Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes and Their Treatment

Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes and Their Treatment

Dark circles under and around the eyes are among the most common cosmetic concerns. They usually do not indicate a serious medical problem, but they can make the face look tired and dull. Below are the main causes and treatment options for improving dark circles.

What Is the Main Cause of Dark Circles?

One of the main causes is the thinness of the skin around the eyes. The average thickness of the skin in this area is approximately 0.5 millimeters, while the average thickness of body skin is about 1.5 millimeters. As a result, the blood vessels beneath the eye area are more visible.

Blood vessels are not actually blue. The appearance of blue or green veins is caused by the way light passes through the skin. In very fair skin, the vessels may appear darker and closer to their natural color.

Periorbital Hyperpigmentation

Some dark circles are caused by increased activity of melanocytes around the eyes. In this condition, excess melanin is produced in the area, making the skin appear darker.

This type of pigmentation is more common in people with darker skin tones. Genetic and environmental factors may both contribute to its development. Because of its genetic background, this type of pigmentation may be more difficult to treat.

What Can Worsen Dark Circles?

Any factor that damages the blood vessels around the eyes or causes fluid and blood leakage can make dark circles more noticeable. Blood pressure fluctuations, inflammation, allergies and certain medical conditions may contribute to this problem.

In most cases, dark circles are not harmful to health. Doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes before considering treatments such as laser therapy or surgery.

Is There a Connection Between Eye Puffiness and Dark Circles?

In many cases, yes. Fluid leakage from the blood and lymphatic vessels can cause swelling around the eyes. This may occur because of allergies, illness, excessive salt intake or changes in osmotic pressure.

Swelling and fluid accumulation can create additional shadows around the eyes, making the dark circles appear more intense.

Can Fatigue Cause Dark Circles?

Fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to darker under-eye areas. Severe tiredness increases the release of cortisol, a hormone involved in sleep regulation, blood pressure and metabolism.

When the body is tired, blood pressure may increase in order to provide sufficient oxygen. This can cause the blood vessels to dilate and become more visible around the eyes.

The Role of Stress

Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone. Its main functions include:

• Regulating the body’s response to stress

• Controlling the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates

• Suppressing inflammation

• Regulating blood pressure

• Regulating blood sugar

• Regulating the sleep cycle

Stress can generally be divided into three types:

Acute stress: Appears suddenly and usually decreases after the stressful situation ends.

Chronic stress: Continues for a long period and is usually caused by ongoing stressful conditions.

Traumatic stress: Occurs after severe and life-threatening experiences such as war, natural disasters, violence or other traumatic events.

During stressful situations, increased cortisol and adrenaline raise alertness and blood circulation. If this continues for a long time, persistent vessel dilation may make dark circles more visible.

Other Causes of Dark Circles

Other possible causes include:

• Certain vasodilating medications

• Seasonal allergies

• Eczema and skin inflammation

• Sleeping on the stomach

• Liver problems

• Asthma

• Low blood oxygen levels

• Lack of sleep

• Dehydration

• Aging

• Genetic factors

In people with asthma or low oxygen levels, increased blood concentration and more visible blood vessels may cause dark or bluish areas in thin-skinned regions, especially around the eyes.

Can Dark Circles Be Treated?

When the underlying cause can be controlled, the appearance of dark circles can often be improved. Eye creams, hydrating products, rejuvenating ingredients and collagen supplements may help improve skin texture and elasticity.

Getting enough sleep, reducing salt intake, drinking enough water, controlling allergies, reducing stress and using suitable skincare products regularly can also help reduce dark circles and puffiness.

Fusion EYE CONTOUR is a specialized product used in mesotherapy for the eye area. It is formulated to help improve dark circles, puffiness, dryness and fine lines around the eyes. The number of sessions and the interval between them should be determined according to the condition of the skin and the recommendation of a qualified physician.