Dark circles on the upper and lower eyelids are common in both men and women of all ages. This can make you appear older and can be difficult treat. But we have a few solutions for you – read on.
Although anyone can develop dark circles, this condition is most common
- As we get older
- In people who have a genetic condition called periorbital hyperpigmentation
- ethnic groups who have darker skin tones.
- Fatigue & alcohol consumption is the most common reason for suddenly developing dark circle.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to dark circles. In most cases, they are no cause for concern and do not require medical attention. Read on to learn more.
What causes dark circles?
Fatigue
Sleep deprivation can cause your skin to become dull and pale. This makes the blood vessels beneath the think skin around your eyes more visible.
Lack of sleep can also cause fluid to build underneath your eyes, causing them to appear puffy. The dark circles you see may actually be shadows cast by puffy eyelids.
Age
Aging is another common cause of those dark circles beneath the eyes. As we age our skin around the eyes becomes thinner. You also lose the fat and collagen needed to maintain your skin’s elasticity. This causes dark blood vessels beneath your skin to become more visible.
Eye strain
Staring at your television or computer screen can cause eye strain. This strain causes the blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge. This causes skin around your eyes to appear darker.
Allergies
When you have an allergic reaction, your body release histamines as a response to harmful toxins. These histamines cause many uncomfortable symptoms — such as itchiness, redness, and puffy eyes. The histamines also cause your blood vessels to dilate and become more visible beneath your skin.
The itchiness also causes you to rub and scratch the skin around your eyes. This worsens the appearance of dark circles as it triggers more inflammation, swelling, and broken blood vessels.
Dehydration
When your body is not receiving the proper amount of water, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull and sunken. Due to the sunken skin – the area around your eyes appear darker.
Sun overexposure
Overexposure to the sun can cause your body to produce an excess of melanin, the pigment that provides your skin with colour. And its not possible to put sunblock around the eye area. Hence you should wear sun glasses when exposed to the sun.
Genetics
Dark circles can be an inherited trait seen early in childhood, and may worsen as you age. Predispositions to other medical conditions — such as thyroid disease, kidney disease or liver abnormalities can also result in dark circles beneath your eyes.
How to treat dark circles?
Treatment for dark eye circles depends on the underlying cause. However, there are a few simple remedies that can help manage this condition.
Apply a cold compress:
A cold compress can help reduce swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels. This can reduce the appearance of puffiness and help eliminate dark circles. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean washcloth and apply to your eyes. You can also dampen a washcloth with cold water and apply it to the skin under your eyes for 20 minutes for the same effect. Repeat the process if the cloth becomes warm or if the ice melts.
Get more sleep:
Our bodies need different amounts of time to rest and recover. Pay attention to what your body needs. And allow yourself sufficient hours of sleep to prevent dark circles from appearing.
Use a good eye cream:
There are a few eye products that specifically target dark cicles. Our Rejuvenating Eye Cream is one such product. This gentle, hydrating and refreshing eye cream has a triple benefit formula. It’s a smoothing and firming cream gel that contains eyebright & bilberry extacts that rebuild the thin skin around the eyes, soothes the dilated blood vessels and improves symptoms of tired eyes. This helps to significantly lighten dark circles.
Professional Aesthetic Treatments:
We have created a treatment that specifically targets the gentle eye area. The Dristi Bright Eyes Intensive Treatment is designed to smooth, soothe and revitalise the delicate eye area.A proprietary amino acid complex fortifies collagen and elastin structures in this delicate area to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness, while a generous helping of luxurious oils and plant extracts help lighten dark rings, improve complexion and nourish all layers of the skin. The gentle marma massage technique works to firmand tone the muscles and tissue around the eyes giving an instant lifted and younger appearance. Bilberry and eyebright extracts bring that sparkle back to your eyes. This treatment instantly soothes tired eyes. Learn more about this treatment and where its available.
Medical Interventions for persistent dark circles.
Dark circles are usually no cause for alarm. However, if the discoloration or swelling worsens over time, schedule a visit with your doctor or dermatologist to ensure you have correctly diagnosed the issue and are receiving the best treatment. Anaemia or nutrient deficiencies can result in dark circles too.