Dark circle around eyes is a common skin problem affecting all age groups of people and the causes are multiple. In medical language, the problem is called periorbital hyperpigmentation. This is worrisome for men and women as it imparts face an aged, tired or depressed appearance.
Overview
The dark circles may mostly affect lower eyelid areas; however, it can spread to upper eyelids, the malar areas and nasal root areas overtime.
Sometimes dark circles are found since puberty or it may extend to adulthood and last long. It has shown some familial inheritance in some ethnic groups. Both white and dark-skinned people may develop dark circles. They appear more vivid in blue or brown colours in fair skinned people and it is a cause of angst for many having this issue.
People suffering from this hyperpigmentation issue often seek for various home remedies and medical and cosmetic solutions as the issue can diminish their confidence and self-esteem considerably. The remedies for addressing dark circles are dependent on its causes as the problem has multiple aetiologies or causes.
Causes of peri orbital hyperpigmentation or dark circles
- Genetic – In a few ethnic groups it has been found to be familial or it runs in families.
- Ageing – It can be the result of constriction of blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation or thinning of the periorbital skin from ageing.
- Sun induced damage – It can also happen from exposure to UV rays of sun which can cause oxidative stress to the skin and premature ageing of skin.
- Nutritional or dietary errors– Nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia arising from iron deficiency also cause hyper pigmented dark circles around eyes.
- Allergies – Allergic reactions can cause fluid buildup around the eyes and that may gradually lead to dark circles and swelling.
- Constant rubbing of the eyes
- Smoking
- Loss of sleep
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Dehydration from poor water intake
- Skin diseases – Inflammation from various skin conditions such as atopy and contact dermatitis may also lead to hyperpigmentation on face.
- Medications – Certain medications for glaucoma, some oral contraceptives or ophthalmic prostaglandin F2a use have been found to be related to hyperpigmentation.
How does dark circle appear in people?
Dark circles appear as purple or blue to dark brown or black in people according to the skin colour. It is clearer in fair skinned people. The duration of dark circles lasting around the eyes depends on the causations of this pigmentation. If sleep deprivation and nutritional inadequacies cause it , adequate sleep and rest to eyes along with balanced diet and some natural external applications can help get rid of the dark circles. But diseases causing hyperpigmentation may need proper and consistent treatment to address the problem.
How to reduce dark circles or peri orbital hyper pigmentation?
• Ensure sound &adequate sleep every day. It is crucial for skin health as well as health of eye muscles.
• UV protection sunglasses
Wearing the UV resistant glasses help to prevent pigmentation. Also use sunscreen on face while going out in sun.
- Cold compresses
- Applying frozen cold cucumber slices to the eyes may help to reduce fatigue of eyes as well as dark circles. Vitamin C of cucumber may help to nourish and moisturize the skin. Vitamin C is a natural anti-oxidant which help to reduce hyperpigmentation from sun rays.
- Green tea is a natural antioxidant and applying cold green tea bags are useful for removing dark circles and tiredness of eyes. It can also improve the health of skin under the eyes.
- Eye packs for managing dark circle or periorbital hyperpigmentation:
- Aloe Vera gel, vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil eye cream
Mix 1tbs aloe Vera gel with 1 tsp sweet almond oil,1 tsp vitamin E oil. Apply it around the lids and under the eyes. Massage gently with ring finger for 3 minutes. Leave it for 30 minutes. Do this every morning for better results.
- Vitamin E oil and honey mixture
Mix 2 tsp vitamin E oil and one tsp honey and apply on skin around eyes. Leave it for half an hour and wash later with any cleanser.
Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant for the skin. It may help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and hyperpigmentation causing damages to skin and blood vessels. Honey helps to moisturize your periorbital skin. It can help skin rejuvenation, regulate pH and has anti-microbial properties.
• Concealers are the least invasive option for hiding the dark circles temporarily.
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
• Medical management
1. under eye creams – Some eye creams are useful in reducing dark circles. Some of the bleaching creams contain hydroquinone, tretinoin. Use the creams only under the direction from a dermatologist.
2. Chemical peels
The chemical peels use alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid. Peels may help in combination with other methods to reduce dark circles.
3. Lasers
Lasers can reduce the risk of scarring and help lightening hyperpigmentation.