What are dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles under the eyes can be a cause of embarrassment for many. They are less than complimentary when it comes to a person's appearance and can affect both men and women.
Many people look for dark circles under eyes treatment as a way to rid themselves of these. In this article, we’re going to take a look at dark circle causes and consider the best treatments that are available.
What are dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles under the lower eyelids are when the thin skin below the eyes appear darkened. This is different to the darkness caused by bruising to the eye. These dark circles are often accompanied by eye bags, which can make a person appear older than they are. These can be very stubborn so the best treatments for dark circles involve medical intervention and, in some cases, surgery.
The appearance of dark circles under the eyes doesn’t just lead to someone appearing older. It can have other impacts too. They can give the impression that someone is constantly lacking sleep. Although that may not be true it can cause issues with how they are perceived both personally and professionally. This is another key reason that people seek out dark circles treatment.
What causes dark circles around the eyes?
When people consider potential treatments, they also like to explore dark circles causes. This is because knowing the cause may allow them to prevent dark circles in the first place. There is rarely just one cause of dark circles. Often there is a combination of factors involved. Some of the most common include:
Fatigue
Fatigue is often blamed for dark circles under the eyes. Oversleeping, extreme fatigue, or just staying up a few hours past your normal bedtime can cause dark circles to form. Sleep deprivation can cause the skin to become dull and pale. This reveals the dark tissues and blood vessels underneath. As well as dark circles under the eyes, lack of sleep causes other issues. It can lead to a build-up of fluid under your eyes and this can lead to a puffy appearance.
Age
Ageing is something that comes to us all. Often the impact of the ageing process will affect our appearance in ways that we dislike. When it comes to dark circles causes, ageing is one that you are unable to avoid. As we age, our skin starts to become thinner. The skin also lacks fat and collagen. The result is that the dark blood vessels become more visible and gives the appearance of dark circles.
Eyestrain
Modern life sees us using our eyes perhaps much more than we used to and this has an impact on their appearance. We spend time staring at TV screens, mobile phones, and computer screens. This puts significant strain on our eyes and causes blood vessels to enlarge giving the appearance of dark circles.
Allergies
Our bodies are clever in that they try their best to protect us. This is the case when we experience something that we are allergic to. Our bodies release histamines to deal with allergies. This can lead to itching and redness, but it also makes the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible.
Genetics
Dark circles may be a feature that we have our parents to thank for. These can be inherited and can often be seen as a child. If dark circles are already present in childhood, it does not necessarily mean that they will get worse with age. For some people this is the case, for others, they disappear completely.
Dehydration
We are all told the importance of drinking plenty of water. Our fluid intake is linked to our overall well-being. It is also one of the less obvious dark circles causes. When we are dehydrated the appearance of our skin changes. It may begin to look dull. It can also make your eyes appear sunken. This adds to the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
Sunlight
Exposure to the sun is something else that we have all heard about. As well as being told about the obvious health risks associated with too much sun, many are also aware of the ageing effect that it can have on the skin. Too much sunlight can lead to your body overproducing melanin. This can cause skin to have a darker appearance than normal.
Are dark circles causes the same for men and women?
Dark circles are common in both men and women and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. However, they are more common in elderly people, who have lost the fat and collagen needed to retain the skin’s elasticity, people who have a genetic predisposition to this condition (known as periorbital hyperpigmentation) and people from non-white ethnic groups, as darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eye area.
Some people choose to cover up their dark circles with make-up. This should be done with care, as some products can actually cause symptoms to worsen.
How can I get rid of dark circles under the eyes permanently?
Unfortunately, dark circles under the eyes can be very difficult to get rid of. The treatment for dark circles under the eyes depends on the root cause of the problem. As we have seen there are many dark circles causes and this will have an impact on any potential dark circles treatment.
There are numerous home remedies. Some of the most common dark circles under eyes treatment that people try include:
Extra sleep
If your dark circles are caused by tiredness then it makes sense to get more sleep. This is as simple as getting your head down an hour or so earlier than you usually would.
Cold compresses
As dark circles causes include the appearance of enlarged blood vessels, applying a cold compress can minimise them. As dark circles treatment goes, it is not a permanent solution but the cold can help to shrink the blood vessels and reduce any puffiness.
Your sleep position
As well as getting extra sleep, it is worth considering how you sleep. If your head is low throughout the night fluid can pool. This can add to the puffy appearance beneath your eyes. Using pillows to elevate your head during the night can help to reduce this.
Teabags
A common go-to dark circles treatment for years, many people have applied cold tea bags in the hope of improving their appearance. Teabags work to some extent because they contain both caffeine and antioxidants. These can help to reduce the size of your blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Whereas some of these home remedies may have some impact, it is recognised that medical treatments, such as those carried out at the Cadogan Clinic, offer a more effective and permanent solution to get rid of dark circles under the eyes.
What are the best treatments for dark circles under the eyes?
The good news is that there are various medical treatments available to tackle the problem of those stubborn dark circles under the eyes. In fact, when it comes to dark circles under eyes treatment, there is the choice between surgical and non-surgical remedies. Some of the options include laser, skin peels, fillers, and eyelid surgery. the best option for you will depend upon the extent of the dark circles under your eyes as well as the overall result that you are hoping to achieve. The best way to make this decision is to book a consultation with an expert who will be able to talk you through the various options.
Non-surgical dark circles treatment
Some people opt for dark circles treatment that doesn’t involve surgery. The most common of these treatments include:
Laser
This is a non-invasive dark circles treatment with no downtime. The use of laser can reduce hyperpigmentation. It can also help to stimulate the rejuvenation of the skin leading to a reduction in dark circles.
Skin peels
Skin peels at the Cadogan Clinic are tailored to the individual. These work by exfoliating the skin. It causes the skin to refresh itself by creating new skin cells.
Fillers
This is an injectable dark circles treatment. The injections contain hyaluronic acid which is a substance found naturally within our bodies. Its use can lead to a more youthful appearance and the softening of lines.
Surgical dark circles under eyes treatment
The most effective dark circles treatment is eyelid surgery. Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid reduction, or eye bag removal, within 45 minutes this can give a permanent solution to dark circles under the eyes.
This dark circles treatment sees the removal of loose skin and excess fatty tissue. It tightens any relaxed skin and leads to a firmer, more youthful, appearance. As well as targeting dark circles under the eyes, eyelid surgery can also target issue above and around the eyes. This makes it a complete answer to any issues with the appearance of your eyes.
To find the best treatments for your dark circles why not get in touch and arrange a consultation?
