Dark Circles

Dark circles or black circles under the eyes are rarely caused by temporary circumstances and are more difficult to treat than bags under the eyes. They are often the result of some combination of the following: lack of sleep, chronic stress, menstrual disorders, pregnancy, poor diet and medications.

Dark circles, also called dark rings or shadows, can be described as the darkening of the skin between the lower eyelid and the top of the cheek. These shadows can affect men and women in their adulthood, though kids can also develop dark circles. As you grow older, the skin under your eyes becomes thinner and loses collagen. This augments the appearance of blood vessels beneath the eyes and makes the area seem darker than it is.

Most of us try our best to avoid getting dark circles, because they usually make us look tired, exhausted, unhealthy and maybe even old. We also tend to assume that a person who has dark circles isnt getting enough sleep during the day. However, dark circles are not necessarily a sign of fatigue, insomnia or any serious illness. There are several different factors that could cause you to develop dark rings under the eyes.

At times, shadows under the eyes crop up suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. This usually occurs when you are suffering from a mild reaction to dust to animal dander, or perhaps if you are under the weather. However, in some cases, dark circles develop over a period of time and may not go away. This is usually an indication of anemia or chronic dehydration.

Dark circles are almost never a cause for concern, though if youd like to get rid of the unsightly shadows under your eyes, it is best for you to consult a dermatologist as soon as they appear. Your dermatologist may recommend a wide range of topical products, home remedies, dietary changes and skincare tips, to lighten the dark circles. However, if these options do not yield the desired results, you could also choose to opt for laser therapy or surgery.

In case you notice the sudden appearance of a dark circle under one eye only, it is best to seek prompt medical care.

Causes of Dark Circles
Many people wonder why they have dark circles in spite of getting an adequate amount of rest and sleep each day. However, there are several different factors that could cause you to develop dark rings under the eyes, some of which include:

Diseases, Disorders and Medical Conditions
•Orbital or peri-orbital cellulitis (an invasive eye infection)
•Irregularities in pigmentation, mainly evident in Asian and Black populations
•Dehydration
•Allergies
•Malnutrition
•Anemia
•Traumatic Factors

Injuries in and around the eyes
•Eye surgery
•Facial surgery (nasal surgery or plastic surgery procedures)
•Rubbing or scratching the eyes too hard
•Fracture of the nose, face, bones around the eyes, or the skull
•General and Lifestyle Causes

Excess stress
•Deep set eyes
•Genetic or inherited factors
•Crying excessively
•High consumption of alcohol, caffeine or sodium
•Smoking
•Fatigue
•Use of certain medicines, like birth control pills
•Ageing
•Thinning of the skin as well as loss of fat and collagen in the area around the eyes
•Exposure to the sun for a prolonged period of time could also increase the production of melanin mainly around the eyes, which darkens the area considerably.

•In order to treat dark circles appropriately, your skin specialist will need to first identify the exact causes.

Remedies for Dark Circles
In case the discoloration under eyes is severe or worsens with time, your doctor may advise you to undergo medical treatment options like:
•Laser therapy and chemical peels to reduce or erase discoloration
•Injectable fillers to smooth hollows under eyes
•Surgery to eliminate puffiness in the eyelids
Unfortunately, the results of these options are not always perfect and therefore, you need to discuss all the possible outcomes with your doctor before you decide to go in for them.

If your doctor determines that the dark rings under eyes are not caused by a medical concern, you may just be advised to follow simple self-care steps. The home treatment for bags under eyes usually includes natural cures like:

•Cold Therapy: Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft napkin and place it under your eyes. This reduces the dilation and discoloration in the blood vessels. Instead of an ice pack, you could also try a bag of frozen peas, a chilled teabag and a cold spoon.
•Cucumber Slices: This happens to be one of the most commonly used remedies for reducing puffiness and dark circles, as it immediately refreshes the skin around your eyes. Apply a thick slice of chilled cucumber on each eye and just relax for about 15 to 20 minutes. For best results, use this remedy every day.
•Elevation: Place two or more pillows under your head when you sleep or take a nap. This prevents the puffiness that occurs when liquid gathers in the lower eyelid
•Shades and Sunscreen: In the short term, a tan may hide your dark circles, but as tan wears off your shadows may be more prominent than before. To prevent this, protect your skin from extra pigmentation
•Saline Spray: Relieve your nasal congestion by rinsing your sinuses with a saltwater solution or an over the counter saline spray. This should help alleviate dark circles
•Potato: There are natural bleaching agents present in potato that can help lighten the dark circles and get rid of the puffiness around the eyes. Grate two small chilled potatoes and apply it on to your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing your eyelids off with cool water.
•Sleep: While lack of sleep may not necessarily cause dark circles, it could cause you to appear pale, which makes the dark circles on your skin stand out more evidently. To avoid this, make sure that you get at least 8 hours of sleep each day.