Having dark circles is not a serious health problem but it may make you look tired, older, and unhealthy, which makes it a big problem. To get rid of these dark circles or lessen their appearance, people use several methods- both natural and medically prescribed. Though these treatments do not offer a permanent solution but with maintenance and consistency you can certainly reduce the appearance of dark circles.

In this article, let’s learn from dermatologist, Dr Nirupama Parwanda that why do you get dark circles and how they can be treated naturally as well as by using creams or other modalities.

Why do you get dark circles?

Dark circles are pigmentation under the eyes which in some cases may also extend to cheeks, upper eyelids, and to the sides of the nose. It is a common problem found especially in females in the age group of 16-25 years. There are several reasons for dark circles to occur.

1. Genetics: Dark circles can be caused by a gene inherited from your mother or father. In such a case, a person’s lower as well as upper eyelids turn dark and with age the pigmentation increases.

2. Post-Inflammatory: If you rub your eyes a lot or there is allergy around them, the pigmentation can increase and the area near the eyes can become rough. It happens because when you rub your eyes, the blood vessels under the skin disrupt due to which blood leaks from the cells and releases haemoglobin and this gives a bluish tint under your eye.

3. Shadow Effect: Due to shadow effect your under eye dark circles become more visible especially when you have eye hollowness or eye bags.

Besides the above three, there could be several other reasons as well. This includes anaemia, hormonal disturbances, excess sun exposure, fatigue, medication, cosmetics, deficiency of vitamins, eye strain and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and lack of sleep.

Treatments for dark circles

Dark circles are first examined and then accordingly a treatment is suggested. To examine, a simple test called skin stretch test is performed in which the skin under the eye is stretched. If the pigmentation reduces, this means the dark circles under the eye are due to hollowness. But if not, then you can try the under-eye creams to treat the pigmentation.

Under eye creams

The creams that reduce the under eye dark circles contain active ingredients like Kojic acid, Arbutin, Azelaic acid, Mulberry extract, Tyrostat, Retinoic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Niacinamide. These ingredients work by inhibiting a few enzymes needed for melanin synthesis. This slows down melanin production and results in lighter skin. A few among these ingredients also help to plump up skin under the eyes, hydrate it and reduce wrinkles.

What to do if under eye creams do not work? 

As per Dr Parwanda, if creams are not helpful in treating dark circles, then there are few treatment options that you can undergo after consulting an experienced and qualified dermatologist.

1. Chemical Peel: In this treatment several active compounds like glycolic acid and lactic acid are used to exfoliate the skin under the eyes and lighten pigmentation.

2. Lasers: Lasers like Q-Switched, Erbium Glass and CO2 are also used to treat the under-eye pigmentation. CO2 lasers also help to tighten the saggy skin and better the under-eye area.

3. Microdermabrasion: It is a very good technique to lighten up the under-eye skin. It exfoliates the skin, reduces signs of ageing, and makes the skin appear more even.

4. Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers help in improving the under-eye hollowness. These fillers are injected at a few specific points under the eye to minimise dark circles, hollows, lines, or wrinkles. They also tighten your under-eye area and make it look hydrated and plump.

5. Botulinum Toxin: Botox are injected near the eyes and eyebrows so that this area looks more rejuvenated.

6. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): In this treatment, firstly the blood of the patient is taken and then platelet rich plasma is extracted from it and injected in the area under the eyes. It helps to reduce pigmentation and improves the under-eye area.

7. DERMAFRAC: In this procedure, micro channels are created in the under eye skin and then active ingredients are infused in these channels. This also helps to reduce pigmentation and tighten the under eye skin by producing more collagen in that area.

8. Surgery: If all the above treatments prove ineffective in reducing the dark circles, then surgery can be considered. The most common surgical option is Blepharoplasty. It is a type of surgery that repairs droopy eyelids and removes excess skin, muscles and fat.

Home remedies to remove dark circles

As per Dr Parwanda, the best home remedy to treat dark circles can be made using two ingredients – Mint and Cucumber.

Mint is a soothing refreshing ingredient for the skin. It contains high levels of Vitamin C that boost collagen production due to which elasticity and firmness of the under-eye skin improves. Moreover, the menthol present in mint improves your blood circulation and the under-eye skin tone.

Cucumber, on the other hand, has high levels of Vitamin C, K and A and has many soothing and relaxing properties.

To use this remedy, first crush the mint leaves and then add a small quantity of cucumber juice in it. Now apply this pack on your under-eye area, keep it for 10-15 minutes and then wash it. For better results, repeat it 2-3 times a week.

The under-eye dark circles are among the toughest conditions on the face to treat well but with proper diagnosis and treatment selection, they can be reduced to a great extent.

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