Are you tired of looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing those annoying dark circles under your eyes? Do you look tired and exhausted all the time, even after a good night's sleep? Get a comprehensive understanding of the causes and methods of treating dark circles.

 

What are the causes of dark circles under the eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes appear as a result of several factors, the most important of which are: (1)

 

  • Genetics: Some people are genetically more susceptible to the appearance of dark circles.
  • Excessive exposure to sunlight: Exposure to ultraviolet rays leads to collagen breakdown and increased pigmentation.
  • Lack of sleep: increases the visibility of blood vessels under the eyes, giving a dark appearance to the area.
  • Dryness: increases the possibility of skin pigmentation and wrinkling, which highlights dark circles.
  • Aging: Skin naturally loses collagen and becomes thinner, accentuating under-eye circles.
  • Allergies: They cause inflammation and congestion around the eyes, and dilate the blood veins, leading to their swelling and the appearance of dark circles.
  • Frequent eye rubbing: This leads to swelling and breakage of the blood capillaries under the eyes, forming dark circles.
  • Some health problems: such as anemia caused by iron deficiency and thyroid disorders.
  • Smoking: As a result of the fatigue and sleep problems that smokers suffer compared to others.

 


Treatment of dark circles

It is difficult to completely get rid of dark circles, but discovering the causes and choosing the appropriate treatments helps improve their appearance significantly!


It is important to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of dark circles and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include: (1) (2)

 

1-Medical treatments and procedures


  • Eye creams: They contain ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid, or the brightener hydroquinone, and can be used as part of your daily skin care routine.
  • Laser: reduces pigmentation and stimulates collagen, and also helps tighten the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles, but it may not suit everyone.
  • Filler: Filler does not remove pigmentation under the eyes, but it fills the cavity under the eye, which reduces the appearance of dark circles, makes them less noticeable, and its results are immediate. Fillers under the eyes are injected in small quantities only, and by a skilled and specialized doctor, to avoid clumping and discoloration under the eyes.
  • Chemical peeling: It removes the surface layer of the skin, which helps lighten the skin and unify its color. It can be useful for mild to moderate pigmentation, but it requires several sessions, and may cause irritation and redness of the skin.
  • Autologous fat injection: Autologous fat can be injected in larger quantities than filler under the eyes for people who suffer from a deep and large cavity under the eye, to hide the appearance of circles. (3)




At the Dermatology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital, we provide advanced treatments and modern technologies to effectively reduce dark circles. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward brighter, refreshed skin!


 

2-Home remedies

Mild to moderate dark circles often respond well to healthy habits and home remedies, such as: (2) (4)


  • Cold compresses: Apply cold compresses to your eyes for 10-15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels. You can use a washcloth soaked in cold water, a bag of frozen vegetables, or even a couple of cold spoons.
  • Sleep: Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
  • Hydration: Drink sufficient amounts of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Daily sunscreen: Make sure to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher every day, even on cold or cloudy days, and renew the sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming, sweating, or physical exertion.
  • Limit caffeine intake: These substances can cause dehydration and make dark circles more noticeable.
  • Elevate your head while sleeping: This can help reduce fluid buildup under the eyes.
  • Massage: Massaging around the eye area can help improve blood circulation.



Additional tips to reduce the appearance of dark circles


  • Avoid rubbing your eyes too much.
  • Quit smoking: Avoid contact with smokers, because smoking accelerates the aging process of your skin.
  • Use concealer: This tip is neither curative nor preventive, but it helps you hide the dark color under the eyes.
  • Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
  • Limit phone and screen time: especially before bed.
  • Use warm light: Change your screen settings to a warmer color, or use an app to filter out blue light. (5)

 

Frequently asked questions

Is cucumber useful for treating dark circles under the eyes?

Applying cucumber slices under the eyes can help treat puffiness, because cucumber is rich in water and vitamin C. It is important to note that cucumber may not always be effective, and adequate studies are needed on its effectiveness. (2)


Are tea compresses useful for treating dark circles under the eyes?

Applying cold tea bags under your eyes can stimulate blood circulation. Because tea contains caffeine and antioxidants, but this benefit is not scientifically proven. Be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions and eye irritation. (2)


 

References