Dark circles are a cosmetic concern for many people. Age,
fatigue and stress often contribute to this issue. Although these factors can influence
their formation, it is important to pinpoint the specific causes for the dark
coloration so it can be properly resolved.
It’s also important to note that the skin under your eyes is
thinner than anywhere else on your body. For this reason the dark-colored blood
vessels under the skin are naturally more exposed in this area.
Causes
Typical causes for dark circles include eczema, physical or
emotional stress, nasal congestion, sun exposure and thinning skin with loss of
collagen and fat.
Physical and Emotional
Stress
Physical and emotional stress, including associated
behaviors like smoking and chronic alcohol consumption, can disrupt your
vitamin balance and cause dehydration. Vitamin imbalance and dehydration can
accelerate the aging process, causing the skin to thin and lose fat and
collagen around the eyes. This exposes the dark blood vessels under the skin’s
surface, causing dark circles to appear very pronounced.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can create dark circles by dilating veins
under your eyes, causing the skin to appear darker.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure increases your body’s melanin production, which
can lead to darker pigmentation.
Genetics
Dark circles can be hereditary, meaning they can be
attributed to particular family genes. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid
your genes, but there are ways to help remedy the problem.
DIY Solutions
If you are concerned about dark circles under your eyes, try
the below treatments. Many times, these remedies help reduce or remove that
unwanted discoloration without a visit to a doctor.
Cold Compresses
Hold chilled peas or ice cubes wrapped in a towel under your
eyes to dilate blood vessels.
Extra Sleep or Pillows
Lack of sleep can give your skin a pale appearance. Make
sure you’re getting your eight hours! And don’t forget how you sleep. Lifting your head when you sleep can stop your blood
vessels from pooling with too much blood, which causes dilated vessels.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, which increase
melanin production, can prevent long-term skin darkening under your eyes.
Saline Washes or Sprays
These can help relieve nasal congestion that sometimes
causes dark circles.
Cosmetic Creams
Some people see relief after using serums that contain
certain root extracts, such as Brazilian Suma.
Medical Solutions
It is best to follow the directions above to see how your skin
responds to certain treatments. If those treatments prove futile, your medical
professional can recommend a more effective treatment. Options a medical
professional can prescribe include prescription creams, laser therapy, chemical
peels, injectable fillers and surgery.
Prescription Creams
Retinoic acid, commonly called tretinoin, is a topical
treatment that helps lighten dark or discolored skin. Other prescription creams
include Tri-Luma, Eladopaque, Alustra and Glyquin XM.
Laser Therapy
Lasers send rays of light under the skin to be absorbed by
the blood vessels. The light absorption brightens the skin, as well as reduces
fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can remove the top layers of skin that have
been permanently altered to a darker color as a result of sun damage. Removing the
older skin reveals fresh, lighter skin.
Injectable Fillers
If the space under your eyes appears hollow or sunken,
certain derma-fillers can be injected to eliminate the shadows that form dark
circles. Fillers also separate your dark blood vessels from the skin by placing
a padded layer in between. This can diminish the dark color of the blood
vessels.
Surgery
A belpharoplasty procedure can remove bags around eyes that
cast dark shadows, creating the appearance of dark circles. Surgery is always
the most extreme option to treat a problem, so I recommend a detailed
discussion with your medical provider before looking into this option.
Dark circles are not harmful to your health, but they can be
unpleasant and difficult
to hide or cover up. If you see
little to no results with DIY remedies at home, I encourage you to seek the
counsel of your medical professional. If you have any other questions about
dark circles or other skin care topics, please call 901-759-2322 or visit
our website.