Aging And Allergies Make Dark Circles Worse
Age-related changes to the skin is another contributor, Piliang says. The already-thin skin around the eye gets even thinner as we age, making the veins more visible. Aging also reduces the fat around the eyes.
This gives the eyes a sunken appearance and creates shadows which make the under-eye appear darker, Piliang says.
Allergies and eczema also cause dark circles, Hirsch says.
These tend to be related factors, she explains. People with eczema frequently rub the eyes because of the itch, which in turn ups the inflammation and appearance of under-eye circles. With allergies, there is often histamine release which dilates blood vesselsthe thin skin under the eyes is where you can visualize that in the body very easily.
Sometimes the makeup used to conceal or highlight dark circles can irritate the skin, making the problem worse, Hirsch says.
What Causes Allergic Shiners
Allergic shiners are caused by nasal congestion, another term for a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion happens when the tissues and blood vessels in the nose become swollen with excess fluid. A common cause of nasal congestion is allergic rhinitis, or allergies. This is often the case in children and young adults.
In an allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance like pollen or dust mites as something harmful. This substance is known as an allergen. Your immune system produces antibodies to defend your body from the allergen. The antibodies signal your blood vessels to widen and for your body to make histamine. This histamine reaction leads to allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
Allergic shiners occur when congestion in your sinuses leads to congestion in the small veins under your eyes. The blood pools under your eyes and these swollen veins dilate and darken, creating dark circles and puffiness. Any type of nasal allergy can lead to allergic shiners, including:
- an allergy to certain foods
- indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, or mold
- outdoor allergens, such as tree, grass, ragweed pollen, also known as seasonal allergies or hay fever
- cigarette smoke, pollution, perfumes, or other irritants that can make allergy symptoms worse
While allergic shiners are most often associated with allergies, other causes of nasal congestion can also lead to dark circles under the eyes. These include:
What Vitamins Are Good For Dark Under Eye Circles
When it comes to treating dark under-eye circles, skin products and moisturizers that rely on Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are all excellent options. Vitamins A, C, and E in particular help to improve overall skin health and collagen production, and Vitamin B3 can help to reduce the appearance of redness or inflammation under the eyes.
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Sleeping On Your Stomach
Sleeping face down can cause fluid to collect in the front of your face and friction between your eyes and the pillow, leading to puffiness. However, resting on your back with your head slightly elevated could prevent any friction or fluid retention around the eyes.
Learn More:Reasons Why Sleeping on Your Stomach is Bad
How To Get Rid Of Dark Under
The best way to get rid of dark under-eye circles is to determine the cause of the discoloration, and develop a treatment plan that targets the source of the dark circles. For some patients, this may mean drinking more water, using eye drops, or taking a regular antihistamine. For others, this may mean adjusting a skincare regiment or engaging in rejuvenating eye treatments, Botox®, or dermal fillers such as Restylane®, Belotero, or Juvederm®, to restore the skin to its former brightness. When you work with Dr. Green, shell be able to pin point which treatment options will best meet your needs, and develop a treatment plan optimized for your specific skin.
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How Do Dermal Fillers Worked To Treat Dark Under Eye Circles
Oftentimes, the primary cause of dark under eye circles is the natural loss of collagen that happens in the face during the aging process. As we age, our skin can lose its fullness or sag, leading to thin or translucent skin under the lower eyelid. Additionally, some patients naturally have a more hollow appearance under the eyes, which can give off the appearance of dark circles due to shadows under the eye. Dermal fillers are designed to restore collagen production and volume to the treatment area, and can be injected into the tear trough area to restore lost volume and help to reduce the appearance of darker pigment under the eyes.
For under-eye treatment, Dr. Green typically recommends the use of Restylane or Belotero Balance dermal fillers, which are both hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with a small particle size. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the body that helps aid collagen production to create more youthful-looking skin. Dermal fillers under the eye can create natural looking volume restoration, reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles: 18 Actionable Ways
Brian Melville
Dark circlesthose purplish shadows underneath your lower eyelidsare usually a naturally occurring trait and not a sign of any sort of medical condition or cause for worry. But that doesnt mean we always want them to stick around.
There are plenty of things you can do to improve your dark circles appearance and prevent them from getting worse. Waking up with puffiness in your under eye area can be an annoyance no one wants to deal with.
Check out the tips below for treatments ranging from self-care to topical solutions that target under-eye circles and bags.
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Food And Medication Allergies
Those dark circles could be sending you a message about your routines at the dinner table and the medicine cabinet. Many people suffer from food allergies, which means the body has an immune system reaction to a particular food, like nuts or dairy. Some allergic reactions cause itchy, irritated eyes, nasal congestion and swelling around the throat and nose, all of which encourage the development of dark circles.
This article has been reviewed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Emmy Graber.
Treatment For Dark Circles Under A Childs Eyes
Dark circles may not need treatment, as they might subside when the underlying cause is treated. Here are a few precautions you could take to prevent dark circles.
- If the nasal congestion is because of allergies, then identify the trigger and make sure your child stays away from it.
- Consult your doctor and follow the treatment plan if your child is diagnosed with a sinus infection or asthma.
- Treat allergic rhinitis.
- Do not apply fairness creams or skin lightening creams as they could damage the delicate skin of your children.
- Make sure your child gets a good nights sleep and nutrient-rich foods.
In addition to treating the underlying cause, you could consider trying a few home remedies that might help in soothing the skin around the eyes. Always do a patch test before trying these remedies on younger children, as some of them might cause irritation to the eye.
Also, there is little evidence to prove the effectiveness of these remedies. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before trying them out.
1. Almond oil: It is said to help in improving complexion and skin tone , so it might help in reducing the darkness around the eyes. If you are trying it, make sure the oil is pure and is free of any chemicals or other dilutions.
Image: Shutterstock
2. Cold compress: It is believed that a cold compress can help in reducing the swelling of the blood vessels under the eye, thereby helping reduce puffiness and darkness under the eyes.
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You’re Just Getting Older
A major reason why dark, sunken under-eyes become visible is due to a natural loss of volume in the facial area. Underneath the eye is a special pillow of soft tissue called the SOOF , explains Rubin. Over time, this pillow of tissue shrinks and descends, leading to a decrease in the natural volume of the under-eye, and the creation of a shadow. This is one of the most common causes of dark circles.
Whats more, she points out that, as we age, the delicate skin covering that area of tissue is also prone to losing collagen and elastin, which then leads to thinner skin and even more obvious volume loss and shadows.
To further explain, Reza Tirgari, MD, says that as volume diminishes under the eye and skin becomes thinner, the deeper capillary bed becomes more noticeable, which is why the under-eye area appears darker with age. Fortunately, this can be corrected easily and quickly with specific dermal fillers that are made for this purpose, he says, noting that, if thats your goal, it’s especially important to see a practitioner who has skill and experience with the procedure.
What Causes Dark Circles And Bags Under Your Eyes
When vessels become damaged, blood can leak out causing that familiar dark hue. When blood leakage is combined with fluid buildup, darkness often becomes more visible along with puffiness.
Many issues can cause under-eye circles and puffy eyes, and even if youre genetically predisposed to them, there are ways to diminish and potentially eliminate them without going under the knife.
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What Is The Best Way To Remove Dark Circles From Your Under Eyes
When it comes to removing dark circles from under-eyes, there are a variety of options that patients can rely on. From dermal fillers to mesopeels, from lasers to topical treatments, patients have a myriad of options to reduce the appearance of discoloration or sagging in the eye area. Though each different approach has its own benefits, there is no one best way to remove dark circles from under the eyes. The cause of the dark circle must be established in order to match the best treatment option with it. Dr. Green offers a variety of different methods to treat dark under-eye circles in order to best fit the needs of each patient, and each treatment plan is custom tailored to support your current skin condition, medical history, and aesthetic goals.
Why Is The Skin Around My Eyes So Sensitive
The skin around the eyes is very thin. This means that the slightest change in your diet or sleep schedule can cause puffiness and dark circles. Dark circles refer to the round, shadowy pigmentation of the skin underneath the eyes. In fact, dark circles are sometimes called allergic shiners meaning that allergies are often the cause for congested sinuses.
The maxillary sinuses beneath our cheekbones are intricately connected to the health of the delicate skin underneath the eyes.
Inflamed sinuses affect the normal blood flood in the capillaries behind your eyes and nasal cavities, creating swollen blood vessels. Swollen blood vessels cause the veins behind the eyes to dilate and darken, giving the appearance of dark circles. When this delicate area is constantly swelling and shrinking, the eyes can become puffy and irritated.
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You’re Experiencing Contact Dermatitis
Considering how thin your under-eye skin is, Rubin points out that its an especially delicate area for those with contact dermatitis . Unfortunately, dermatitis can then leave behind post-inflammatory changes that contribute to the appearance of dark circles, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation , she adds. The best way to combat PIH under the eyes is to address the cause of the dermatitis, whether it is seeking patch testing or modifying your skincare routine to avoid irritation.
How To Treat Dark Under
As dark under-eye circles are often an inherited trait, some children can develop discoloration under the eyes at a very young age. However, for most young children, under-eye discoloration is typically caused by nasal congestion due to allergies, atopic dermatitis, eczema, lack of sleep, dehydration, or a combination of the three. If your child is presenting with severe dark under-eye circles, contact a health care provider to help determine what the underlying cause may be.
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Why Do Dark Circles Under The Eyes Happen
Dark circles under the eyes are commonly caused by thinning skin or from swelling and enlarged blood vessels.
Dark circles often develop when you havent slept in a while. Lack of sleep can also cause puffiness, or eye bags, under your eyes. Allergies are another common cause of dark circles. Others include trauma to the eye, low thyroid levels, and loose skin around the eyes.
Some people are more likely to get dark circles under their eyes due to genetics. In people with darker-toned skin, under-eye circles may be caused by a true darkening of skin pigment in the area, which is a condition called periorbital hyperpigmentation.
Risk factors for dark circles:
- Chronic insomnia
Many treatments for dark circles are simple, such as getting more sleep and applying creams to help firm and brighten the under-eye area. Stronger treatments, including chemical peels and laser therapy, may be recommended by your dermatologist.
Pro Tip
When you use skin creams with hyaluronic acid or hydroquinone, be careful not to get them in your eyes! If you do, please get medical attention. Dr. Ben Hagopian
Who Gets Allergic Shiners
Anyone who reacts to common hay fever allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander, has the potential to develop an allergic shiner. However, they are typically more common in children.
One popular theory is that children arent as good at clearing out their nasal passages as adolescents and adults. They might wipe their nose or sniff and snort but not blow properly blow their nose, resulting in persistent congestion that might contribute to allergic shiners, Dr. Kader says.
In addition to allergic shiners, children tend to do an upward rubbing of their nose with the palm of their hand, dubbed the allergic salute.This can create an allergic nasal crease that shows up as a distinct horizontal skin folder over the lower part of the nose, adds Dr. Kader.
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Microneedling To Treat Dark Circles
An excellent way to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles is through the use of microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy. Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment option that uses tiny pinpricks to activate the bodys natural wound-healing processes, thus leading to increased collagen production and rejuvenated skin. Microneedling can be combined with platelet-rich plasma to use a patients own growth factors and nutrients to further nourish and revitalize the skin. As Dr. Green explains in her interview with RealSelf, Growth factors are what our cells use to heal and regenerate healthy tissue, so this procedure is great for the under-eyes, to correct superficial lines and wrinkles.
One of the most popular devices used for microneedling is Vivace RF Microneedling, which incorporates radiofrequency energy to simultaneously boost collagen and elastin within the dermis. Over the course of three treatments spaced four weeks apart, patients can see a brightening effect on the skin, as well as a reduction of fine lines and puffiness around the eyes.
Lightening Products And Sunscreen To Treat Dark Circles
Sometimes, the darkness is above and on the skin, rather than coming from beneath it. A lightening product containing Vitamin C, licorice extract, and kojic acid could help alleviate some of the darkness because they inhibit melanin production, which is known to cause darker skin. We also suggest wearing sunscreen designed for the face to prevent further sun damage and pigmentation.
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How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles: Medical Treatments
There are several medical options for dark circles treatment. These techniques can be highly effective at improving the appearance of dark circles.
Surgery is not one of them. A lower blepharoplasty rids the lower lid of fat, however, it does not address the discoloration.
Fillers placed near the tear trough adds volume and really diminishes the dark appearance under the eye. Although this technique is highly effective, it is only temporary. The dark circles injection is usually composed of hyaluronic acid.
Laser A skilled laser technician using a laser known to successfully treat vascular issues near the eyes could be an option. However, I suggest you do some research on what lasers would be most effective as well as making sure your laser tech is well versed in the intended laser as well as technique.
Chemical Peels There are a number of different chemical peels, and some are known to temporarily lighten dark circles. These chemical peels range from mild to moderate to deep. A chemical peel uses alpha hydroxy acid, gently spreading it on your face to remove the top layers of skin. There are light, moderate, and deep peels. The deeper peels lead to more redness on the face and a longer recovery period for the skin after the treatment. These can be effective at removing dark circles and making the skin and eyes more youthful, as it has anti-aging benefits.
Vbeam Laser Treatment For Blood Vessels Under Eyes
The Vbeam laser is an innovative skin resurfacing laser that is designed to reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation of the skin. It is a pulsed dye laser which utilizes laser energy at a wavelength of 595 nanometers that passes through the superficial layers of the skin and is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels themselves, and not the skin. In this way, the Vbeam laser can treat broken blood vessels, rosacea, acne, acne scars, and sun damage or pigmentation. The Vbeam is designed to be safe to use on patients with sensitive skin, and is often used in the treatment of rosacea and eczema. When applied to the under-eye area, the V-beam laser is able to reduce the size of enlarged blood vessels, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark pigment under the surface of the skin. Additionally, Dr. Green uses the newest V-Beam laser technology, the V-Beam Perfecta, which offers additional success in reducing the appearance of sun spots, discoloration due to sun exposure.
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