One of the most common skin and beauty concerns among men and women are dark circles under the eyes. Most people usually associate these unpleasant-looking circles with a lack of sleep. However, the truth is, a variety of factors can cause these dark circles. Some of these factors are within your control, but other factors are, unfortunately, beyond your control. The best solution to address this problem lies in understanding what causes dark circles and consulting an oculofacial plastic surgeon if you feel you need professional help.
What Causes Dark Circles?
Genetics and Skin Tone
Did you know that one of the biggest contributors to dark circles is your genes? Look at your parents and grandparents. If they have prominent dark circles, there is a good chance you might have them too. In addition, people who have naturally thinner skin under the eyes or more pigment in this area have a higher chance of developing visible dark shadows. Also, due to higher melanin production, those with deeper skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation under the eyes.
Thin or Aging Skin
The skin under our eyes naturally becomes thinner as it loses collagen. As a result, the blood vessels beneath the skin become more visible, giving the under-eye area a purplish or bluish hue. Because of this, the dark circles under your eyes become more noticeable as you age.
Lack of Sleep and Fatigue
When you are stressed and do not get enough sleep and rest, your body produces more cortisol. Cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone, breaks down collagen and makes the blood vessels under your eyes more visible. Lack of sleep can also cause your body to retain more fluid, leading to puffiness and shadowing under your eyes.
Eye Strain and Screen Time
Staring at screens for extended periods can strain your eyes. This can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to dilate and appear darker. This is more likely to happen when working in poor lighting conditions or when not taking regular breaks to rest the eyes.
Allergies and Sinus Problems
The histamine release triggered by allergic reactions dilates vessels and increases swelling. This makes the area under your eyes look darker and puffier. Sinus congestion or chronic sinusitis may also lead to discoloration around the eyes.
Dehydration
The skin needs to be well hydrated to stay plump and healthy. When your skin is not hydrated, the skin under your eyes can look sunken and shadowed, creating a hollow effect and making your dark circles more pronounced. Not drinking enough water, consuming too many caffeinated drinks and alcohol, and failing to replenish fluids after sweating can all contribute to the dark circles under your eyes.
Sun Exposure
You need to protect your skin from UV rays because the skin under the eyes is sensitive and delicate, making it more susceptible to UV damage. If there is excessive sun exposure, melanin production increases, leading to hyperpigmentation and a worsening of dark circles. Skin aging can also accelerate and make the area under your eyes thinner and more fragile.
Poor Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies
If you lack essential vitamins and minerals in your diet, it can contribute to the development of dark circles. For instance, if you are low in iron, this can lead to poor oxygenation of blood and make the area under your eyes appear bluish. A lack of vitamins K and C, as well as antioxidants, can also impact skin health and collagen production.
Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy habits like smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, and chronic stress can all take a toll on your skin and make your dark circles more visible.
Are Dark Circles Preventable?
There are things you can do to minimize dark circles:
- Get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Opt for a minimum of 8 glasses a day.
- Wear sunglasses and use SPF daily.
- Ensure a diet rich in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Reduce screen time.
- Quit smoking and limit your intake of alcoholic drinks.
Dark circles under your eyes can make you appear older and more tired. If you have tried everything and feel that the issue is not going away anytime soon, it would be wiser to seek help from a professional. A non-surgical dark circles removal can help you solve your problem. Schedule a consultation with us today, and we will help you determine the best way to address this problem.
