Skin around the eyes is unique for several reasons. The skin under the eyes is the thinnest skin in our body, only 0.5 mm thick. This delicate area contains little subcutaneous fat tissue that decreases further with aging. It is also sensitive to stress from facial movements such as laughing and squinting. Because of these characteristics, skin around eyes get problems like dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles, very easily.
Dark circles give tired and unhappy appearance and it may influence the quality of life of the individual. Dark circles or melanosis around eyes is not just due to fatigue or lack of sleep. There are a number of reasons for this vexing problem. Here are some common causes of this condition:
1.Heredity-it can run in families
2.Life-style factors -physical or emotional stress, smoking, chronic alcohol use, nutritional deficiencies
3.Allergies- atopic /contact dermatitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, repeated rubbing and scratching of the eyes.
4.Sun exposure
5.Shadow effect because of an overhanging tarsal (eyelid) muscle, eye bags, or a deep tear trough.
6.Thinning of skin and laxity associated with vascular prominence.
Treatment:
Depending on what is causing the dark circles, your dermatologist will suggest the treatment. It can range from prescription creams, peels, dermal fillers, laser therapy to plastic surgery. At our clinic, we diagnose the problem and tailor an individual treatment plan. The following tips will help to reduce dark circles to a certain extent:
1.Cold compresses
2.Extra pillows while sleeping-elevate your head with 2 or more pillows
3.Extra sleep-although short nights rarely cause under-eye dark circles, a lack of sleep makes you paler and more hollow-eyed, so shadows and circles will be more obvious.
4.Dark glasses and Sunscreen usage
5.Camouflage (using concealers and foundations)