Dark circles

 Aging, genetics, fatigue and more can all cause dark circles under your eyes. But dark circles aren’t usually a sign of a medical problem. While they’re not typically a cause for concern, you may want to lighten their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Treatments range from home remedies like compresses to medical procedures such as laser therapy.

Dark Circles: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

What are dark circles under your eyes?

Dark circles under your eyes mean the area of skin below your eyes looks darkened. This area may appear as shades of blue, purple, brown or black, depending on your natural skin color. Dark circles under your eyes may make you look tired or older than you are.

Dark under-eye circles have many possible causes. But they’re usually not a symptom of a medical problem. Dark circles under your eyes typically aren’t a cause for concern. But you may want to lighten the appearance of your under-eye circles for cosmetic reasons.

Who do dark circles under the eyes affect?

Dark circles under the eyes affect people of all ages, races and sexes. All skin types can show varying levels of dark circles, too. Dark circles under your eyes are more common in certain groups of people, though. These groups include:

• Elderly people
• People with a family history of dark circles under their eyes
• People with darker skin tones

What causes dark circles under your eyes?

Dark circles under your eyes can happen for many reasons. One of the most common causes of dark circles is aging. As you age, the skin below your eyes begins to loosen and thin out so the blood vessels under your skin may become more visible. This can darken the appearance of your under eyes. Hollowed areas called tear troughs may develop as well. Tear troughs cause shadows that increase the appearance of puffy eyes.

Causes

Other causes of dark circles under your eyes may include:

Genetics. Studies have shown that dark circles under your eyes may run in biological families.

Dermatitis. Eczema and contact dermatitis can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to dilate and show through your skin.

Rubbing your eyes. Rubbing and scratching your eyes can cause your under eyes to swell and your blood vessels to break.

Lack of sleep. Poor sleeping habits cause the skin under your eyes to appear pale. Your blood vessels can easily show through your skin.

Hyperpigmentation. Too much exposure to the sun triggers your body to make more melanin. Melanin is the substance (pigment) that gives your skin its color.

Dehydration. The skin under your eyes can start to look dull when you don’t drink enough water.

Lifestyle factors. Other factors such as stress, excessive alcohol use and smoking can cause dark circles under your eyes.

Care and Treatment

What can I do at home to treat dark circles under my eyes?

There are many things you can do at home to get rid of the dark circles under your eyes. Home remedies may include:

Get more sleep. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent shadows from appearing around your eyes.

Use more pillows. Elevate your head with a couple of extra pillows to prevent fluid from collecting under your eyes at night. This may help with puffiness.

Cold compress. Apply cold spoons to your eyes to help shrink dilated blood vessels. This can reduce puffy eyelids and the appearance of dark circles.

Cucumbers. Lay cucumber slices on your eyes. This can help with puffiness because cucumbers are full of water and vitamin C.

Teabags. Place cold tea bags under your eyes. This can increase circulation because tea contains caffeine and antioxidants.

Facials. Facials that include massage around the eye area can help improve circulation.

Makeup. Use an under-eye concealer and makeup foundation to blend the color of your skin to cover your dark circles.

What medical treatment options are available to treat dark circles under the eyes?

If you’re hoping to remove your dark circles fast and permanently, contact a healthcare provider. They can let you know what treatment options are available for your skin condition. Medical treatment options for dark circles under your eyes may include:

Topical creams and bleaching agents. Topical creams, like vitamin C, and bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, can help lighten the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.

Chemical peels. Chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy acids to reduce the pigmentation under your eyes.

Laser therapy. Laser procedures can help resurface and tighten your skin. Noninvasive laser options include pulsed dye and diode lasers.

Tissue fillers. Injectable fillers such as hyaluronic acid gel can increase volume and help smooth out your skin.

Eyelid surgery. In a procedure called blepharoplasty, excess fat and skin are removed from your eye area.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. These injections can repair the skin around your eyes, speed up blood vessel growth, and strengthen collagen and your skin.

How can dark circles under my eyes be prevented?

Dark circles under your eyes can’t always be prevented. But there are some changes you can make that may help, including:

Use sun protection. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your face, especially around your eyes. And wear sunglasses.

Adjust your sleep schedule. Get to bed on time, and make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Reduce your stress. Find healthy ways to manage your stress, like scheduling time for self-care.

Cut down on drinking. Drinking too much alcohol can cause reduced circulation.

Quit smoking and using tobacco. Smoking speeds up the aging process your skin goes through.

The bottom line

Although having dark circles under your eyes typically isn’t a health concern, you might want them to disappear for cosmetic reasons.

There are several home remedies and medical treatments for removing or reducing the appearance of dark circles. You should check with a doctor to see which one is best for you.

FAQs 

what are dark circles

Dark circles are dark areas under the eyes that can appear brown, blue, purple or black depending on skin color and cause.

what causes dark circles

Common causes include lack of sleep, genetics, aging, dehydration, allergies, sun exposure, stress, eye strain, and thinning of the skin under the eyes.

Are dark circles a sign of poor health?

Usually not, but in some cases they may be associated with allergies, sinusitis, anemia or chronic fatigue.

Can lack of sleep cause dark circles?

Yes, less sleep reduces blood circulation, which makes the blood vessels under the eyes more visible and appear dark.

Are dark circles genetic?

Yes, many people inherit dark circles due to skin type pigmentation or deep tear ducts

Does dehydration make dark circles worse?

Yes, dehydration makes skin look dull and sunken, which can accentuate dark circles

Can allergies cause dark circles?

Yes, the area under the eyes can become dark due to itchy eyes and stuffy nose

Do dark circles increase with age?

Yes, as the skin thins and collagen decreases, dark circles often become more noticeable

Can diet affect dark circles?

Yes, a lack of iron, vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants can worsen dark circles

What home remedies help reduce dark circles?

Cold compresses with cucumber slices, cold tea bags with aloe vera and adequate sleep can help improve the appearance.

Do eye creams work for dark circles?

Eye creams can help brighten hydrate and temporarily improve dark circles, especially those with caffeine vitamin C or retinol

Can exposure to sunlight worsen dark circles?

Yes, exposure to sunlight increases pigmentation around the eyes which darkens the dark circles

Are dark circles permanent?

Some types of dark circles do not always improve with lifestyle changes, while genetic or structural dark circles may require professional treatment.