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How to Reduce Dark Circles:16 Ways of Treatments and Causes

How to Reduce Dark Circles under Eyes

Everyone wants to know how to reduce dark circles but first we must know the actual meaning of it. Dark circles are those shadowy discolorations or darker pigmentation that usually appears beneath the lower eyelids. They vary in different colors like brown, blue, black and purple. It can also be known as a beauty concern.

Types of Dark Circles

Following are the different types of dark circles found in people. Some types are harmless but other types might be dangerous.

Pigmented dark circles

It occurred because of  genetics, allergies and a lot of sun exposure. It appears in brownish or reddish color and is caused by excess production of melanin in the area under eye.

Vascular dark circles

It appears in purplish or bluish discolorations. The main reason is poor blood circulation causing dilated blood vessels showing through the thin under-eye skin. This can be due to fatigue, dehydration and any kind of allergies.

Hereditary Dark Circles

These circles can be brown, black and blue but the main feature is they appear early in life and it’s inherited from the genetics. While harder to treat than non-hereditary circles, good skincare and lifestyle habits can still improve their appearance.

Sun Damage-induced Dark Circles

Excessive sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation causing brown circles to form under the eyes. Consistent use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is crucial for preventing and minimizing this type of dark circle.

Causes of Dark Circles

The question is how to reduce dark circles so before coming to it, we must know about the factors which develop dark circles under eyes.

Dehydration

Dehydration causes skin under your eyes to become dull and loses its elasticity. This leads to the formation of dark circles, the darker the circles the more they will be prominent. 

Insomnia

When you are not sleeping enough or when you are experiencing poor sleep quality then the blood vessels will dilate. This way dark circles will form under eyes in bluish or purplish shade.

Genetics

Some people inherited from their family genes about high production of melanin (hyperpigmentation) that cause dark circles under eyes. This problem cant be resolved completely, however it can be reduced through different precautions and techniques.

Allergies 

dark circles under eyes

Seasonal allergies or chronic conditions can cause inflammation, congestion and dryness triggering puffy eyes and dark circles. People usually start rubbing eyes due to itching which may also affect eyes and skin under it. 

 

Age factor

As we get older, the skin starts losing its fatness, strength leading to the blood vessels to become more visible. The areas around the eyes become more dark and decolorize.

 

Excessive Use of Devices

how to reduce dark circles

Every individual is dependent on mobiles, laptops and tabs. The excessive usage leads to the strain of eyes and disturb sleep causing dark circles to produce around the eyes. 

Sun Damage

Overexposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to hyperpigmentation causing brown circles to form under the eyes. Sun protection is crucial for preventing and minimizing this type of dark circle.

Poor Diet

Fluid retention, a potential consequence of a high-salt diet can lead to puffiness and swelling under the eyes. This puffiness can exacerbate the appearance of existing dark circles. Additionally nutritional deficiencies particularly of iron or vitamin K may contribute to the formation of dark circles.

 

How does smoking cause dark circles?

Smoking delivers a double whammy to the delicate under-eye area contributing to the formation of dark circles. Nicotine which is a key component in cigarettes, constricts blood vessels, hindering oxygen flow and making the skin appear dull. Additionally, the multitude of toxins present in cigarettes break down collagen and elastin, the very proteins responsible for maintaining skin’s plumpness and youthful elasticity. This loss of elasticity allows blood vessels to become more visible, manifesting as bluish or purplish circles under the eyes.

Dark Circles Medical Treatment

The main solution to reduce dark circles can be done through medical treatment. Following are the list of treatments.

 

Hydraulic Acid Fillers

how to reduce dark circles

The injectable fillers plump the area under the eyes and make the shadow smooth,lowering the visibility of dark cells caused by loss of volume. This way the skin under the eyes gets shiny and colorful.

 

Bleaching Creams

This makes the hyperpigmentation lighter and lighter caused by dark circles. Examples include hydroquinone and azelaic acid.

 

Laser Therapy

how to reduce dark circles

Laser therapy for dark circles utilizes concentrated beams of light to target specific concerns in the delicate under-eye area. There are different types of therapies that operate against dark circles. Fractional laser therapy is done through microscopic laser beams which improves the texture of skin, reduces pigmentation and tightens it. It promotes the growth of new and  healthy skin cells and controls dead cells of skin. 

 

Q-switched lasers fire rapid bursts of light to shatter pigment clusters. This targeted approach can break down melanin causing brown dark circles, offering customization for different types. Pulsed dye laser therapy works like a zap gun for blood vessels. Short bursts of light target these vessels, shrinking them and reducing the redness associated with vascular dark circles. This treatment is ideal for circles caused by leaky or dilated blood vessels under the eyes.

 

Radio Frequency Treatment

It stimulates collagen production by using controlled heat energy. This also increases the elasticity of skin and makes it more smoother. 

 

Blepharoplasty Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a fancy term for eyelid surgery. It trims away extra skin, puffy fat bags or loose muscles under the eyes. This can make the area smoother and reduce shadows that create dark circles. It’s a more lasting fix for circles caused by these puffiness issues.

 

Home Remedies for Treating Dark Circles

Here is the list of home remedies for the treatment of dark circles.

 

Aloe Vera

how to reduce dark circles

Aloe vera’s coolness and moisture can help reduce puffiness under the eyes which sometimes shadows the area and makes dark circles look worse. The vitamins in it might also slightly improve skin tone but results are likely subtle. Apply fresh aloe vera gel under your eyes for a natural remedy.

 

Cucumber

how to reduce dark circles

Cucumbers effectiveness is debatable because it contains useful vitamins and antioxidants. The coolness of a chilled cucumber can reduce puffiness which sometimes creates shadows that exaggerate dark circles. Apply fresh raw cucumbers in slice form under the eyes and wait for 15 minutes. Remove it and wash your face with clean water.

 

Ice Packs

how to reduce dark circles

Ice packs can be a quick fix for dark circles. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and temporarily minimizing the shadows that make dark circles appear darker. Wrap crushed ice in a thin cloth and apply it gently to the under-eye area for 10-15 minutes. 

Potatoes

how to reduce dark circles

The natural bleaching agents and antioxidants in potatoes reduce dark circles. 

How to use it? Wrap a chill slice of potato in the cloth, and place it on your area under eye for 10-15 minutes. Then remove it and face it with clean water. 

Tea Leaves

how to reduce dark circles under eyes

Green or Chamomile tea leaves are one of the best home remedies for the treatment of dark circles. It contains caffeine which reduces fluid retention and shrinks blood vessels to make dark circles invisible.  Use the chilled tea leaves which are wrapped in the bag and place them on closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process regularly.

 

How to Treat Dark Circles Naturally?

Following is the list to reduce dark circles naturally.

 

Rose Water

how to reduce dark circles under eyes

The astringent and soothing properties of rose water gives people relief from dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness under the eyes. It can be used for treating all kinds of skin. Use chilled rose water and soak cotton eye pads in it. Then gently apply on the dark circles for a maximum 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure daily.   

 

Sunscreen

how to reduce dark circles under eyes

Sunscreen helps the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of sun. Daily use SPF 30+ sunscreen around the eye to avoid dark circles.  

 

Yoga to Remove Dark Circles

how to reduce dark circles

Yoga improves blood circulation all over the body by doing different poses. The circulation around the body reduces dark circles. Stress causes dark circles so when we do yoga, we get relaxation and we manage stress levels. Some yoga supports lymphatic drainage which is the body’s natural waste removal system. Better lymphatic drainage will reduce fluid buildup under the eyes which will lead to less dark circles. Make a routine of doing yoga practice daily in the morning.

 

How Regular Sleep Reduces Dark Circles?

how to reduce dark circles

When we sleep, our body relaxes and at that moment skin cells repair and regenerate. The flow of blood fastens in which toxins are flush out resulting in reduction of inflammation. The right amount of sleep makes it oxygenate, hydrate and promotes skin health under the eye and makes it brighter. 

 

How Women Conceal Dark Circles?

Women are much more conscious about dark circles under eyes so they use different methods of concealing.

 

Concealer Weapon 

how to reduce dark circlesWomen use concealers that camouflage the dark circles. Select the concealer which matches the color tone of the skin and apply it on dark circles. Gently rub with the brush and make sure all the area is covered with it. It’s a quick process of removing dark circles.

Color Correction

Color correctors are used by women to cover up the wrinkles or dark circles under eyes. Mostly they use orange or peach shade which matches with the color of skin. 

 

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Sources

Huda Beauty

DERMAdoctor

Glowday

CareHospitals

PharmEasy

 

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