Dark Circles Under your Eyes: Causes and Treatment

People usually notice dark circles as permanent pigmentation under the eyes. This may be accompanied by puffiness, loose skin, or a hollow look, especially in the early mornings or after a long day. The darkness can vary in shade from bluish to brownish, depending on skin tone and underlying factors.

Types Of Dark Circles

These are classified based on clinical analysis, pigmentation pattern, and vasculature.

• Pigmented (P): Brownish discoloration, caused by excess melanin under the eyes.
• Vascular (V): Bluish, pink, or purple tone. Caused by visible blood vessels or poor circulation
• Structural (S): Shadowy appearance, due to thinning skin or loss of fat under the eyes.
• Mixed Type: Combination of two or more types. Common combinations include Pigmented & Vascular (PV) or Pigmented & Structural (PS).

Causes of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can result from several factors, including inflammation, allergies and lifestyle factors. If symptoms continue, contact the doctor.

Medical conditions that may include dark circles and fading under the eyes are:

• Genetics: Dark circles can run in families. Thinner skin under the eyes may make blood vessels more visible.
• Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation causes skin paleness, highlighting dark blood vessels under the eyes.
• Age: Aging causes skin thinning and reduced collagen, making dark circles more prominent.
• Allergies: Allergies cause inflammation and rubbing, which worsens dark circles.
• Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure increases melanin production, leading to darkened skin around the eyes.
• Dehydration: Lack of hydration causes the skin to appear dull, making dark circles more noticeable.
• Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency can cause anemia, making the skin pale and dark circles more visible.
• Smoking: Smoking reduces blood circulation and accelerates skin aging, leading to dark circles.
• Stress: Stress can cause poor sleep, dehydration, and skin issues, all contributing to dark circles.

Conditions that Cause Dark Circles

• Allergic Rhinitis
• Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis
• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Chronic Sinus Infections
• Dermatological Conditions (e.g., Hyperpigmentation)
• Thyroid Disorders
• Periorbital Hyperpigmentation

Other Related Symptoms of Dark Circles

The main symptom of dark circles is the appearance of darkened skin under the eyes. Other symptoms that may accompany dark circles include:

• Puffiness: Swelling around the eyes, especially in the mornings, is common.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: As the skin thins, wrinkles and fine lines may form around the eyes.
• Itching or redness: These may occur if the cause is allergies or irritation.
• Dry or flaky skin under the eyes
• Skin thinning or transparency under the eyes

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if:

• Dark circles are persistent or worsen over time.
• Accompanied by severe swelling, redness, or itching.
• Caused by an underlying medical condition like anemia or allergies.
• Over-the-counter remedies don't help after a few weeks.

Diagnosis and Tests of Dark Circles

• Clinical Examination: Visual assessment of skin texture, pigmentation, and thickness.
• Dermatoscopy: Handheld device used to examine skin under magnification.
• Blood Tests: It may include complete blood count, iron levels, hormone tests, and nutritional assessments to rule out deficiencies or systemic issues.

Medical Treatments for Dark Circles

While dark circles are usually not a serious concern, several medical treatments can help reduce their appearance

• Topical Creams: Creams with ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C can improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation, and boost collagen.
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels exfoliate the outer skin layer, helping to reduce pigmentation and refresh the skin.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatments stimulate collagen production and reduce pigmentation under the eyes, improving appearance.
• Injectable Fillers: Fillers like hyaluronic acid restore volume to the under-eye area, reducing dark circles caused by thinning skin.
• Blepharoplasty: This procedure removes fat from under the eyes to reduce the shadow cast by the eyelid, helping to lessen the appearance of dark circles.
• Microneedling: Microneedling creates tiny skin injuries to stimulate collagen and improve skin tone.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgery (like blepharoplasty) can address under-eye hollows and improve skin texture.

A dermatologist treatment for dark circles may use a handheld dermatoscopy tool to closely examine the skin. They may perform blood tests to check the blood cell count, blood chemistry, nutritional status, and certain hormone levels.

How Can Dark Circles Be Prevented?

• The researchers found that stress increased the appearance of dark circles, while rest and healthy lifestyle habits decreased discoloration.
• Wearing sunglasses with UV protection that cover the eyes and using sunscreen around the eyes can help prevent or reduce dark circles.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can speed up the body's aging process and increase the risk of dark circles under the eyes.
• Sleeping with extra pillows to elevate the head and reduce puffiness in lower eyelids

Home Remedies for Dark Circles

• Cold Compress: Reduces puffiness and constricts blood vessels, making dark circles less noticeable.
• Cucumber Slices: Soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
• Tea Bags: The caffeine and antioxidants in tea help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Place chilled tea bags on the eyes for 10-15 minutes.
• Almond Oil and Vitamin E: Hydrates and lightens the skin. Gently massage under the eyes before bed.
• Rose Water: Soothes the skin. Apply with a cotton ball for a calming effect.
• Potato Slices: Natural bleaching agents in potatoes can lighten the skin. Place slices on your eyes for 10 minutes.
• Honey and Milk: Moisturizes and brightens the skin. Apply under the eyes for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Dark Circles

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to rejuvenate your skin.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and reduce dark circles.
• Use Sunscreen: Protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV rays to prevent pigmentation.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and iron, supports skin health.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and worsens dark circles.
• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga to improve overall health and skin appearance.