Dark Circles Under Eyes: Causes and Best Treatments

Dark circles can make you look more tired and older than you actually are. Knowing the exact cause is necessary so the best possible approach can be taken to improve your eyes and facial appearance. Through this guide, you can learn about potential causes of dark circles, their types and signs, and explore the best dark-circle treatments in Gurgaon offered by skin experts to manage them.

Dark circles under the eyes, a condition medically known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, is a common occurrence and a bothersome cosmetic concern for many. Often it is something not so serious, but could be an indication of something not right with one’s body.

How do I know if I have dark circles?

• Dark circles under the eyes commonly appear as discoloration or darkness in the skin beneath the eyes. They could be of a bluish, reddish, or purple tint, if vascular, or of dark/brown color, if pigmented
• A simple pinch test and color change observation can help identify dark circles and their causes. If the cause is hyperpigmentation, the darkness will persist even after you release the pinched skin.
  But if it is caused by a structural issue, shadowing, or visible blood vessels under thin skin, the darkness will lighten or disappear once you remove the pinch.

Based on the cause, the under-eye darkening is often accompanied by any of the following:

• Puffiness or swelling beneath the eyes (under-eye bags)
• Under-eye hollows/ sunken eyes- due to ageing or severe dehydration
• Itchiness or swelling- if caused by an allergy.
• When under-eye darkness/discoloration persists or worsens over time, it is crucial to see a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and have the issue appropriately addressed.

Types of Dark Circles Explained

Based on the cause and appearance, here are four types of dark circles:

1. Pigmented Dark Circles- These are the dark or brown coloration beneath the eyes resulting from extra melanin deposition or uneven distribution of melanin in the skin of the under-eye area.
2. Vascular Dark Circles- These show up as blue, purple, or pink colored skin beneath the eyes due to the visibility of blood vessels, which in turn is caused by thinning under-eye skin, fluid retention, or disrupted blood flow in the under-eye area. 
3. Structural Dark Circles- These are the perceived dark circles caused by the shadowing effect of tear troughs or under-eye bags.
4. Mixed Dark Circles- These appear as a combination of the other three types of dark circles.

What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

There are multiple reasons for dark circles, including:

• Thinning of the under-eye skin, fine lines and wrinkles, or reduced fat deposition beneath the eyes due to ageing
• Eczema or contact dermatitis of the under-eye area
• Excessive or unprotected UV exposure to the eye region
• Health issues like iron deficiency anaemia and thyroid conditions
• Genetic predisposition
• Rubbing of the eyes
• Excessive eye strain
• Allergies like hay fever
• Use of eye drops for glaucoma
• Alcohol abuse and/or smoking
• Poor sleep habits
• Dehydration
• Stress.

Most Effective Professional Ways to Reduce Dark Circles Under Eyes

Some dark circles can disappear if their cause is addressable. Mild under-eye darkness can be relieved with natural remedies or just some lifestyle modifications. But if one wishes to fade under-eye darkness fast, permanently, and safely, medical treatments provided by dermatologists in Gurgaon at Citrine Clinic can only help.

A professional dark circles treatment plan will include any of the following treatments:

1. Prescription Topicals - Products containing vitamin C; a bleaching agent like hydroq-uinone, treti-noin, or both; or kojic acid or Azel-aic acid, when used in a specific amount daily at night, can, over time, help lighten under-eye darkness.
2. Chemical Peels- A mild peel, most likely a glycolic acid, can be applied in the under-eye area with pigmented dark circles to peel off the layers with extra melanin. This treatment can be combined with under-eye creams for optimal under-eye skin lightening.
3. Laser Therapy- Non-ablative lasers, such as a pulsed-dye laser or a diode laser, can be used to resurface and rejuvenate the under-eye area while erasing dark circles.
4. Under-eye Fillers- Soft-tissue injectables like hyaluronic acid can be administered into the structural dark circles to plump, smooth, and volumize the under-eye skin, reducing darkening.
5. PR-P injections- Plat-elet-rich pl-asma (PR-P) can be prepared with centrifugation of the patient’s blood and can be injected in the dark under-eye region. As PR-P contains natural growth factors, it can aid in repairing the skin around the eyes, facilitate angiogenesis, and promote collagen remodelling in the under-eye area to reduce darkening.

Get the Care Your Under-Eye Deserves With Citrine Clinic

At Citrine Clinic, you can receive the most effective, affordable under-eye dark circles treatment in Gurgaon alongside tailored, exceptional, expert care from well-trained, top-rated, certified dermatologists.

We have advanced US-FDA-approved equipment and the best clientele track record. Book an appointment to achieve enhanced look and youthful under eye area.