Eyes are the window of the soul. They are the first thing people notice about others and thus, the aesthetic features of the eyes are important for aesthetics of the face. Dark circles are a common aesthetic problem that affects men and women equally.
What are Dark Circles?
Dark circles, also known as infraorbital hyperpigmentation, are the darkening of the under-eye region that can be due to a multitude of reasons. Most people suffer from dark circles at different times of their life. While the condition itself is not a major health issue, it is a major aesthetic issue that makes people appear tired and fatigued.
Many people choose to get their dark circles treated as the social perception of the condition is poor. A skin doctor or dermatologist can help find the right solution for the dark circles and treat the underlying causes of dark circles as well.
Causes of Dark Circles
Some of the common causes of dark circles, apart from stress and fatigue include:
- Genetics: For some people, the formation of dark under-eye circles is more associated with their genetic makeup and inherited traits than it is with their personal factors. Some hereditary medical conditions can make the affected person highly vulnerable to dark circles.
- Sun Exposure: Spending too much time in the sun is associated with the stimulation of melanocytes to produce melanin, the hormone responsible for skin pigmentation. This hyperpigmentation is more likely to occur around the eyes with overexposure to the sun
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can affect the proper functioning of all the organs in the body. The skin often appears mottled with dehydration but the effects of dehydration appear exaggerated on the skin under the lower eyelid. The eyes can appear quite sunken in and dark because as the water content decreases, the skin overlying the orbital cavity sinks in.
- Eye Strain: Putting extra pressure on the eyes in the form of increased screen time can result in increased blood supply to the eyes. This increase in blood supply results in the dilation or enlargement of the blood vessels surrounding the eyes, which results in the darkening of the overlying skin.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions are modulated by histamine which is a vasodilator. The dilation of the vessels around the eye result in the darkening of the skin, and the formation of dark circles.
Home Remedies for Dark Circles
People rave about the many home remedies for dark circles, claiming that they can successfully remove dark circles.
Almond oil
Traditional medicine has depended on almond oil at bedtime to get rid of dark circles. Using it, with Vitamin E serum has shown extremely positive results. Just make sure to massage the solution at night and wash your face in the morning for the best results.
Cold compress
Cold always helps brighten up the skin and depuff it. As dilated blood vessels are responsible for dark circles, cold compresses can help constrict those blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a great solution for all skin issues, including dark circles. The moisturizing effect of aloe vera can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Cucumber
Cucumber has a similar moisturizing effect as aloe vera and can help get rid of dark circles. Cut a thick slice of a cucumber and put them on your eyes for at least 10 minutes. These cucumber slices should be chilled for the best results.
Topical Treatments for Dark Circles
Topical agents are one of the best ways to reduce the appearance of dark circles. There are several topical agents available in the market and choosing the right one is crucial for the treatment of dark circles. The ideal topical cream or lotion should contain one of the following ingredients that brighten the skin and improve the skin composition by enhancing the self-repair features of the skin.
Some of the common ingredients to look out for, in your topical agents, are:
- Caffeine: This ingredient improves the microcirculation of the skin and shrinks the blood vessels surrounding the eyes which results in the brightening of the under-eye region.
- Niacinamide: This is another name for vitamin B3 and this specific ingredient works wonders on dark circles by increasing collagen production in the skin and reducing skin inflammation. Improving the kin structure results in the eventual eradication of dark circles.
- Vitamin C: It has a great antioxidative property that helps eradicate free radicals, the presence of which can be detrimental to the structure and pigmentation of the skin.
- Vitamin K: This vitamin not only brightens the under-eye region via its effect on the blood vessels but also repairs the skin from the inside, allowing it to heal and look bright.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient is another famous ingredient in dermatology that rejuvenates and nourishes the skin from the inside, allowing it to look brighter and tighter than before.
Medical treatment of dark circles includes at-home and professional chemical peels, laser treatments, and tissue fillers; all of which try and improve blood circulation and the deep anatomy of the skin to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25440739/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17760701/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32881282/
