Compiled & Medically reviewed by
Dr.Sanjana.V.B. Bhms. Dbrm.Cdn

How to get rid of dark circles around your eyes [ periorbital dark circles]

  Dark circles around eyes are one of the most worrying problems for both men and women ,as it can affect the beauty of the whole face and your confidence as these dark circles may cause a tired, aged and even sad appearance.

The medical term for dark circles is periorbital hyperpigmentation and it is a very commonly found problem and various causes are there for its occurrence.

Periorbital hyperpigmentation is defined medically as bilateral, homogeneous hyperchromic macules and patches primarily involving the lower eyelids but also sometimes extending towards the upper eyelids, eyebrows, malar regions, temporal regions and lateral nasal root.

What are the causes of dark circles around or under the eyes?

  Dark circles around the eyes may be arising from multiple causes. It may be seen right from puberty and in adulthood in some people. It could be familial and more prominently seen in some particular ethnic groups. Although non-white skinned people are more prone to develop dark circles due to hyperpigmentation, it is more troublesome for white skinned people as it becomes more clear in blue, brown colours around their eyes. Genetic predisposition /constitutional factors play a major role in the occurrence of dark circles in many people.

 It can be due to constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or from thinning of the skin around the eyes as part of ageing changes or sun induced damage.

Nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia from iron deficiency also contribute to it. Dark circles may appear as purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on your skin color and changes happening beneath it.

 According to popular belief, the most common cause of dark circle is lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits.  Although it could be one of the various causes, many other risk factors and causes are responsible for changing the colour of skin around the eyes.

        Causes of dark circles

·       Anemia from iron deficiency

·       Sun light induced hyperpigmentation and damage to the skin around eyes.

·       Allergies

Allergic reactions can cause fluid buildup around your eyes and that may eventually lead to dark circles and swelling.

·       Constant rubbing of the eyes

·       Smoking

·       Genetic predisposition

·       Ageing  

Skin ageing related changes of the face include a loss of elasticity and turgor as a result of collagen and/or elastin loss. Furthermore, thinning of the skin, dyschromia, telangiectasia, seborrhoeic changes and actinic changes contribute to ageing of the skin. It can affect eye orbits and skin around it also.

·       Thyroid dysfunction

·       Dehydration from poor water intake

·       Skin diseases - Inflammation from various conditions including atopy and contact dermatitis may also lead to hyperpigmentation.

·        Some medications  eg: Eye drop treatment for glaucoma, Medications such as oral contraceptives or ophthalmic prostaglandin F2a use have been found to cause pigmentation.

                How to get rid of dark circles?

·        Ensure that you get adequate sleep every day and rest for eye muscles.

·       Cold compress- It is thought that cold compresses [green tea ice packs ,cold cucumber slices ] can help to reduce hyperpigmentation  in some cases.

·       Concealers and cosmeceuticals are the least invasive option for the treatment of dark circles as a method of hiding the dark circles temporarily.

·       Wearing UV protection sunglasses that cover around the eyes and wearing sunscreen around the eyes can help to prevent or reduce dark circles.

·       Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can enhance the pace of aging process of the body and hence increase the risk of dark circles.

·       Medical management

1.    Topical creams – certain eye creams are helpful to reduce hyper pigmentation. Some of the bleaching creams include hydroquinone,tretinoin. Use these creams only under the direction from a dermatologist.

2.    Chemical peels

 Most of the chemical peels are using alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid. In some types of dark circles ,peels may help in combination with other methods.

3.    Lasers

Lasers are less invasive procedures, such as pulsed dye or diode lasers. These can lessen the risk of scarring or other potential side effects and help to lighten the dark circles.

4.    Natural Antioxidant rich eye packs

·       Applying   frozen cold cucumber slices to the eyes may help to reduce fatigue of eyes as well as dark circles. Vitamin C content of cucumber may help to nourish and moisturize the skin. Vitamin C is a natural anti-oxidant which help to reduce hyperpigmentation from sun induced and oxidative stress mediated damage.

·       Green tea is a natural antioxidant and applying cold green tea bags are useful for removing dark circles and tiredness of eyes. It can also improve the health of skin under the eyes.

 Eye packs for managing dark circle -Home remedies

·      Coffee, honey and Vitamin E oil mixture 

         Mix 2 tsp coffee powder with some water then add 2 tsp honey and 1 tsp Vitamin E oil into it. Stir well. Dip some cotton pads into this and freeze them covered in a clean polythene bag. Take out the cool cotton pads and keep them over your eyelids for around 15-20 minutes.

       Coffee will give you an instantly whitened look. However, for better results apply it regularly. Coffee grounds make a great exfoliant. Caffeic acid, an antioxidant, may boost collagen levels and reduce the premature aging of cells.

       Vitamin E is a wonderful, nourishing antioxidant for the under eye skin. It may help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and hyperpigmentation causing damages to skin and blood vessels. Honey helps to moisturize your periorbital skin. It can keep the skin juvenile and retards wrinkle formation, regulates pH and prevents pathogen infections.

·      Cucumber, rose water eye pack 

 Grind half of a small cucumber in a blender and strain out the juice. Mix it with rose water well. Let it to cool for some time in the refrigerator. Once cooled, dip a cotton ball in it and leave it on your eyelid for around 30 minutes.

   This eye pack is soothing to the tired eyes and cucumber juice can reduce dark circles and moisturize the skin around your eyes. Cucumber extract has  anti-sebum secretion, bleaching and moisturizing effects.

·      Aloe Vera gel ,vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil eye cream 

       Mix well 1tbs aloe Vera gel with 1 tsp  sweet almond oil,1 tsp vitamin E oil.

Apply it around the lids and under eyes.

Massage gently with ring finger for 3 minutes. Leave it for 30 minutes.

Do this moisturizing antioxidant eye cream massage every morning for better results.

References [sources of research data]

1.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924417/

2.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969674/

3.    https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/getauthorversionpdf/c3ay41807c

4.   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260228305_Exploring_cucumber_extract_for_skin_rejuvenation