By Mary Alice Mina, MD; August 12, 2024; Double board-certified dermatologist
Let’s talk about dark circles under the eyes! It is a common
and universally abhorred problem for many people. But did you know that
darkening under the eyes can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender? Before
seeking out specific treatments, it’s best to understand all the different
things that cause dark circles in the first place.
What Causes Dark
Circles?
Dark circles can result from a variety of factors, often in
combination. Here are some of the most common causes:
Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had dark
circles, you might be more likely to develop them. Genetic predisposition can
affect the pigmentation and the skin structure around your eyes.
Aging: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses
collagen, making blood vessels beneath the skin more visible. This can create
the appearance of dark circles.
Fatigue: Lack of sleep can make your skin appear dull
and pale, allowing dark tissues and blood vessels beneath your skin to show
through. Fatigue can also lead to fluid buildup under your eyes, causing them
to appear puffy and darker.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause your body to
release histamines, which can lead to dilated blood vessels and increased blood
flow under the eyes, contributing to dark circles.
Dehydration: When your body is not well-hydrated, the
skin under your eyes can look dull and sunken.
Sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can increase
melanin production in your skin, leading to pigmentation changes and dark
circles.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and
poor diet can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
Once you determine the cause of your under-eye darkening,
then you can determine a treatment plan to correct it. I think of under-eye
darkening as either increased pigment under the eyes, increased blood vessels
under the eyes, or increased shadows and valleys. Each one is treated
differently.
Increased
pigmentation under the eyes
Some people tend to have more pigmentation under their eyes,
and this can vary based on genetics and ethnicity. This can even be present in
childhood! While it can be very difficult to treat, using a sunscreen is a
must. Bleaching creams and gentle peels can also help lighten the pigmentation,
but it's important to go low and slow so as not to get rebound pigmentation.
You can also try using a retinol mixed with lotion or slugging with petrolatum
like Vaseline. But be careful not to irritate your skin, as harsh treatments
and even rubbing your eyes can make the darkness worse. So, try not to scratch
or rub your eyes to break the cycle.
Increased blood
vessels under the eyes
Darkening of the skin around certain areas, such as under
the eyes, can sometimes be genetic, particularly in individuals with lighter
skin tones where the skin can appear almost translucent. A laser that
specifically targets blood vessels can be a game-changer, but make sure you see
a professional for this area.
Caffeine products can temporarily help constrict the blood
vessels. Try using a regular black tea bag – chill it in the fridge for extra
coolness, or just use ice or a cold spoon from the fridge. Easy peasy, and it
feels nice! Arnica cream can also be a helpful remedy for reducing darkening
under the eyes due to blood vessels; just dab on a little daily and watch the
discoloration fade! But, steer clear of hemorrhoid creams – they might make
things worse by thinning your skin and making blood vessels more noticeable!
Increased valleys and
shadows
Feeling like you are seeing more valleys and shadows under
your eyes lately? There could be a few reasons for that. Puffiness in the lower
eye area can be caused by various things like not getting enough sleep,
drinking too much alcohol, not drinking enough water, eating salty foods late
at night, smoking, or dealing with allergies – whether it's seasonal sniffles
or skin reactions. Aging plays a role, too, with collagen and elasticity loss,
changes in bone structure, and fat shifting leading to puffiness and shadows. So,
what can you do? First off, prioritize sleep, ditch the excess alcohol, and cut
out salty snacks before bed. If you smoke, it might be time to consider
quitting. Remember, when it comes to your eyes, taking care of yourself inside
and out can make a real difference.
If these at-home remedies just aren't doing the trick, see a
board-certified dermatologist for some in-office procedures.
In-Office Procedures
Chemical Peels
If at-home brightening products aren’t helping you, talk to
your dermatologist about getting a chemical peel around the eyes. These peels
use acids like glycolic acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid, and mandelic acid to
clear away dark spots and dead skin cells, leaving your under-eyes brighter,
smoother, and a bit tighter.
Tear Trough Fillers
Tear trough fillers help with dark circles by restoring lost
volume under the eyes. This reduces the appearance of shadows caused by
hollowing, making the under-eye area look brighter.
PRP Injections
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections can help with dark
circles under the eyes by stimulating collagen production and improving skin
texture and tone. The platelets in PRP contain growth factors that promote
tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.
Lower Eyelid
Blepharoplasty
Puffiness of the lower eyelids can be surgically removed
with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Removing the puffy fat also improves the
appearance of dark circles by reducing the “shadow” effect.
Laser Treatments
Several lasers can help combat dark discoloration under the
eyes, depending on if the cause is more pigment vs. blood vessels. It's
important to see a specialist in lasers for this area, as damage to the
delicate eyelid skin can occur, as well as vision changes, without proper eye
protection.
There’s no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to tackling
those pesky under-eye dark circles; it's all about understanding what's causing
them. Whether it's extra pigment, visible blood vessels, or shadows and valleys
from puffiness and aging, there are ways to deal with each one. Just remember,
it's not just about what you put on your skin to help tackle under-eye
discoloration. How you take care of your body with diet, sleep, exercise, and
hydration is just as important in brightening up your under-eye area!
Sources
WebMD.com
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