Are dark circles under the eyes a serious health problem? Not really, but many people feel that dark circles under their eyes make them look tired, old or unhealthy. There are several methods – both natural and medical – that people use to get rid of dark circles under their eyes or to soften their appearance.
Although not all of these treatments are permanent, with persistence and consistency they can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Why do my undereye circles look dark? Although dark circles under the eyes are usually caused by fatigue, there are other causes as well, including:
- allergies
- allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- contact dermatitis
- inheritance
- irregularity of pigmentation
- scratching or rubbing the eyes
- exposure to the sun
The natural ageing process is another factor in dark circles. As you age, you tend to lose fat and collagen, and your skin tends to become thinner. Thanks to this, the red-blue veins under the eyes will be more pronounced. Eyelids or hollows under the eyes also often grow as we age.
Sometimes these physical changes cause shadows that can appear as dark circles under the eyes. There are several ways that people report that they have eliminated or reduced the appearance of dark circles under their eyes. Everyone is different, so some of these medications may not work for you. As with any treatment, it’s always a good idea to check your plans with your doctor before trying them yourself.
Sleep
Lack of sleep and lack of sleep can cause dark circles under the eyes. You may also look paler, which can make your dark circles appear darker. Practice proper sleep hygiene and get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
Height
When you sleep, try additional pillows under your head to reduce the swelling of fluid that collects in your lower eyelids.
Cold
Dilated blood vessels can occasionally make the region under the eyes darker. A cold compress can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can result in the reduction of dark circle.
Humidifiers
There are many over-the-counter moisturizers that can help with dark circles under your eyes. Many include retinol, aloe, caffeine, vitamin E, and/or aloe vera.
Cucumber
Proponents of natural healing suggest chilling thick cucumber slices and then placing them on the dark circles for about 10 minutes. Then wash the area with water. Repeat this treatment twice a day.
Almond Oil And Vitamin E
Proponents of natural healing recommend mixing equal amounts of almond oil and vitamin E and then gently massaging the mixture into dark circles before going to bed. Wash the area with cold water in the morning. Continue doing this every night until the dark circles are gone.
Vitamin K
A 2015 study showed that placing a pad (with a mixture containing caffeine and vitamin K) under the eye led to a reduction in the depth of wrinkles and dark circle.
Tea Bags
Natural healers recommend steeping two tea bags – with caffeinated tea – in warm water and then chilling the bags in the fridge for a few minutes. Place a bag over each eye. After five minutes, remove the tea bags and wash the area with cold water.
What Can A Doctor Recommend For Dark Circles Under The Eyes?
Your doctor may offer a medical option depending on the diagnosis of the cause of the dark circle. This recommendation may include the following.
Skin Lightening Cream
To lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes, a dermatologist may prescribe a skin lightening cream that contains azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone. Some of these creams in formulations with a low percentage of active substances are sold over the counter.
Laser Treatment
During a laser treatment, damaged cells are vaporised using heat energy. Dark pigment under the eyes can be corrected. Along with lightening dark skin tones, laser therapy can stimulate the production of new collagen.
Chemical Peeling
A dermatologist may suggest a lightening chemical peel to lighten dark pigmentation under the eyes.Glycolic acid, retinoic acid, or hydroquinone are frequently found in these. Your dermatologist may also suggest a Jessner peel, which contains a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.
Blepharoplasty
Fat can be removed with lower limb blepharoplasty performed by a plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or dermatologist. The procedure will reduce the shadow on your eyelid, reducing the appearance of dark circle.
Fillers
An ophthalmologist, dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other medical professional with the appropriate training can inject a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler into the tissue under the eye, such as Restylane or Juvederm. Fillers help to lose volume under the eyes, which can cause dark circle.
