Dark circles are dark patches of pigmentation that appear under the lower eyelid. They can be blue, black, or brown depending on skin tone and are caused by visible blood vessels or increased melanin production.
Dark circles can be caused by genetics or by factors such as stress, insomnia, constant friction, or the use of certain cosmetics. The appearance of dark circles under the eyes can also increase with age.
What are dark circles
Dark circles are pigmentation patches that appear under the eyes. Their color varies depending on skin tone, ranging from brown to black to blue. They can appear temporarily in some people, while others suffer from them chronically.
Symptoms of dark circles
Dark circles appear in the area under the eyes, where their color is darker than the skin tone. They can be black, brown, or blue. Other accompanying symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes.
- Swelling under the eyes.
- Sinus congestion.
- Wrinkles under the eyes.
- Bad bags under the eyelids.
What are the types of dark circles
- Vascular dark circles appear as pink or blue discolorations and may be accompanied by under-eye puffiness.
- Structural dark circles appear as shadows under the eyes and are more common in people with less fat in the area under the eyelids.
- Pigmented dark circles appear brown.
- Mixed dark circles combine two or more of the above types.
Causes of Dark Circles
The causes vary depending on the underlying factors. They can result from changes in blood vessels or skin conditions, as well as other factors such as genetics, where heredity plays a role in the appearance of dark circles, or from having a birthmark or nevus of Ota under the eye, which is caused by genetics.
Aging is also a cause of dark circles, as the skin thins due to a decrease in collagen, leading to their appearance. Another contributing factor is lack of sleep, as reduced sleep hours increase inflammation, making blood vessels more visible.
Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by nasal allergies, also known as hay fever. The congestion caused by allergies increases pressure inside the nose, leading to blood pooling in the veins under the eyes. Frequent sun exposure also stimulates melanin production.
Other contributing factors include eye strain from prolonged screen time, frequent eye rubbing, hyperpigmentation, skin inflammation, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Treating Dark Circles at Home
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and involves avoiding certain bad habits, such as limiting eye strain from screens, increasing sleep duration, and drinking plenty of water. A doctor may also prescribe creams containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend laser treatment, dermal fillers to conceal hollows, or chemical peels. They may also advise avoiding sun exposure and elevating the head while sleeping to reduce swelling.
Preventing Dark Circles Under the Eyes
You can prevent dark circles by following these steps:
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it increases the likelihood of developing dark circles.
- Reduce your intake of foods high in salt.
- Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen.
- Avoid stress and fatigue.
- Get enough sleep.
- Quit smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce puffiness.
How to hide dark circles under the eyes
- Apply cold compresses under your eyelids for 20 minutes to constrict blood vessels and thus reduce their appearance.
- Use high-quality cosmetics.
- Use cold tea bags, as they contain caffeine and antioxidants to reduce puffiness.
- Use skincare products specifically formulated for the eye area, such as those containing vitamin C and vitamin E.
- Place cucumber slices or a mixture of vitamin E and almond oil under your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vitamin deficiency causes dark circles under the eyes
Iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are among the main causes of dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc deficiencies also affect skin health.
Does ice remove dark circles
Yes, it helps reduce their appearance, but it doesn't eliminate them permanently. It also reduces puffiness around the eyes because it constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling.
What is the best natural drink for dark circles
Tea bags are beneficial because they contain phenolic compounds that prevent melanin formation and skin pigmentation. Soak two green tea bags, refrigerate them briefly, and then apply them to the dark circles.
Is petroleum jelly helpful for dark circles under the eyes
It is not used to remove dark circles, but it contains moisturizing ingredients that protect the skin, making it appear less dry and temporarily reducing the visibility of dark circles.
Article Summary
Dark circles are defined as pigmentation that appears under the lower eyelid. Their color varies depending on skin tone; they may appear blue, brown, or black.
Its treatment depends on treating the cause and avoiding some bad habits such as avoiding eye strain in front of screens, increasing the number of hours of sleep and drinking sufficient amounts of water.