The skin under your eyes is one of the most delicate and thinnest patches of skin in your body. The area consists of finely textured dermal and epidermal cells with no oil glands, which makes it highly vulnerable to shadows, rings, and dark circles. Technically, these blemishes occur due to changes in the capillaries – tiny blood vessels – beneath the eyes. They can make you look older and more tired than you are, causing you to feel self-conscious about your appearance.
If you regularly form dark circles under your eyes, understanding what causes them is the first step to seeking Homecrest medspa treatment. Here is a look at possible reasons behind your dark circles.
Genetics
Sometimes, dark circles run in the family, with people with relatives with dark circles more likely to develop them. This hereditary trait may result from excess melanin that causes several problems with pigmentation or blood vessel abnormalities or a predisposition to medical conditions like thyroid disease. Over time, the circles may get darker or lighter, depending on how the problem presents itself.
Aging
Aging is the most common cause of dark circles under the eyes. The skin under your eyes gets looser and thinner as you grow older, making the blood vessels more visible. Consequently, this area may appear darker. You may also develop tear troughs with age, which are hollowed sections that develop between your lower eyelid and upper cheek. Tear troughs make puffy eyes more prominent and cause shadows.
Fatigue and Eye Strain
Many people notice that they develop dark circles when they fail to get enough sleep or get too much sleep. Extreme fatigue and oversleeping can cause fluid buildup in your lower eyelids, which can cause them to appear puffy. In this case, the dark circles you see may actually be shadows cast by your eyelids. Lack of sleep or straining your eyes during screen time can also strain your eyes and cause the blood vessels around them to get bigger and darken the skin.
Sun Overexposure and Dehydration
When your body is dehydrated, you may notice that your eyes appear sunken and dull. This effect is due to the fact that your eyes are very close to the underlying bone and lack of water causes the skin to lose elasticity. You may experience similar effects from sun exposure, when the excess UV radiation forces your skin to produce more melanin and cause pigmentation around your eyes.
Allergies
Eye dryness and allergic reactions can cause dark circles. Allergies trigger your body to release histamines, which can cause symptoms like puffy eyes, redness, and itchiness. Moreover, histamines can cause blood vessel dilation, which can make them more visible. They can also increase your urge to scratch and rub the skin around your eyes, breaking your blood vessels and darkening your skin.
How Are Dark Circles Treated?
There are many ways to address dark circles depending on the cause. Initially, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like getting quality sleep and reducing your salt intake. They may also recommend a cold compress for when your eyes are puffy. If your dark circles are caused by the skin around your eyes thinning, your provider may recommend fillers to improve collagen production and reduce pigmentation. Alternatively, they may provide radiofrequency energy treatments to stimulate blood circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Learn more today by calling a provider near you.
