is available, and can be prescribed by your medical practitioner. You may however want to look at having a more "natural" approach. Vitamin C acts as a diuretic (removes excess fluid) and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) as well as B6 (pyridoxine) can be of help.
Using medication to dilate blood vessels (open wider) can contribute to this problem. It will cause the blood vessels to be more prominent since the volume of blood will be more.
When blood vessel health is compromised this problem will be more visible and taking a vitamin C supplement can be helpful.
A cream or gel containing ingredients that support vascular health (for instance butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) or Centella asiatica) could also be of benefit.
If your skin is dehydrated any minor defect will be far more pronounced.
Following a good daily skin care regimen is a given. This will help with surface hydration - yet a youthful skin requires proper hydration of the body.
It is important to drink enough water every single day. This is not only for the benefit of your skin, but your general health. We are referring to water – not tea, coffee, fruit juices or soda.
Ensure that you drink enough clean unflavored, unsweetened, uncolored, and uncontaminated water.
Increased pigmentation of the periorbital area (Indian, Asian, Black and Mediterranean people)
A very common skin complaint is hyper-pigmentation of the periorbital area (periorbital melanosis). This complaint is often found in Indian, Asian, Black or Mediterranean skin.
Hyper-pigmentation is formed by an excessively high concentration of pigment (melanin) in the skin. This manifests as very definite demarcation rings around the eyes.
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These rings are referred to as Pigmentary Demarcation Lines (PDL) and are the bane of millions of people. They normally become more pronounced with age and are also referred to as Futcher's or Voight's lines.
Melanin production is normally stimulated by the rays of the sun, but studies show that PDL may be caused by other factors.
A huge amount of research has been done on the causes of these PDL markings and various explanations for this have been given. |
These are - post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH) from contact dermatitis, hyper-circulation, stress, hormonal changes and sun exposure etc.
A study found that there are several triggers – including pregnancy and acute illness while the most common trigger seems to be puberty.
Various medical treatments have been tried to lighten and remove these rings. These include treatments such as glycolic acid peels, cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, retinol, pure alpha hydroxy acid, topical vitamin C and liquorice extract.
Laser treatment, using a Q-switched ruby laser, was used in combination with topical tretinoin and hydroquinone application to lighten the skin around the eyes.
Our holding company, Sallamander Concepts (Pty) Ltd. has clinically tested a variety of "skin lightening" compounds and peptides on the market – including the above.
Various combinations and varying inclusion rates were used, yet no ingredient – natural or synthetic – could be found to fix this problem.
Considering all the above we maintain that our herbal Ageless Eye Gel is one of the best treatments to be found - although it does not lighten the skin it helps to firm the skin around the eyes and also reduce swelling.
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The herbs contained in our herbal Ageless Eye Gel boost the production of collagen while supporting the health and elasticity of the elastin fibers. It also helps to reduce excess fluid, improves lymphatic drainage and tones the blood vessels and capillaries.
The gel has a decongestive, calming and soothing effect on the skin while helping to fight allergies and has superb antioxidant properties.
The anti-inflammatory effect of the gel helps to fight skin irritation as well as aging, assists in remineralizing the skin while having a mildly astringent affect as well.
Ten natural herbal compounds are blended to offer you the very best eye treatment - unsurpassed by any eye cream or eye gel.
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REFERENCES and NOTES
- Mitsuishi T, et al. The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids., Cosmetic Dermatology. 2004;3(2):73-75.
- Freitag FM, et al. What causes dark circles under the eyes? Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2007;6(3)211-215.
- Watanabe S. Condition known as "dark rings under the eyes" in the Japanese population is a kind of dermal melanocytosis which can be successfully treated by Q-switched ruby laser. Dermatologic Surgery. 2006;32(6):785-789.
- Gendler EC. Treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2005;25(6):618-624.
- Cymbalista NC, et al. Treatment of idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia of the orbital region (ICHOR) with intense pulsed light. Dermatologic Surgery. 2006;32(6):773-784.
- Subrata M, et al. Periorbital melanosis is an extension of pigmentary line-F demarcation on face. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2007;73(5):323-325.
- Correale CE, et al. Atopic dermatitis: A review of diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 1999:60(4):1191-1209.
- Lou WW, Quintana AT, Geronemus RG, Grossman MC. Effects of topical vitamin K and retinol on laser-induced purpura on nonlesional skin. Dermatol Surg. (1999) 25 (12): 942-944.
- Shah NS, Lazarus MC, Bugdodel R, Hsia SL, He J, Duncan R, Baumann L. The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol. (2002) 47 (2): 241-244.
- Kaptchuk TJ. The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. Chicago: Contemporary (McGraw-Hill) 2000
- Lu, H. Chinese Natural Cures, New York: Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers, 1994.
- Sauberlich, HE. A history of scurvy and vitamin C. In Packer, L. and Fuchs, J, eds. Vitamin C in health and disease. New York: Marcel Decker Inc. 1997: pages 1-24.
- Stephen R, Utecht T. Scurvy identified in the emergency department: a case report. J Emerg Med. 2001;21(3):235-237.
- Weinstein M, Babyn P, Zlotkin S. An orange a day keeps the doctor away: scurvy in the year 2000. Pediatrics. 2001;108(3):E55.
- Vita JA, Keaney JF, Jr. Endothelial function: a barometer for cardiovascular risk? Circulation. 2002;106(6):640-642.
- West TB, Alister TS. Improvement of infraorbital hyperpigmentation following carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. Dermatol Surg 1998;24:615-6.
- Lowe NJ, Wieder JM, Shorr NS, Boxrud C, Saucer D, Chalet M. Infraorbital pigmented skin. Dermatol Surg 1995;21:767-70.
- Goodman RM, Belcher RW. Periorbital hyperpigmentation. Arch Dermatol 1969;100:169-74.
- Miura O. On the demarcation lines of pigmentation observed among the Japanese, on inner sites of their extremities and on anterior and posterior sites of their medial regions. Tohoku J Exp Med 1951;54:135-40.
- Somani VK, Razvi F, Sita VN. Pigmentary demarcation lines over the face. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2004;70:336-41.
- Jablonski NG, Chaplin G. The evolution of human skin colouration. J Hum Evol 2000;39:57-106.
- Selmanowitz VJ, Krivo JM. Pigmentary demarcation lines. Comparison of Negroes with Japanese. Br J Dermatol 1975;93:371-7.
- McLaurin CI. Cutaneous reaction patterns in blacks. Dermatol Clin 1988;6:353- 62.
- Henderson AL. Skin variations in blacks. Cutis 1983;32:376-7.
- Weary PE, Behlen CH 2nd. Unusual familial hypopigmentary anomaly. Arch Dermatol 1965;92:54-5.
- Selmanowitz VJ, Krivo JM. Hypopigmented markings in Negroes. Int J Dermatol 1973;12:229-35.
- Vazquez M, Ibanez MI, Sanchez JL. Pigmentary demarcation lines during pregnancy. Cutis 1986;38:263-6.
- James WD, Carter JM, Rodman OG. Pigmentary demarcation lines a population survey. J Am Acad Dermatol 1987;16:584-90.
- O'Brien TJ. The brown forehead ring: A pattern of facial pigmentation. Australas J Dermatol 1995;36:87-9.
- Futcher PH. A peculiarity of pigmentation of the upper arm of Negroes. Science 1938;88:570-1. Quoted by Victor J Selmanowitz and James M. Krivo. Br J Dermatol 1975;93:371.
- Miura O. A supplement to the demarcation lines of pigmentation observed among the Japanese. The Tohoku J Exp Med 1952;56:1.
- Vollum DI. Skin markings in Negro children from the West Indies. Br J Dermatol 1972;86:260-3.
- Ito K. The peculiar demarcation of pigmentation along the so-called Voigt's lines among the Japanese. Dermatologia Internationalis 1965;4:45.
- Malakar S, Dhar S. Pigmentary demarcation lines over the face. Dermatology 2000;200:85-6.
- Happle R. Dohi Memorial Lecture. New aspects of cutaneous mosaicism. J Dermatol 2002;29:681-92.
- Happle R. Mosaicism in human skin. Understanding the pattern and mechanisms. Arch Dermatol 1993;129:1460-70.
- Happle R. Pigmentary patterns associated with human mosaicism: A proposed classification. Eur J Dermatol 1993;3:170-4.
- Nordlund JJ, Ortonne JP. The normal colour of human skin. In: The Pigmentary System. Nordlund JJ, Biossy RE, Hearing VJ, King RA, Ortonne J-P, editors. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1998. p. 475-87.
- Experimental Dermatology, August 2005, pages 601-608
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, December 2005, pages 2368-2373
- International Journal of Dermatology, August 2004, pages 604-607
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July-August 2004, pages 377-381
- Facial and Plastic Surgery, February 2004, pages 3-9
- Dermatologic Surgery, March 2004, pages 385-388
- Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, March 2005, pages 272-276
- Journal of Biological Chemistry, November 7, 2003, pages 44320-44325
- Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, February 2003, pages 1201-1207
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2000, pages 291-303
- Anti-Cancer Research, September-October 1999, pages 3769-3774.
- The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, February 1996, pages 765-769.
- Dermatologic Surgery, March 2006, pages 365-371
- Acta Dermato-Venereologica, July 1999, pages 305-310
- International Journal of Dermatology, April 1998, pages 286-292
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 1997, pages S27-S36.
- Experimental Dermatology, January 2003, supplemental. pages 43-50.
- Dermatologic Surgery, February 2005, pages 149-154
- Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, April 2004, pages 97-102
- Cutis, February 2004, supplemental, pages 18-24
- Dermatologic Therapy, June 2004, pages 196-205
- Dermatological Surgery, June 1999, pages 450-454.
- Archives of Pharmacal Research, August 2001, pages 307-311.
- Mutation Research, Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, June 2005, pages 133-1450 and Toxicological Sciences, September 2004, pages 43-49.
- International Journal of Dermatology, December 1991, pages 893-895.
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2006, supplemental, pages 272-281.
- Dermatology, April 2003, pages 316-320
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, January 1996, pages 29-33
- Dermatologic Therapy, January 2001, page 46
- Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, March 2005, pages 39-43
- Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, April 2004, pages 97-102
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, November-December 2005, pages 770-774
- Dermatologic Surgery, October 2005, page 1263
- Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, April 2000, pages 376-379.
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- Healing cream
- To assist in wound healing while soothing skin complaints – such as eczema and psoriasis, acne and piles and moisturizing and protecting the skin. This product has shown its effectiveness over a wide range of problems and judging from sales over more than a decade – it is the trusted healing cream to help with all mishaps, allergic reactions, irritated, burning, itchy and uncomfortable skin conditions.
- Face wash
- This face wash will properly clean your face and remove all impurities and environmental pollutants, without drying the skin. It contains eight herbal extracts to help promote a clear, vital and healthy complexion and a younger looking skin.
- Moisturizing day cream
- This day cream is formulated to help fight the signs of aging on various fronts. It helps to reduce free radical damage which, if left unchecked, leads to premature aging. The herbal extracts help to promote cell rejuvenation and regeneration and provide moisture and hydration to the skin.
- Nourishing night cream
- This nourishing night cream penetrates the skin extremely well and does not make the skin feel oily. It contains a host of herbal extracts to help in the fight against premature aging and has added vitamin E as well. Apart from the moisturizing effect and the anti-aging properties it also softens and smoothes the skin.
- Eye gel
- An effective refreshing eye gel to help reduce puffiness and dark rings around the eyes, while fighting wrinkles and lines. This is a very clever combination of herbal extracts and the base formula has its roots in a clinically proven formula.
- Mud face mask
- With this skin treatment product we combined a special selection of herbs in a base of thermal mud with oligoelements. This recommended weekly treatment will boost circulation to the skin, help to fight wrinkles and lines, improve firmness while at the same time improving suppleness and elasticity of the skin.
- After shave balm
- This effective balm helps to relieve an irritated skin caused by shaving. Not only is it a soothing balm, but the herbal extracts actively work to increase hydration and moisturize the skin to help fight the signs of premature aging – and all of this done in one simple no-fuss balm.
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- Shampoo with rosemary extract + 7 other herbals
- Our shampoo is in a class of its own – and granted – it is far more expensive than cheap supermarket shampoos, but no other shampoo has the active ingredients we have in our shampoo. The rosemary will boost the health of the hair and scalp, while the other seven herbal extracts will help strengthen the hair and make it shine, increase the volume and make it manageable.
- Rosemary hair treatment conditioner
- We have found that this hair conditioner should really be used as a conditioning treatment. This then removes the need to condition the hair every time you wash – and can be used once a month. It is a superb hair tonic and helps in the control of sebum secretion of the scalp. Although not formulated for dandruff – the ingredients will assist with this as well, while supporting the health of the scalp.
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- Hand and body lotion
- When formulating this hand and body lotion we created a rich nourishing, protecting and reviving lotion, which will not leave the skin oily or tacky, but will create a well moisturized, hydrated and supple skin. After applying this lotion it will quickly be absorbed by the skin, leaving it silky soft, smooth and well moisturized.
- Stretch mark gel
- Although nothing can remove already formed stretch marks (only surgery can do that) – thousands of satisfied clients confirm that this gel improves the appearance of old stretch marks. The gel will help in PREVENTING stretch marks (a 92% success rate) and is used with great success by expectant mothers and body builders who may form marks when bulking-up. The formula of this gel is based on clinical studies done in France, to which we added other herbal extracts.
- Cellulite gel
- Fighting cellulite is easy with this herbal cellulite gel. It contains a patented extract of Bayberry (Myriceline) and nine other plant extracts and essential oils. The gel will help to get rid of cellulite (which has been clinically proven) and will also help to prevent cellulite from forming. So now it is easy to get your soft body contours back again.
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- Apple cider vinegar (liquid) with Centella asiatica
- The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are combined with the therapeutic properties of Centella asiatica. This old folk remedy is still used with great effect by thousands of people daily.
- Digest capsules
- If your digestive system is under-par and you struggle with constipation or you simply need to boost the health of your digestive system then this capsule is for you. Fenugreek is a general digestive tonic and psyllium is a magical bulking agent that will help proper bowel movements, without using a laxative.
- Detox capsules
- Our modern day lifestyle exposes us to many unwanted additive and our diet also places stress on the body. To help the body get rid of toxins and waste materials naturally we combined fennel, basil, celery and parsley to help the body remove these toxins. It peps-up your metabolism and helps the bladder, kidneys and liver to do their work more effectively.
- Urinary and bladder health capsules
- Using an all natural approach, our capsules will help the discomfort and burning urine sensation of urinary tract infection and help clear up foul smelling urine. We combined cranberry, dandelion, uva ursi and vitamin C in a single capsule to effectively fight bladder infections and to stop the burning sensation when urinating.
- Tri- Mushroom blend capsules
- If you need an immune system boost then have a look at our combination of maitake, reishi and shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms have showed to be a great help in boosting the immune system – and form a good nutritional supplement support for HIV/Aids patients and people receiving chemotherapy. Any person with even a slightly compromised immune system may benefit from this supplement.
- Hoodia slimming capsules
- Many companies offer hoodia capsules – but most of the time these supplements do not contain the real thing. We use CERTIFIED hoodia in our capsules and is combined with chromium to make it more effective to help lose weight. P57 is the active ingredient in hoodia and some people find it an effective appetite suppressant – without any side effects.
- Olive leaf extract capsules
- This natural detoxifier helps with a variety of ailments and people with chronic fatigue syndrome, infections, glandular fever (Epstein Barr), and even candida and herpes have found it of value. Olive leaf extract helps to fight bacteria, viruses, retroviruses, and protozoa and yeast strains. Apart from fighting all of these problems it also helps to improve kidney function and fights free radicals.
- Sexual supplement (previously known as Vuka Nkuzi)
- Men normally don’t admit when they have a declining libido although it is a most common problem. We combine in this supplement seven different natural ingredients to boost sexual health – without any side effects often experienced with such medication. After more than a decade, and thousands of regular Vuka Nkuzi clients we still offer this well priced supplement to boost the libido.
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- Jojoba oil
- This liquid golden ester not only moisturizes and penetrates the skin but also helps to fight wrinkles and lines while promoting a clear and unblemished skin. Jojoba does not clog the pores but helps to restore skin elasticity and smoothness. It will leave the skin supple and velvety soft without any oiliness and can be used neat on the skin.
- Lavender oil
- This is the most popular essential oil and with good reason. Lavender oil is a superb product to use on burns, insect bites, sunburn, wounds and other skin complaints and irritations. Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used neat (not diluted) on the skin, and is great to help with regeneration and rejuvenation of skin cells. Emotionally it has a calming and soothing effect and is an exceptionally pleasant smelling oil.
- Tea tree oil
- Once used, you will always have a bottle of tea tree essential oil handy. It deals effectively with bacteria, fungi and viruses. Our oil surpasses the “Australian Standard” by having less than 15% 1,8 cineole and more than 30% of Terpinen-4-ol. This powerful essential oil is effective in various ways to fight infections and skin problems.
- Almond oil
- This light and deeply moisturizing oil has a softening effect on the skin and can be used on the face and body. Almond oil has excellent emollient properties and helps to balance water and moisture loss in the skin. It can be used neat on the skin and also makes an excellent massage base.
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