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What Causes Dark Eye Circles and How to Fix Them

Dark eye circles can appear as shades of black, purple, brown, or blue. Unfortunately, dark eye circles under the eyes can make someone look older and tired. Dark eye circles can be attributed to various causes.

Fortunately, dark eye circles are not a symptom of any underlying medical condition. As such, dark eye circles are not a cause for concern. However, many people would like to lighten the appearance of their under eye circles due to cosmetic reasons.

Causes of Dark Eye Circles

Dark eye circles have many causes. Aging is one of the most prevalent causes of dark eye circles. The skin below the eyes can thin out and loosen as you age. This causes the blood vessels found under the skin to become more visible. This also causes the dark appearance under the eyes.

Other possible causes of dark eye circles include:

  • Lifestyle factors. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and stress can also cause dark eye circles to appear.
  • When you are dehydrated, the skin found under your eyes can start to look dull and dark.
  • Too much sun exposure can trigger the body to create more melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin color.
  • Lack of sleep. When you have poor sleeping habits, the skin under your eyes can look pale. This can cause the blood vessels to become more evident.
  • Some studies indicate that dark eye circles can be genetic.
  • Rubbing the eyes. Scratching and rubbing the eyes can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to break.
  • Contact dermatitis and eczema can cause the under eye blood vessels to dilate and become more noticeable.

Treatment Options for Dark Eye Circles

Those who want to get rid of dark eye circles fast and for good should check with their healthcare provider. Fortunately, there is no shortage of medical treatment options for dark eye circles. Some of the medical treatment options available include:

  • Platelet-rich plasma or PRP injections. PRP injections can effectively repair the skin surrounding the eyes. It can also help strengthen collagen and speed up blood vessel growth.
  • Bleaching agents and topical creams. Bleaching agents like hydroquinone and topical creams such as vitamin C can help lighten the appearance of dark circles found under the eyes.
  • Laser therapy. Laser procedures work by resurfacing and tightening the skin. Some of the laser therapy options include diode laser and pulsed dye.
  • Tissue fillers. Injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid gel can help smoothen out the skin and increase volume.
  • Eyelid surgery. A procedure known as blepharoplasty is done to remove any excess skin and fat from the eye area.

How to Prevent Dark Eye Circles

There are certain changes you can do to remove dark circles under the eyes. Below are some of the changes you can look into:

  • Quitting tobacco and smoking. Not everyone may be aware of it but smoking can actually speed up the aging process.
  • Using sun protection. When you go out, don’t forget to wear sunglasses and put some sunscreen on, especially around the eyes.
  • Minimize consumption of alcoholic drinks. Too much alcohol consumption can result in reduced circulation.
  • Minimize stress. Ensure you find healthy ways to keep stress to a minimum. Make sure you also have ample time for self-care.
  • Ensure you get enough sleep. If you want to prevent dark eye circles, it would help if you sleep early and get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

If you have dark eye circles, it can be a sign of lack of sleep, aging, or other causes. It is rarely caused by an underlying medical problem.

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