Dark Circles: Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Dark circles, which are frequently accompanied by undereye bags, can make you look older than you are. They are also notoriously difficult to get rid of!
Despite the fact that they can affect anyone, dark circles are most common in people who are of an older age group, have darker skin tones that are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eye area.
While fatigue may appear a logical explanation for this condition, dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. In the majority of cases, they are not a cause for concern and do not necessitate medical attention. However, for many, the appearance of these dark circles under the eyes may cause some feelings of discomfort.
Causes of Dark Circles
Dark circles can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes are:
1. Fatigue:
Extreme fatigue or simply staying up a few hours later than usual can result in dark circles under your eyes. Depriving yourself of sleep can cause your skin to become dull and pale, revealing dark tissues and blood vessels beneath the skin. Inadequate sleep can also cause fluid to accumulate beneath your eyes, making them puffy. As a result, the dark circles you see could be shadows cast by puffy eyelids.
2. Aging:
Natural ageing also causes dark circles under the eyes. As you get older, you tend to lose fat and collagen, and your skin often thins. As a result, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, darkening the area beneath your eyes.
3. Strain on the eyes:
Staring at a screen can put a strain on your eyes. This stress can cause the blood vessels around your eyes to swell. Thus, the skin around your eyes may become darker.
4. Allergies:
Dark circles can be caused by allergic reactions and eye dryness. When you have an allergic reaction, your body produces histamines in response to potentially harmful bacteria. Allergies can also make you want to scratch the itchy skin around your eyes. These actions can aggravate your symptoms. This can cause dark shadows to form beneath your eyes.
5. Dehydration:
When your body does not get enough water, the skin under your eyes becomes dull, and your eyes appear sunken.
6. Overexposure to the sun:
Excessive sun exposure can cause your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives your skin colour. Too much sun, especially in the eyes, pigments the skin around the eye.
7. Genetics:
Family history also plays a role in the development of dark circles under the eyes. It may be an inherited trait that manifests itself as early as childhood and may worsen or gradually disappear as you age. Other medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, can also result in dark circles under your eyes.
Treatments of Dark Circles
Again, there is no need to worry about those dark circles! There are different remedies that can help you treat and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Eye creams and serums made specifically for dark circles can help enhance skin hydration, improve skin radiance and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Applying a cold compress: A cold compress applied to the eyes can constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Teabags may aid in the reduction of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Caffeine is an antioxidant that stimulates blood circulation. Two teabags can be boiled in water before being cooled and placed on each eye. Putting boiled tea bags in the fridge first can help to cool the eyes. People can use tea bags that are black, green, or herbal.
A facial that includes a gentle massage around the eye area can help to improve circulation. Antioxidant-rich face creams and under-eye concealers may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and C may aid in the treatment of dark circles.
Although makeup will not change the appearance of dark circles, people may wish to use an under-the-eye concealer for cosmetic purposes.
Some medical treatments are available to reduce the appearance of stubborn dark circles for a more effective and long-term solution.
Laser surgery
Tissue fillers
Surgical implants
Preventing Dark Circles
There are certain precautionary measures you can take to prevent dark circles under the eyes.
Get some extra sleep to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Allow yourself 7 to 8 hours of sleep to avoid dark circles.
How you sleep can also play a role. Elevate your head using a few pillows in order to prevent the fluid from assembling under your eyes, which can cause puffiness and swelling.
Do not forget to hydrate and take care of yourself!
Dark circles are often an indication of aging or a lack of sleep for many people. Dark circles are usually not a cause for concern, however, there are a variety of treatments to improve the appearance of your eyes and feel confident in your looks again. Neostrata’s range of eye creams for dark circles are specially designed to treat and reduce dark circles for men and women.
In fact, a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology in 2019 has provided evidence-based influential effects to the Neostrata’s eye cream, when applied twice daily. Neostrata’s eye cream has been proven to provide significant clinical benefits to dark circles, puffiness, and under eye crepey texture, to be well tolerated, and to have a powerful yet gentle on the skin.
So, look no further and worry no more, Neostrata’s eye cream is bound to give you the long-anticipated benefits you have been looking for!
References:
Roh, M. R., & Chung, K. Y. (2009). Infraorbital dark circles: definition, causes, and treatment options. Dermatologic surgery, 35(8), 1163-1171.
Freitag, F. M., & Cestari, T. F. (2007). What causes dark circles under the eyes?. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 6(3), 211-215.
Vavouli, C., Katsambas, A., Gregoriou, S., Teodor, A., Salavastru, C., Alexandru, A., & Kontochristopoulos, G. (2013). Chemical peeling with trichloroacetic acid and lactic acid for infraorbital dark circles. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 12(3), 204-209.