There are dark rings under both males’ and females’ lower eyelids. You might appear older than you are if you have dark circles accompanied by bags. To make matters worse, they are notoriously tricky to get rid of.
Although they can affect anyone, black circles are most common in those who:
- Are the elderly
- Have a hereditary predisposition for this disease (periorbital hyperpigmentation)
- People from non-white ethnicities (darker skin tones are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation around their eyes)
It may seem obvious that exhaustion is the most likely factor responsible for dark circles underneath the eyes, but other factors can also contribute to their appearance. In the majority of situations, they are not causing concern and do not necessitate medical care.
Causes
Following are the leading causes of dark circles under the eyes:
1. Fatigue
Oversleeping, severe tiredness, or simply staying up a few hours later than usual can all contribute to the production of dark circles beneath your eyes. Sleep deprivation can cause your skin to become dull and pale, showing dark tissues and blood vessels beneath it.
Inadequate sleep can also cause fluid to build behind your eyes, making them puffy. As a result, the dark circles you’re seeing could be shadows cast by swollen eyelids.
2. Age
Natural aging is another typical cause of dark circles under your eyes. Your skin thins as you age. You also lose the fat and collagen essential to keep your skin supple. As this happens, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, darkening the area behind your eyes.
3. Strain in the Eyes
Watching television or using a computer puts a lot of strain on your eyes. This stress might cause blood vessels around your eyes to dilate. As a result, the skin around your eyes may darken.
4. Allergies
Allergic reactions and eye dryness can both cause dark circles. When you have an allergic reaction, your body produces histamines in response to harmful microorganisms. In addition to generating unpleasant symptoms such as itching, redness, and puffy eyes, histamines cause your blood vessels to widen and become more apparent beneath your skin.
Allergies might also enhance your desire to rub and scrape the itchy area around your eyes. These acts can aggravate your symptoms by creating inflammation, edema, and burst blood vessels. This can cause dark shadows beneath your eyes.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration is a major cause of dark circles beneath your eyes. When your body does not get enough water, the skin beneath your eyes becomes dull and sunken. This is owing to their proximity to the underlying bone.
6. Excessive Sun Exposure
Overexposure to the sun can lead your body to develop an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color. Too much sun, especially for your eyes, can cause pigmentation in the surrounding skin to deepen.
7. Genetics
Family history can also play a role in the development of dark circles under your eyes. It can be a hereditary feature that manifests itself as early as childhood and may intensify or gradually disappear as you age. Other medical disorders, such as thyroid disease, can also cause dark circles around your eyes.
Home Remedies
The underlying cause determines the treatment. But there are some home remedies for this condition. Among the most common methods are:
1. Compress Ice Bags
Unswollen areas benefit from cold compresses. This can help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Apply ice cubes to your eyes with a clean washcloth. For the same effect, apply a cold washcloth to the skin under your eyes for 20 minutes. Replicate if the cloth warms or the ice melts.
2. Get more Rest
Sleeping in can also help reduce dark circles. Sleep deprivation can make your skin pale, highlighting dark circles. Rest for 7–8 hours to avoid dark circles.
3. Raise your Head
While lack of sleep can contribute to dark circles under the eyes, sometimes it’s how you sleep. Elevate your head with pillows to avoid fluid pooling under your eyes, which can cause puffiness and swelling.
4. Teabags
Cold tea bags on the eyes can help them look better. Drinking tea has been shown to improve blood circulation, shrink blood vessels, and reduce liquid retention beneath the skin. Five minutes soaking two black or green tea bags Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Apply the cold tea bags to your closed eyes for 10-20 minutes. Rinse your eyes with cool water.
5. Makeup Conceals
If you have dark circles under your eyes, makeup can help conceal them. Concealers can cover dark marks to match your skin tone. But, as with any topical treatment or cosmetic, use caution. Some products can worsen symptoms or cause an allergic reaction. If any topical treatment causes irregular symptoms, stop using it immediately and see your doctor.
Medical Treatments
Some medical procedures exist to lessen the look of dark circles permanently. Among the most common approaches are:
- Pigmentation reduction peels
- Laser skin resurfacing and tightening
- Tissue fillers cover blood vessels and melanin that cause skin discoloration beneath the eyes.
- Surgical implants of fat or synthetic goods to eliminate extra fat and skin for a smoother, more equal surface
Consult a doctor before undergoing any cosmetic operation. Invasive medical treatments can be costly, uncomfortable, and time-consuming.
Book an appointment now to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top ENT Specialists in Karachi through Marham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What deficiency causes dark circles?
Anemia due to iron deficiency is a condition in which the blood is depleted of red blood cells. These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to the body’s tissues. Iron deficiency can manifest itself in the form of dark circles beneath the eyes and even pale skin.
2. What Vitamin am I lacking if I have dark circles under my eyes?
Dark circles have been linked to vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, E, K, and D. Vitamin shortages have also been linked to acne.
3. How to get rid of dark circles?
Natural healers recommend mixing equal parts almond oil and vitamin E and gently massaging it into dark circles right before bedtime and washing it early in the morning. Repeat daily until the dark circles go.
