Effective Ways to Remove Dark Circles

Dark circles are the patches of skin that appear below the eyes. They can give a person a tired, stressed, or older appearance than they actually are. Even commonly referred to as "eye bags," this colour can appear in shades of blue, purple, brown, or black depending on an individual's skin colour. Dark circles are a cosmetic worry for many people.
Dark circles are more common in people with darker skin tones as it is brought about by the contrast that exists between blood vessels and their skin. However, this condition can affect anyone of any race. Apart from those with dark skin, older adults are more prone to dark circles as changes in skin elasticity and fat distribution result from ageing.
Genetics also come into play, particularly in the case where dark circles tend to follow lines of inheritance.
Dark circles are not necessarily harmful; however, it is necessary to acknowledge that sometimes, dark circles may indicate underlying health issues.

What Are The Causes Of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

There are several causes of dark circles under your eyes. These include:

• Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation results in thinner skin under your eyes which make blood vessels more visible
• Genetic: It is determined by what you inherit through your genes whether you will have dark circles
• Old Age: Elasticity of the skin deters with time and thus the saggy look and visibility of dark circles under the eyes appears
• Allergy: Allergic conditions can cause inflammation around your eyes.
• Hyperpigmentation: Too much sun triggers your body to make more melanin, which is the pigment which gives our skin colour.
• Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can cause blood vessels to break and result in swelling under your eyes
• Iron Deficiency:Anaemia can cause pale skin under your eyes
• Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can contribute to skin pigmentation
• Kidney Disease : Some kidney conditions can result in dark circles and puffiness under the eyes

How To Help Dark Circles?

Here are some prudent actions you can take to reduce dark circles under your eyes. They include lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and medical procedures.

i). Lifestyle Changes:

• You have to ensure that you get enough quality sleep every night. Ensure you get around 7-9 hours.
• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking loads of water throughout the day.
• Manage your stress. You can do this through yoga or meditation to manage your tension or stress.
• Make sure to apply sunscreens every day as it promotes healthy skin.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol as these may cause damage in the skin.

ii). Topical Treatments:

• There are eye creams available in the market that contain caffeine, retinol, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid that may lighten up the under-eye area as well as reduce dark circles - be sure to check with a Dermatologist to help with this.
• Cold compress applied to the under-eyes. This temporarily reduces swelling and inflammation.

iii). Medical Procedures:

• Injectable fillers can plump up your under-eyes and may even reduce the dark circles.
• Some laser treatments can remove dark circles from beneath your eyes.
• Chemical peels exfoliate the skin, thereby reducing pigmentation.

These should be discussed with your Dermatologist.

Home Remedies For Dark Circles

There are plenty of ways to reduce dark circles under your eyes at home. These include:

Apply ice through a cloth or a spoon that has been chilled for some time to the area under the eyes. This lessens inflammation and will make the under-eye area brighter.

Lie down with your eyes closed and put chilled cucumber slices on each eyelid and let it sit there for 15 to 20 minutes. Cucumber is laden with antioxidants. These will cool and smooth out the skin.

Use several drops of aloe vera gel directly under the eyes. Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and this will decrease puffiness.

Steep green or black tea bags in warm water, let them cool down, and place them on closed eyes. The caffeine in tea might constrict blood vessels and hence decrease the appearance of dark circles.

Massage almond oil very lightly under your eyes every night. Almond oil contains vitamin E, which makes the skin beneath your eyes a little lighter.

Apply tomato juice to the area under your eyes and wash it off with water after 15-20 minutes. Tomatoes have an antioxidant called lycopene, which may help with inflammation.

When To Consult A Doctor

Dark circles under your eyes are usually harmless, but if you notice them often along with symptoms like tiredness, feeling weak, or shortness of breath, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional. These could be signs of a health issue. You can easily see a doctor from home using DocGenie.

DocGenie makes it simple and easy to talk to a doctor about dark circles. Our dermatologists at DocGenie are dedicated to providing kind and effective care. With a video call, you can connect with a doctor without leaving your home. DocGenie lets you get quality healthcare from anywhere, in a cost-effective way.

FAQs: Common Questions About Eyes Dark Circles

Q. What Causes Dark Circles Under The Eyes?
There are several factors, including genetics, lack of sleep, ageing, dehydration, allergies, and kidney disease, among others that can cause dark circles.
Q. Are Dark Circles Dangerous?
Typically, dark circles under the eyes are harmless. If they persist, however, they can be indicative of some underlying condition, which means you do need to see a doctor.
Q. How Can I Get Rid Of Dark Circles?
There are three main ways to get rid of dark circles: lifestyle changes (eg. getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, using sunscreen), topical treatments (eg. eye creams and cold compresses), and medical procedures (eg. fillers, laser therapy, chemical peels).
Q. How To Remove Dark Circles Under Eyes At Home?
Home remedies can be effective to remove dark circles under your eyes. Some of the most popular are: cucumber slices, tea bags, almond oil, aloe vera, and tomato juice.
Q. Can Dark Circles Be Prevented?
As far as its prevention goes, it is not possible to totally avoid dark circles; however, several things can be done to help reduce the risk. These include:

• Getting enough sleep, aim for 7-9 hours every night
• Keep on hydrating the system through plenty of water intake during the course of the day
• Maintain control of stress by practising yoga and meditation
• Apply sunscreen to your skin regularly
• Stop excessive smoking and alcohol consumption since they can damage the skin

Q. Are There Any Over-The-Counter Treatments For Dark Circles?
Over-the-counter treatments for dark circles include eye creams and patches.
Q. Can Stress Cause Dark Circles?
Certainly, stress can contribute to dark circles. If you are stressed, your body will release a hormone called cortisol that causes inflammation and can harm your skin.
Q. Can I Use Makeup To Cover Up Dark Circles?
Yes, you can cover dark circles with concealer. Just ensure that you put a concealer suitable for your delicate under-eye skin, and it is the right shade for your skin tone.
Q. Are Dark Circles Under Eyes A Sign Of Illness?
Generally, dark circles under eyes are not usually indicative of an underlying disease. Such circles may arise from reasons including:

• Lack of sleep
• Aging
• Allergies
• Dehydration
• Genetics

But sometimes, dark circles can be manifestations of more serious underlying health issues including:
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Kidney disease

If your dark circles persist, see a doctor. He or she can diagnose the cause and make appropriate suggestions on treatment or care.
Q. Can I Use Sunscreen Under My Eyes?
Yes, use it under your eyes to protect from sun damage. Find a sunscreen that's created for sensitive skin and won't irritate your eyes.
Q. Why Does My Baby Have Dark Circles Under Their Eyes?
Dark circles under a baby's eyes may be caused by many different things, including thin skin, fatigue, allergies, or even medical conditions such as anaemia or thyroid disorder.