Dark circles under the eyes are medically referred to as Periorbital Hyperpigmentation (POH).
This condition may temporarily result from a sleepless night and affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
Dark circles under your eyes can also result from aging, genetics, fatigue, and other factors.
Although they are usually not a cause for worry, you might consider addressing them for cosmetic reasons.
Options for treatment vary, ranging from at-home remedies like cold compresses to medical procedures such as laser therapy.
The following article explains the types of dark circles, their causes, and the treatment options available.
Dark Circles Under the Eyes: Overview
Dark circles under the eyes may appear as shades of brown or black, depending on one’s natural skin color.
Some individuals are more likely to have dark circles under their eyes. These include:
- People who are old
- People with darker skin tones
- People with a family history of dark circles
While covering dark circles is a temporary solution, understanding the causes and effective remedies for dark circles is important for proper treatment.
To learn how to cover dark circles, read How to Cover Dark Circles Under Eyes: The Ultimate Guide.
- Glyco Cream 6% (Glycolic acid)
- Retino A Cream 0.025% (Tretinoin)
Types of dark circles
Source: Signature_imagesThree types of dark circles include pigmented, vascular, and indented dark circles.
When considering the most suitable treatment for each individual, it is important to identify the specific type of dark circles present. Below, we have discussed them in detail:
Pigmented Dark Circles
A brown or black shaded skin under the eyes characterizes pigmented dark circles.
Technically termed Idiopathic Hyperchromia of the orbital ring, this condition is caused by excess eyelid melanin. The causes can be genetic or acquired.
| Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin coloration. |
Vascular dark circles
Another type is vascular dark circles, exhibiting blue, pink, or purple tones.
Poor microcirculation of blood in the eye area causes skin loss and laxity, causing dark circles.
Individuals with fine and fair skin are more susceptible to these dark circles.
Indented dark circles
A groove extending from the tear duct to the cheek region gives indented dark circles a structured appearance.
They can display various shades associated with a loss of intraorbital volume.
This type occurs when cheek fat diminishes over time due to aging, resulting in under-eye shape depression, commonly known as sunken eyes.
| Orbital volume is the difference between eyeball and orbital cavity volumes. |
Causes of Dark Circles
Aging, tear troughs, and hollowed areas can lead to puffy eyes, resulting in dark circles under the eyes.
Other causes include genetic factors, eye rubbing, lack of sleep, hyperpigmentation from sun exposure, etc.
Below, we have discussed some of these causes in detail:
Genetics: Research indicates that dark circles under your eyes may have a link to family history.
Dermatitis: Contact Dermatitis and Eczema can dilate blood vessels beneath your eyes, making them visible through the skin.
Eye Rubbing: Persistent rubbing and scratching of your eyes can result in swelling and the breakage of blood vessels under your eyes.
Inadequate Sleep: Poor sleep patterns can cause the skin beneath your eyes to appear pallid, making blood vessels more noticeable.
Hyperpigmentation: Excessive sun exposure leads to more melanin production, increasing the appearance of dark circles.
Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can cause the skin under your eyes to look dull.
Consulting a doctor can help identify the condition’s root cause and choose the most effective home remedy.
To learn more about the causes of dark circles under the eyes, read Understanding What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes.
Treatment Options for Dark Circles
Home remedies and medical treatments are available to treat dark circles under the eyes.
Home remedies like cold compresses, teabags, etc. can help prevent dark circles under the eyes.
You should consult your doctor for personalized medical treatments.
Home Remedies for Dark Circles
Source: Signature_imageNatural remedies for dark circles might help you get rid of dark circles.
Some effective home remedies include cold tea bags, cold milk, aloe vera, etc.
Below, we have discussed some of these home remedies in detail:
- Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get at least seven hours of sleep each night to minimize under-eye shadows
- Elevate Your Head: Use extra pillows to prevent fluid accumulation under the eyes
- Cold Compress: Apply cold spoons or a cold compress to shrink dilated blood vessels, minimizing puffiness
- Cucumber Slices: Cucumber is full of water and vitamin C. It can help relieve puffiness and dark circles
- Teabags: Use cold tea bags containing caffeine and antioxidants to enhance circulation and reduce puffy eys
- Facials: Opt for facials with eye area massages to improve circulation
- Makeup: Concealers and foundation can help to blend skin tones and effectively cover dark circles
To explore more home remedies for dark circles, read Best Home Remedies for Dark Circles: Say Goodbye to Tired Eyes Naturally.
Medical Treatment Options
Laser therapy, topical creams, tissue fillers, etc., are available medical treatment options for dark circles under eyes.
Consult your doctor for medical treatment options for fast and lasting results.
Below we have discusse these medical treatment options in detail:
- Topical creams and bleaching agents: Eye creams containing Vitamin C and hydroquinone can lighten dark circles
- Chemical peels: Alpha-hydroxy acids reduce pigmentation
- Laser therapy: Pulsed dye and diode lasers can resurface and tighten the skin
- Tissue fillers: Injecting hyaluronic acid gel increases volume and smooths the skin under the eyes
- Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty): The excess fat and skin around the eyes are removed
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: Enhance skin repair, blood vessel growth, and collagen strength
To explore some options other than these medical treatments, read Brightening Solutions: Unveiling the Best Products for Dark Circles
Preventions for Dark Circles
Understanding the causes and adopting a thorough approach can help prevent dark circles under your eyes.
Some common steps you an take to avoid dark circles include a proper sleep schedule, stress reduction, etc.
While prevention isn’t always guaranteed, consider the following changes:
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen, especially around the eyes, and wear sunglasses
- Sleep Schedule: Maintain a consistent sleep routine, aiming for at least seven hours per night
- Stress Reduction: Manage stress through healthy lifestyle practices like yoga and meditation
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Reduce alcohol consumption to support better circulation
- Quit Smoking: Avoid smoking tobacco to slow down the skin aging process
Also, certain vitamins for dark circles, like Vitamin C, E, and K, are also available to reduce their appearance.
Conclusion
Periorbital Hyperpigmentation, commonly known as dark circles under the eyes, is a common concern for many people.
While often not a medical issue, they can impact one’s appearance and self-esteem.
Understanding the root causes, including genetics, lifestyle factors, and aging, is important for effective management.
Home remedies, like cold compresses and cucumber slices, offer relief, while medical interventions like laser therapy and eyelid surgery provide lasting results.
Embracing preventive measures, such as sun protection and stress reduction, can contribute to healthier, brighter eyes.
It’s essential to consult a doctor for personalized guidance, emphasizing that self-medication may lead to adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vitamin deficiency causes dark circles?
Although there are numerous potential causes for under-eye circles, research indicates that deficiency in iron or Vitamin B-12 may be contributing factors. For more information on the cause and treatment of the dark circles under your eyes, consult a physician.
Do specific components of skin care products contribute to dark circles?
Yes, certain substances such as fragrances or harsh chemicals, have the potential to induce skin irritation or allergic reactions, which may result in dark circles and inflammation. Sometimes, using heavy lotions or products unsuitable for the user’s skin type can cause dark circles.
Should the presence of dark circles beneath the eyes cause concern?
No, there is no cause for concern if you occasionally develop dark circles. On the contrary, persistent dark circles may serve as an indication of underlying medical conditions such as Hypothyroidism and Anemia.
Do dark circle treatments work on all skin tones and ages?
No, dark circle treatments might not be effective on all skin tones or age groups. The extent to which individuals experience favorable outcomes may differ, depending on genetics, skin type, and lifestyle.
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