What causes dark circles? Dark circles can appear on an individual’s face for multiple reasons. When they do, they can add an unpleasant aura and appearance of tiredness, making someone feel more self-conscious about their appearance.
Learning what might be causing your own dark circles can be a step towards resolving this issue in yourself. Educating yourself on the common causes of this issue will help you narrow down which ones might be affecting your situation.
If you’re bothered by chronic dark circles, take a look at this overview that describes some of the common sources for this condition, as well as your options for dark circle treatment.
What Are Dark Circles?
Most people have some level of familiarity with dark circles. These circles aren’t circles per se, but rather discoloration rings that develop under the eyelids. They are most commonly associated with a lack of sleep but can develop for several other reasons as well.
What Causes Dark Circles?
There are many different causes of dark circles, and identifying which ones might be associated with your own case can help you rid yourself of these obnoxious features. Some of the most common sources for dark circles include:
- Fatigue and lack of sleep
- Genetic predisposition
- Rubbing or scratching your eyes excessively
- Aging
- Excessive Sun Exposure
- Skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis
- Dehydration
- Hyperpigmentation
- Excessive smoking or consumption of alcohol
Scheduling a consultation with your physician should be able to provide you with some insight into which of these might be impacting you. This can help the two of you in creating a plan for treatment moving forward. It is likely that a combination of factors could be contributing to your experience of dark circles.
Treatment Options for Dark Circles
There are many different treatment options for dark circles, and which one you end up pursuing may ultimately just have to do with the severity of your case. There are several different procedures that one can attempt at home, which may resolve the issue without the need for medical intervention:
- Sleeping more
- Applying a cold compress to your eyes
- Utilizing certain types of cosmetics
- Receiving a professional facial
If methods like the above simply aren’t effective, then you may have to resort to professional methods. Some of the common professional methods for removing dark circles include:
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a substance known as alpha-hydroxy acids to reduce the level of pigmentation underneath the eyes.
- Laser light therapy: Laser procedures are becoming a popular method for reducing the level of pigmentation that one experiences under their eyes. Lasers can resurface and tighten the skin.
- Tissue fillers: Injectable tissue fillers have the potential to flesh out the area beneath the eyes and reduce the impact of undereye bags.
- Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty is the scientific term for eyelid surgery. In extreme cases of dark circles, a lower blepharoplasty can be employed to alter the shape and coloration of the eyelids.
· Plasma injections: Plasma injections are another method for reducing dark circles. During this procedure, a physician injects platelet-rich plasma into the area under the eyes, which stimulates collagen production.
Preventing Dark Circles
Attending some of the preventative measures mentioned above can be useful in terms of preventing dark circles. In addition, some other methods include:
- Reducing stress: Stress can wreak havoc on the body and can interrupt a healthy sleeping schedule.
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking carries numerous health benefits. Engaging in this should help one see a reduction in dark circles.
- Reducing alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption can give one a leg up in reducing the presence of dark circles on the skin.
- Adjusting your sleep schedule: Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is absolutely essential for reducing the presence of dark circles.
- Practice caution in the sun: Ensure that you wear sufficient sun protection any time that you spend extensive amounts of time in the sun.
Taking the above methods into practice with dark circles can only help when trying to manage this condition. Your physician can offer you some advice in how your lifestyle factors might be impacting your experience with dark circles.
The Top Eye Doctor in Minnesota
Eye Plastics Minnesota is a renowned eye care center in Minnesota that has the expertise and the tools to help you remove dark circles from your life. If you’re interested in discussing your options for treatment with a professional, contact our office today to set up an appointment.