These bags under the eyes are rarely a cause for concern, but people may want to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, they may indicate the need for lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits or diet. Read the article below to learn how to combat and prevent this skin problem called dark circles.
Contents:
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What are dark circles?
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Types of dark circles
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Circumcision causes
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How to get rid of dark circles - simple dark circles remedies
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Dark circles treatment
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What routine to adopt to prevent dark circles
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Circles in children
What are dark circles?
Dark circles, those dark or puffy bags under the eyes that are visible just below the lower eyelid, are common in many people. They appear when the skin under both eyes takes on a dark shade. It should be noted that dark circles are different from bruises caused by injuries or inflammation of the eyes caused by infections.
Types of dark circles
Depending on their cause and appearance, these dark circles can be of several types.
- Type of vascular dark circles/eggplant dark circles under the eyes - caused by poor microcirculation of blood and lymphatic fluid around the eye. The lymph ensures the drainage of the blood and its good circulation. A weak lymphatic system will not properly remove pigments from the blood. This pigment accumulates under the eyes, being one of the thinnest layers of the skin, and gives it a darker appearance than the rest of the skin. If the area under your eyes has a bluish color or if you have a persistently blocked nose, you may have dark circles under your eyes.
- Pigmented dark circles type - appear when there is an overproduction or poor distribution of melanin in the skin. The epidermis and dermis are very thin around the eyes, which makes excess pigments very visible. If the area under the eyes has a brown color, pigmentation may be the cause. Look for vitamin C , kojic acids, arbutin and hydroquinone when shopping for an eye cream. These ingredients reduce melanin production and brighten the under-eye area, helping you get rid of dark circles around the eyes. Make sure you wear SPF all over your face, including the eye area!
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Black / dark circles - created when the area under the eyes is sunken or protrudes, creating a shadow that gives the appearance of dark skin. This is usually due to aging, extreme weight loss, or facial bone structure. This particular type of dark circles under the eyes is more difficult to treat. For those with deep-set eyes, try a retinol eye cream that will have a skin-thickening effect, reducing the appearance of the hollow area.
There is also a type of mixed dark circles , which appear as a result of the combination of those listed above .
What are the causes of dark circles?
The appearance of dark circles is due to several factors that affect the appearance and structure of the skin. Here are the most common causes.
Genetic inheritance
Family history also plays a role in the appearance of dark circles. It can be an inherited trait, visible from early childhood and getting worse as you get older, or it can slowly disappear. Predispositions to other medical conditions - such as thyroid disease - can also lead to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Age
As you age, you're more prone to developing bags under your eyes because your skin becomes thinner. You also lose the fat and collagen needed to keep your skin elastic. As this happens, the blood vessels under the skin become more visible, causing the area under the eyes to darken, which later turns into dark circles under the eyes.
Fatigue
Oversleeping, extreme fatigue, or even spending a few hours past your normal bedtime can lead to dark circles. Lack of sleep will cause the skin to become pale, causing the dark tissues and blood vessels under the skin to appear. Lack of sleep can also cause fluid to build up under the eyes, making them look puffy. As a result, the dark circles you'll get may actually be shadows formed by your puffy eyelids.
Eye fatigue
Not only physical fatigue can cause this problem. Looking at TV or a computer or phone screen can cause significant eye strain. Excessive time spent in this mode can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to enlarge. As a result, the skin around the eyes will darken, forming dark circles.
Overexposure to the sun
Excessive sun exposure can cause your body to produce an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Too much sun – especially for your eyes – can cause the surrounding skin pigment to darken, facilitating a brown color around the eyes.
Allergies
Allergen reactions and dry eyes can cause dark circles under the eyes. When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines in response to harmful agents. In addition to causing uncomfortable symptoms—such as itching, redness, and puffy eyes—histamines also cause blood vessels to dilate, making them more visible under the skin. In addition, allergies can increase the need to rub and scratch the skin due to the itching sensation around the eyes. These actions can worsen your symptoms, causing inflammation and rupture of blood vessels, which causes dark shadows or even dark circles under the eyes.
Dehydration
This is one of the most common causes for the formation of deep dark circles. When your body doesn't get the proper amount of water, your skin starts to look dull and your eyes look sunken. This is due to their proximity to the bone structure.
How to get rid of dark circles - simple dark circles remedies
People can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes with simple home remedies.
Although some of these remedies for dark circles and puffy eyes may have little effectiveness, they are worth trying because they are affordable and do not produce side effects.
People can make sure they get enough quality sleep each night to help reduce or prevent dark circles under the eyes. Elevating your head on extra pillows can help reduce them and the inflammation around your eyes.
Facial massages
Dark circles under the eyes - sleep from poor circulation around the eyes. Gentle massage around the eye area with a facial massager can help improve circulation.
Application of cucumber slices
With this method, you can soothe tired eyes and reduce swelling. Cucumber's high water and vitamin C content can help nourish and hydrate deep dark circles. Cucumber also contains silicon, which is essential for healthy tissue.
Tea bags
Tea bags can help reduce puffy dark circles and bags under the eyes. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties and stimulates blood circulation around the eyes. You can boil two tea bags in water before letting them cool, and then place them on each eye. If you keep boiled tea bags in the fridge first, you can benefit from a cooling effect on the eyes. It is advisable to use black, green or herbal tea bags, these are known remedies for puffy dark circles and bags under the eyes.
Cold compresses
Applying a cold compress to the eyes will constrict the blood vessels and reduce the dark appearance of those dark circles under the eyes.
Antioxidant skin care products
Dark circles creams and eye products that contain antioxidants can help reduce dark circles. Vitamins E and C are antioxidants used for a dark circles treatment.
makeup
Although it won't completely change these dark circles, it's often helpful to use a concealer in the eye area to reduce the visibility of dark areas.
Dark circles treatment
If home remedies do not get rid of these dark circles under your eyes, it is recommended to consult your family doctor or dermatologist for advice on medical treatment. Ceracin treatment options include those listed below.
Topical creams
Whitening creams can help reduce hyperpigmentation. These may include:
- hydroquinone
- tretinoin
- a combination of both
It may take hydroquinone application for at least 3 months to see an effect.
Azelaic acid
You can also turn to azelaic acid to combat the effect of hyperpigmentation under the eyes and it is safe to use for long periods.
Topical vitamin C
Several studies have analyzed the effects of vitamin C lotion with a concentration of 10% in a dark circles treatment, during half a year. This solution was effective in brightening the dark skin under the eyes.
Kojic acid
An intriguing blackhead treatment is kojic acid. It is a natural product obtained from two different species of mushrooms. Despite the effectiveness, it is important to know that among the side effects are contact dermatitis and reddening of the skin.
Chemical peels
By using alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid , chemical peels can help reduce hyperpigmentation under the eyes. You can also use chemical peels in combination with topical creams to combat dark circles under the eyes.
laser
Deep circles - reduced by laser therapy. Less invasive laser procedures, such as pulsed dye or diode lasers, may reduce the risk of scarring or other potential side effects.
Treatment with fillers
Fillers may be a suitable option if these dark circles are caused by thinning skin or loss of fat tissue. Among the solutions are plasma or gel injections with hyaluronic acid in the area under the lower eyelid.
Surgical intervention
Blepharoplasty is a surgical intervention designed to get rid of puffy dark circles, which are due to deposits of fat or extra skin around the eye area. This area of the skin is very sensitive, so you should always find out what the possible side effects are for any type of procedure or treatment. You should also make sure that you go to a licensed dermatologist for any procedures. If you are taking certain medications, such as bimatoprost for glaucoma, the bruised color under your eyes will disappear after you stop using it.
What routine to adopt to prevent dark circles
As you can see, there are many solutions to fade the appearance of dark or puffy skin under the eyes, but it's important to have a care routine that you follow consistently to combat the long-term problem of dark circles under the eyes. Here are the steps to follow and their order.
Use a mild cleaning solution.
Since the area under the eyes is sensitive and very delicate, keeping it free of impurities and carefully removing eye makeup prevents irritation. So, make sure you use gentle cleansers with the eye area.
Reduce dark circles by hydrating with a special eye cream.
Treats dehydration by fading deep dark circles and bags under the eyes. It is recommended to use a special dark circles cream that contains anti-aging ingredients such as vitamins A and C, as they improve the appearance of fine lines and brighten the eye area. Apply the product using the dabbing technique instead of rubbing or massaging. This will help the skin absorb the cream without stretching or damaging the delicate skin in this area.
Add a booster.
For a more effective and refreshing eye care routine, at this stage you can include a booster to further reduce the appearance of those dark circles and bags under the eyes. Combine with your favorite serum or moisturizer, then apply to your face and neck for an overall brighter, more youthful look.
Use sunscreen.
This is a step that should be in everyone's skin care routine, especially for people who are dealing with dark circles. On the days when you leave the house, finish the application of care products by applying an SPF solution with a factor higher than 30. The delicate skin around the eyes is affected by ultraviolet rays, so you should never skip this step.
Rehydrate throughout the day.
When your eyes feel dry during the day, rehydrate and revitalize them by applying a hydrating spray. Also, make sure you drink enough water to reduce those deep dark circles.
Remove your makeup every night.
Another mandatory measure when you have dark circles is to remove makeup and pollutants that your skin has come into contact with throughout the day. In the evening, a two-step cleansing is necessary. Therefore, use the cleansing solution first and then the gentle skin cleanser.
Once you identify the type of dark circles and the cause of their appearance, it will be easier to take steps to fade the dark appearance. Apply the recommendations and routine described above, to enjoy a bright complexion, without aesthetic problems such as dark circles!
Circles in children
These dark circles in children are a common concern among adults, but it is surprising to see this condition in little ones . Brown color around the eyes in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lack of sleep, allergies and poor nutrition.
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Genetics play a significant role in the development of dark circles in children, as some of them may inherit a tendency to have thinner skin under the eyes.
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Circles in children can still be observed if the little one is tired. When children don't get enough sleep, their blood vessels dilate, causing the skin under the eyes to appear darker.
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Allergies can also cause dark circles in children. Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and congestion, which can lead to bags under the eyes.
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Finally, poor nutrition can contribute to dark circles in children. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can cause skin to become pale and dull, making dark circles more visible.
It is important for parents to address the issue and take appropriate measures to alleviate dark circles in children. Little ones should follow a balanced diet and an optimal amount of sleep each night, which varies according to their age, but which are beneficial for the prevention of dark circles. Additionally, parents should identify and address any allergies their child may have. This may involve consulting with a healthcare professional and implementing an appropriate treatment plan.
In some cases, these dark circles in children may not be easily resolved, but only through lifestyle changes. If dark circles persist or worsen despite efforts to improve sleep, address allergies, and provide a nutritious diet, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist. These professionals can assess the child's overall health and provide additional guidance or recommend specific treatments for children's dark circles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles are those dark or puffy areas that appear under the eyes and can be caused by lack of sleep, stress, unbalanced diet or genetic predisposition. They can be managed by getting adequate rest, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy diet.
What does it mean if I have dark circles?
If you have dark circles, it means that the area under your eyes is dark or puffy, and this can be caused by lack of sleep, stress, poor diet or genetic predisposition.
What should I do if I have dark circles?
If you have dark circles, you can try to get more sleep, reduce stress, eat healthy and hydrate properly. Sometimes specific creams or cosmetic treatments can help, but you can also talk to a doctor if you have concerns or persistent dark circles.
Why do dark circles appear in children?
In children, dark circles can appear for various reasons, such as lack of sleep, allergies, or genetic inheritance. Sometimes they can be signs of a medical condition, such as anemia or skin health problems. It is important to talk to a doctor to determine the cause and receive the appropriate recommendations.