Dark Circles: Frequently Asked Questions
When you wake up in the morning and see dark circles under your eyes, the first thought is that maybe you did not sleep enough. While lack of sleep can enhance the appearance of dark circles, it is not usually the root cause of the same.
In this blog, we will address frequently asked questions about dark circles.
Why do dark circles appear in the first place?
Typical causes of dark circles are as follows:
- Hereditary/ familial
- Prominent cheekbones and anatomical layout of lid cheek junction creating a crater called tear trough
- Increased vascularity (fine blood vessels beneath the lower lid skin)
- Skin pigmentation
- Generalised ageing
What modifications in my lifestyle can reduce dark circles?
While lifestyle changes can reduce the prominence of dark circles, they can not entirely remove them unless the underlying root cause is addressed. Some ways to reduce the appearance are:
- regularise your sleep routine,
- limit screen time if possible, especially before going to bed
- minimise caffeine and salt intake
- practise meditation and eye exercises
- hydrate yourself
- have a healthy lifestyle in terms of body, mind, and soul.
What are the best homemade treatments for dark circles under the eyes?
Home remedies can give temporary relief and reduce the prominence of dark circles in some cases. This depends on the root cause. Effective therapies apply potato juice, tomato juice, cucumber, aloe vera gel and cold tea bags. Use them diligently for 4-6 weeks. These may not eradicate the dark circles. These remedies help reduce the water collection or puffiness and shrink the blood vessels to some extent and temporarily. To address the actual underlying cause, you need to see a specialist.
What medical treatments are available for dark circles under the eyes?
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to treating dark circles. Depending on the root cause, various treatment options are explored. While a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and sleep help reduce the generalised inflammation, vascularity and water collection below the lids- these methods don’t typically permanently eliminate the look of dark circles.
The commonly used treatments are:
- soft tissue fillers to fill the crater
- cosmetic injectables to iron out the skin ageing changes
- cosmeceuticals to correct skin pigmentation and,
- lasers for increased vascularity
These should be tried only after consulting an experienced specialist like Dr Shubhra Goel.
Are dark circles under the eyes a sign of any illness?
Under-eye dark circles can indicate fluid retention, which may indicate an underlying condition. It may mean potential issues with your kidneys, heart or thyroid. It is always recommended to see a specialist to rule out any severe health conditions.
What massages are good for reducing dark circles?
You can massage under your eyes twice a day with Vitamin-E oil. There are pressure applicators available which, when used, may reduce the lymphatic fluid collection around the eyes. One can use tinted sunscreens to camouflage the residual dark circles.
Does micro-needling help dark circles?
This may be beneficial since micro-needling improves skin elasticity. The collagen plumps up the skin and makes it firmer. This gives you a youthful appearance too.
Can vitamins reduce dark circles under the eyes?
Naturally available or medically induced vitamins K, C, E, A, B3, & B12, are suitable for supplementing other more permanent treatments for dark circles. It is better to include essential vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Can one inherit dark circles?
Yes, genetics plays a huge role, and some inherit this trait from their childhood. As they mature, the condition can either worsen or disappear slowly.
Is the use of Hydroquinone beneficial for curing dark circles?
Hydroquinone is a skincare chemical used to fade out dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation. It may work under dark eye circles. But Hydroquinone should never be used without physician supervision as it can have side effects. For any visible results, one has to apply regularly for 3 months.
Hope we were able to clear your queries in these frequently asked questions about dark circles. If you want to know more about dark circles and the available treatments, reach us at Clinica Fai on [email protected] or call +916281117454.
