Dark circles under the eyes

People associate dark circles under the eyes with prolonged exhaustion and fatigue. This is, however, not correct. While exhaustion and fatigue can affect your facial appearance, they don’t actually cause the dark circles under your eyes.

Dark circles are the result of a loss of volume in the eye area. What people are seeing is the outline of the orbital bone around the eye through the skin. Bruising, as a result of trauma is a different matter altogether.

The dark circles are nothing more than the blood vessels beneath the eyes becoming more visible for a variety of reasons. Dark circles are not generally a cause for concern. Swelling of the eyelids and a general puffiness around the eyes can make small shadows appear that also create the illusion of dark circles.

Possible causes

Ageing. As we grow older, the skin under the eyes tends to become thinner and collagen is lost – and both of these factors make the blood vessels more visible. Children seldom display this symptom.

Genetics. Dark circles under the eyes do run in some families where the pigment under the eyes may appear to be darker. This is more common in people of African of Asian descent.

Allergies. Sinus problems, sneezing, crying and the common cold are all things that can lead to a water build-up and puffiness under your eye.

Direct causes of dark circles and puffiness

Hay fever, or anything that makes your nose run and your eyes tear up.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.

Sleeping on your stomach. Gravity causes fluid to build up under your eyes. Using an extra pillow will elevate your head slightly and could prevent puffiness.

Going to bed with makeup on. This can irritate your eyes and cause puffiness, creating the illusion of dark circles.

Lots of salty food/crying. Salt attracts water – whether the source is the salt shaker, or your own tears.

Rubbing your eyes

Heavy drinking. This causes dehydration, which can form pouches under the eyes.

Smoking and sun-tanning. Both of these cause the collagen around the eyes to weaken, causing sagging.

Treatment
As dark circles around the eyes are generally not seen as a serious symptom, treatment usually takes the form of home remedies. The best you can do is to alter your lifestyle: learn to sleep on your side, cut your salt intake, limit your alcohol intake, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, use moisturiser under your eyes, put a slice of cucumber or something cool, on the puffy area, don’t smoke, and stay out of the sun.

Retinol cream under the eyes also seems to be effective.

Makeup can be used to conceal dark circles that do not respond to the lifestyle changes mentioned above. If this is not adequate, you could make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss other options, such as laser treatment, injectable fillers, chemical peels or surgery to eliminate puffy lids.