Dark circles under the eyes, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, are a common concern for patients of all skin types, young and old. The cause for the dark circles must be diagnosed before it can be corrected. It can be anything from genetics or external factors such as an iron deficiency, lack of sleep, or stress. In a city like Delhi, pollution is one of the major causes. There are thus different treatment procedures to get rid of dark circles.
Ensuring you get enough quality sleep is one of the easiest ways to start combating dark circles.
As a senior dermatologist in India’s capital city, I’ve observed that there has been an increase in cases of allergies, pigmentation, eczema, photo ageing, skin cancer and dark circles in recent years.
Using some cosmetics in excess or allergies from using certain cosmetics can also cause dark circles. For example, the use of excessive retinoids to hide dark circles can worsen the pigmentation due to chemical induced damage, causing a vicious cycle. This can also lead to heavy pigmentation elsewhere on the face.
One interesting phenomenon is when a dark circle-like effect appears in the orbit—the socket-like bone area in the skull in which our eyes are situated. For some people, the skin in this area can appear slightly dark since childhood as the socket is deep-set which causes a shadow effect. This is not a case of dark circles as it’s not caused by hyperpigmentation. The ideal treatment for a deep socket is dermal fillers. I suggest hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a cosmetic filler and is certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It adds volume to the under eye, causing the shadow effect to disappear. It yields results that are excellent, instant, and gratifying to the patient.
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Tips to keep in mind
To reduce dark circles, consume foods rich in antioxidants and add vitamins, minerals, particularly iron, vitamin K and vitamin C to your diet. Take regular blood tests to detect any deficiencies and get it corrected. Monitor your sugar levels, as lifestyle diseases like diabetes can also be a reason for developing dark circles.
Using sunscreen and reducing sun damage is a must. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the under-eye area from sun damage. Cleanse the under-eye area using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove any makeup or impurities without irritating the delicate skin.
Take care not to rub or pull the skin under your eye too much as it can lead to premature skin loosening and dark circles. As the skin in the under-eye area is quite sensitive, use a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover when cleansing products from the area. Don’t rub or stretch the skin, instead use a gentle tapping motion.
A simple way to prevent dark circles is the use of an eye cream. Always use a suitable or prescribed night cream. For best results, use your fingertip to apply the cream, moving it in clockwise direction around your eye thrice and then, counterclockwise direction thrice.
Frequent laptop users or people with a high screen time must use blue light filters on their electronic appliances to protect their eyes. Using blue light glasses and mild eye exercises—like opening and closing them lightly in between long sessions of screen exposure—can also help reduce dark circles.
Dehydration due to the excess consumption of tea and coffee can also lead to dark skin, especially under the eyes. Dehydration can lead to dry and shrivelled skin, which makes pigmentation more visible. Staying hydrated can help combat dark circles. Proper hydration can also reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Staying fit and getting fresh air is another way to combat pigmentation. You can exercise in low-traffic areas, and burn camphor in your room which cleanses the air of microbes.
If dark circles persist or worsen, consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Remember that individual responses may vary, and it might take time to see improvements. Consistency in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare regimen is vital to overcoming any health issue including dark circles.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)