Dark circles under the eyes have become a common problem for many people. If dark circles are accompanied by bags, your face even looks more dull and tired. There can be several reasons to develop dark circles, but it is not a serious health issue. However, many people would like to treat dark circles due to cosmetic reasons.
There is a wide range of treatment options for under eye dark circles ranging from home remedies to medical treatments.
Who May Develop Under Eye Dark Circles?
People of any age group may develop under-eye dark circles. However, under-eye dark circles are commonly seen in the following:
- People who have dark skin tones
- People who have a family history of under eye dark circles
- Older people
Common Signs of Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Having dark circles under the eyes is actually a sign. The skin looks darker and can have puffiness in a circular pattern under the lower eyelid. The colour of dark circles may vary a bit, but it looks darker than the actual skin colour. The other signs of under-eye dark circles include the following:
- Swelling under the eyes
- Your eyes become itchy
- Nasal congestion
- Wrinkles under your eyes
- Bags under eyes
- Tiredness
What Causes Under-Eye Dark Circles?
Dark circles under eyes can occur due to several reasons. The following are some of the common causes:
- Ageing: Ageing is one of the most common causes of under eye dark circles. As you get older, the skin under your eyes becomes thin and the amount of collagen and fat also decreases. Due to this, the blood vessels under the skin become more visible and make the under eyes look darker.
- Fatigue: It is also a common cause of dark circles under your eyes. Staying awake for a long-time during bedtime can lead to dark circles under your eyes.
- Poor sleep: Poor sleep can lead to the build-up of fluid under your eyes and makes them look puffy. It also makes the blood vessels under the skin visible.
- Eyestrain: Sitting at a computer or watching television for a long time can strain your eyes. Due to this, the blood vessels under the skin become enlarged and the skin around the eyes becomes darker.
- Allergies: Dryness of the eyes and eye allergies makes your eyes to produce histamines to fight against the invaders. This can cause puffy eyes and itchiness. The release of histamine also dilates the blood vessels and they become visible under your eyes.
- Dehydration: If you do not drink enough water in a day, the skin under your eyes looks dull.
- Overexposure to the sun: If you are overexposed to the sun, your body produces melanin in excess amountst. This causes the skin under your eyes to appear darker.
- Other factors: Other factors such as stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, etc. can also lead to under eye dark circles.
How Can I Treat Dark Circles Under My Eyes?
The treatment for dark circles under your eyes is based on its causes. However, the following home remedies can help:
- Try to sleep for at least seven hours of sleep in a day
- Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping. This will help avoid filling up of fluid under your eyes while sleeping
- Using a cold compress under your eyes can shrink dilated blood vessels and can reduce the appearance of dark circles
- Keep cucumber slices on your eyes to get rid of puffiness
- Drink enough water and other fluids to stay hydrated
- Apply cold tea bags for 10 to 20 minutes under your eyes. Tea contains antioxidants and caffeine and this can improve blood circulation, and reduces the build-up of fluid under your eyes.
If you are looking for a permanent and fast solution to get rid of under eye dark circles, the following medical treatments are available:
- Topical creams can be used to reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes
- Chemical peels can help reduce pigmentation under your eyes
- Laser therapy can be helpful to resurface and tighten the skin
- Tissue fillers such as hyaluronic acid gel can increase the volume and hide the blood vessels under your eyes
- Carboxytherapy can be performed to improve blood supply to the skin under your eyes
- Surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty can remove the excess fat and skin under your eyes. This gives an even and smoother skin surface
- PRP injections are also effective at treating under eye dark circles. A PRP injection can promote the growth of blood vessels and strengthens collagen
Looking for a Dermatologist to Treat your Under Eye Dark Circles? Contact Dr Amit Kolli Today
Dr Amit Kolli has been working as a dermatologist in Hyderabad for over 10 years. He has gained vast experience in his field and can offer treatments for a wide range of skin problems. His goal is to make his services available to everyone and that is why he offers his services at an affordable cost. He uses the latest in technology to ensure the procedures are safe and painless for his patients. To know more about Dr Amit Kolli, give us a call.
