Dark Circles Under Eyes

Overview

Dark Circles Under Eyes

Oftentimes, people think dark circles under eyes are due to tiredness or lack of sleep. This is a misconception as these are not the only causes. 

Dark circles under the eye area can be caused by many issues including allergies, stress, lack of sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol, eczema and even nasal congestion.

They can be hereditary and can also be a result of pigment irregularities. As we age, thinning skin, loss of fat and collagen can make the underlying reddish-blue blood vessels more obvious, creating the appearance of dark circles.

Most common causes of dark circles include:

• Poor sleeping habits or lack of sleep
• Allergies, including hay fever
• Hyperpigmentation, when the body produces more melanin
• Reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes
• Aging
• Smoking
• Inherited genes
• Thyroid conditions
• Dehydration
• Dermatitis
• Eye drop treatment for glaucoma, such as bimatoprost
• Thinning skin under the eyes
• Anemia from iron deficiency
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Frequent rubbing of the eyes

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes?

The internet is full of possible solutions from sliced cucumbers or potatoes to frozen spoons, but if you have tried everything, there are minor cosmetic treatments that can make a difference.

If your circles are caused by pigmentation, then either Intense Pulsed Light or Halo Laser treatments may be helpful. Creams containing retinol and Ellagic Acid or hydroquinone 4% can help lighten and bring circulation to the area.

In some patients, injecting a thin filler such as Restylane or Belotero into the tear trough area around the eye can lift the groove of the dark circle and change the way light is reflected which can appear to lighten the area.

Because the skin is very thin in this area, be sure to consult with an experienced injecting doctor or nurse. Dr. Frame uses a blunt-ended cannula to lay down the dermal filler more evenly. This technique does not pierce blood vessels making the treatment safer and causing less bruising.