Understanding the Causes of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Causes of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Do Dark Circles Appear Under My Eyes?

Dark circles around the eyes are one of the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist. 

Some people dislike the appearance of dark circles under their eyes, resulting in low self-esteem and a lower quality of life, but it is important to remember that they are harmless. 

Several medical treatments and home remedies are available to help reduce the appearance of dark eye circles. In this blog, we will tackle some of them.

What Causes Dark Circles around the Eyes in Adults?

Dark circles can indicate fatigue and a lack of sleep. Allergies, thyroid conditions, and advanced age are all potential causes of dark circles under the eyes. Depending on your skin tone, dark circles under your eyes can range from purple or blue to dark brown or black.

Although these circles are rarely a cause for concern, people may wish to conceal them for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, dark circles under the eyes may indicate the need for lifestyle changes, such as better sleep habits or a healthier diet.

Main Causes and risk factors

Because of constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation or thinning of the skin around the eyes, the area under the eyes may appear darker. The following are all possible causes of dark circles under the eyes are:

  • insufficient sleep or poor sleeping habits
  • allergies, such as hay fever
  • hyperpigmentation
  • decreased fatty tissue around the eyes
  • skin thinning around the eyes
  • iron deficiency anemia
  • excessive sun exposure
  • excessive rubbing of the eyes
  • aging
  • tobacco use
  • genetics
  • Thyroid problems
  • desiccation
  • skin rashes
  • glaucoma eye drop treatment, such as bimatoprost

Why Do I Have Dark Circles Under My Eyes? 

Your dark circles could be caused by an underlying medical condition. There are several lifestyle factors that trigger dark circles under eye causes, however, can also influence their appearance, including:

  1. Alcohol 

Too much wine will reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood. When your blood is depleted of oxygen, it flows more slowly and has a darker color.

Darkened blood vessels can be seen through the fine skin under your eyes, causing dark circles to appear.

  1. Disturbed Diet

If your body is deficient in vitamin C, iron, or zinc from nutritious foods, the first sign may be dark circles under your eyes.

  1. Hay Fever

If you rub your itchy eyes when you have hay fever, you may be irritating the sensitive skin around your eyes, causing dark circles.

  1. Too Much Screen Time 

When your eyes are strained from staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time, dark circles can form.

  1. Stress

When you are stressed, your blood rushes to your major organs rather than your face. This can make your face appear tired and pale.

Your undereye circles may be more noticeable due to the difference in tone between the skin beneath them and the rest of your face.


How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes


Home Remedies that Get Rid of Dark Circles 

Simple home remedies may help people reduce the appearance of dark circles under their eyes. Although some of these remedies have not been scientifically proven, they may be worth a try because they are cheap and have no side effects.

  • More Deep Sleep

People can help reduce or prevent dark circles by ensuring they get enough quality sleep each night. Raising the head on additional pillows may aid in the reduction of dark circles and swelling around the eyes.

  • The Cucumber Technique 

Cucumber slices applied to the eyes may relieve tired eyes and reduce swelling. Cucumber's high water and vitamin C content may help to nourish and moisturize the skin. Cucumber also contains silica, which is necessary for healthy tissue.

  • Apply a cold compress

A cold compress applied to the eyes can constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

  • Tea sachets

Tea bags may aid in the reduction of dark circles and eye bags. Caffeine has antioxidant properties and increases blood circulation around the eyes.

  • Facials

Dark circles can appear as a result of poor circulation around the eyes. A facial that includes a gentle massage around the eye area can help to improve.

  • Skincare with antioxidants

Antioxidant-rich face creams and under-eye concealers may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Antioxidants like vitamin E and C are trusted sources that may help treat dark circles.

  • Makeup

Although makeup will not change the appearance of dark circles, people may wish to use a concealer for dark circles for cosmetic purposes and only to temporarily hide dark circles under eyes. Make up is the best concealer for dark circles.


How to Get Rid of Genetic Dark Circles


Medical Dark Circles Treatments

If home remedies do not seem to remove dark eye circles, you should consult their doctor or dermatologist for medical advice.

Among the medical treatment options are:

  • Topical creams

Bleaching creams can aid in the reduction of hyperpigmentation. These under eye creams for dark circles should include:

  • hydroquinone
  • tretinoin
  • Kojic acid
  • Azelaic acid
  • Topical Vitamin C
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser procedures 
  • Under Eye Fillers
  • Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that can remove dark circles caused by fat or extra skin deposits around the eyes.

The area under the eye is extremely delicate, and potential side effects should always be discussed. They must also ensure that any medical procedures in this area are carried out by a certified dermatologist.


Best eye masks for dark circles

Lights On Brightening Dissolvable Eye Mask by Clean Circle

Packed with age-defying botanicals for a revitalized appearance, this dissolvable under eye mask is the best eye patches for dark circles as it contains red algae, vitamin C, peptides and black mulberry that:

  • helps the skin retain moisture for a plump, youthful appearance
  • brightens skin tone and minimizes the appearance of dark spots
  • helps tighten skin while smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles
  • promotes an even tone and brightens the look of dull, lackluster skin.

Days Off Depuffing Dissolvable Eye Mask by Clean Circle

This dissovable under eye mask mainli focuses on revitalizes tired, puffy under-eyes in a potent yet gentle way.It enrich skin with a moisturizing barrier for a firmer, more youthful appearance. It contains glucomannan, pumpkin seed, niacinamide and turmeric that helps minimize the appearance of dark spots for a more even skin tone.


Under eye serum for dark circles

Understanding how these factors contribute to dark circles is important, but learning how to deal with them is also beneficial. For example, targeting any known cause of the condition whenever possible can determine the treatment necessary. 

Dark under eye circles caused by vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, and sleep deprivation, for example, can be improved with a healthy diet, adequate water consumption and sleep. But under eye serums are also best for dark circles under eyes, especially if they contain hydrating and brightening ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidants.


Best Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles 

A dermatologist may recommend a skin-lightening eye cream for dark circles containing azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone to lighten under-eye hyperpigmentation. Some of the best eye creams for dark circles are available over the counter in formulas with lower percentages of the active ingredient, like:

  • Vitamin C
  • Retinoid
  • Hydroquinone
  • Kojic acid
  • Arbutin 
  • Vitamin K

It is important to consult with a dermatologist or doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. Remember, while dark circles may be a common concern, there are solutions available to help you feel more confident and refreshed.

 

References 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/definition/sym-20050624

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23128-dark-circles-under-eyes

https://www.nivea.com.au/advice/skin/what-causes-dark-circles-under-eyes

https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-circle-under-eyes

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325989

 

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