Dark Circles
The dark circles under the eyes are blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. The skin around the eyelids (periorbital skin) is the thinnest skin in the body. In people with a deep-set bone structure, shadowing can also contribute to the dark color under the eyes. Dark circles may be considered cosmetically unappealing, but they are rarely a medical concern. Here are some of the most common causes of under-eye circles.
- Genetics are the biggest culprit, dark circles under-eye can run in families
- Allergies. People with allergies may rub their eyes due to itchiness, leading to the formation of dark circles; dark circles may be more prominent during hay fever season in people who experience hay fever.
- Anemia. The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the area under the eyes. It is believed that iron deficiency can cause dark circles as well.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Contact dermatitis
- Fatigue. A lack of sleep can cause paleness of the skin, allowing the blood underneath the skin to become more visible and appear bluer or darker.
- Pigmentation irregularities . These are a particular concern for people of color, especially blacks and Asians
- Rubbing or scratching your eyes
- Sun exposure. It prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color
- Ageing. Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen is common as you age. Ageing can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious
Treatment of Dark Eye Circles. Hydroquinone solution was often mixed in an oil-free moisturizer that acted like a skin bleach. However the use of hydroquinone for skin whitening has been banned in European Countries due to health concerns. Dealing with the cause may be all that you need to do, such as getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of fluids or treating an allergy.
- Cold Compress. If the blood vessels are dilated, you can try to reduce the swelling with a cooled, used teabag or cold, wet flannel as a cold compress on the eyelids.
- Extra pillows. Elevate your head with two or more pillows to prevent puffiness that develops when fluid pools in your lower eyelids.
- Extra sleep. Although short nights don’t usually cause under-eye circles, a lack of sleep makes you paler and more hollow-eyed, so shadows and circles you already have become more obvious.
- Concealer. apply eye cream and let it dry for a few minutes. Then pat on a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone. Top with a layer of loose powder, which helps prevent makeup from caking in creases
