A darkened, hollow, or tired look surrounding the eyes can be detrimental to a person's appearance. The cause and appropriate treatment for dark eye circles varies to a significant degree. Physicians approach the problem from different perspectives; some may advocate a home remedy, while others prescribe minimally invasive procedures or even surgery. Doctors on Real Self have offered a broad spectrum of useful information for understanding and treating dark circles under the eyes.
Dark circles causes
Doctors have offered the following causes and factors that contribute to the formation of dark eye circles.
- A melanin pigmentation problem, such as hyperpigmentation (chloasma or mask or preganancy) associated with oral contraceptive use or sun exposure.
- A hollowing out of the cheeks underneath the eyes, creating a shadow
- Thin skin under the eyes allowing muscle and blood vessels to show, creating a bluish-purple appearance
- Fat under the eye - a bulge under the eye will create a shadow/dark circle.
- Allergy - Patients who suffer from an allergy could get venous congestion under the eye creating dark circle.
- Nasal congestion can dilate and darkens the veins around the area of the eyes and nose.
- Descent of cheek fat can cause the groove under the eye to be more prominent
- Laxity of the lower eyelid structures can allow fat to bulge forward and cause lower eyelid fullness and shading
- Repeated irritation or inflammation with hyperpigmentation or depositiion of pigment in the skin
- Vascular congestion - the under-eye area contains many small blood vessels. When congested, a somewhat purple discoloration can occur. Patients with eczema often suffer from this problem.
- Smoking can cause collagen breakdown and premature aging, which makes dark circles more pronounced. Caffeine and alcohol intake doesn't help either.
- Heredity - the problem may be in your genetic makeup
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Dark circles treatment
Some physicians advocate a "combination approach" when treating the undereye area. The treatment will of course, depend on the cause(s) of the patient's dark circles.
Many physicians say that hyaluronic acid fillers can plump up the skin and decrease the hollow appearance under the eye. Creams can be used to firm the skin, increase collagen production, and lighten dark pigmentation.
If pigment deposits are the problem, bleaching agents or skin resurfacing may be the answer. Skin resurfacing can take the form of deep chemical peels or ablative laser (such as CO2 or erbium) treatments. Intense pulsed light treatments (IPL) are also commonly used to treat pigmentation problems and vascular irregularities on the skin.
If fat shadows are the problem, the solution is a lower blepharoplasty in which the fat of the lower eye is addressed. There are multiple approaches to the lower eyelid, including through skin incisions or possibly through incisions on the inside of the lower eyelid. The fat can then be repositioned over the bone of the eye socket (the orbital rim) or removed.
Dark circles products
- RevaleSkin Eye Replenishing cream
- SkinCeuticals Eye Gel
- Neutrogena Radiance Boost Eye Cream
- Olay's Definity
- Hylexin Serious Dark Circles Eye Cream
Preventing dark circles
There are simple things you can do to alleviate dark circles under your eyes. Sometimes the problem is minor or temporary, in which case an inexpensive home treatment may be appropriate.
- Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation only makes dark eye circles more obvious.
- A gently applied cold compress can reduce blood vessel dilation.
- To decrease pigmentation, protect against the sun by wearing (large) sunglasses.
- Slight elevation of the head during sleep will help prevent fluids from draining toward the eyes.
- Refrain from smoking. If you already smoke, quit now.
- Decongestant such as saline spray or a saltwater solution can help prevent blood vessel dilation.
- Don't rub the area around the eyes; it will only make the condition worse
Related Links
- How can I treat dark circles under my eyes?
- Does smoking cause dark eye circles?
- How to get rid of that tired look around the eyes