What to do when you have DARK CIRCLE.

Dark Circles

Dark circles, also called dark rings or shadows, can be described as the darkening of the skin between the lower eyelid and the top of the cheek. These shadows can affect men and women in their adulthood, though kids can also develop dark circles. As you grow older, the skin under your eyes becomes thinner and
loses collagen. This augments the appearance of blood vessels beneath the eyes and makes the area seem darker than it is.
Dark circles are almost never a cause for concern, though if you’d like to get rid of the unsightly shadows under your eyes, it is best for you to consult a dermatologist as soon as they appear. Your dermatologist may recommend a wide range of topical products, home remedies, dietary changes and skincare tips, to lighten the dark circles. However, if these options do not yield the desired results, you could also choose to opt for laser therapy or surgery.

In case you notice the sudden appearance of a dark circle under one eye only, it is best to seek prompt medical care.

Symptoms of Dark Circles

Dark circles are not a skin or medical condition; instead they can be described as symptoms of underlying problems or deficiencies. Depending upon the causes, at times the shadows or discoloration under your eyes may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as:

Eczema or atopic dermatitis, caused by allergies
Irritability, fatigue and anxiety because of poor sleep quality
Itchy skin and rash in case of allergies
Mild swelling or puffy bags under the eyes
Pain or pressure in the face because of sinusitis
Severe headache because of sinus infection
Watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion
Causes of Dark Circles

Many people wonder why they have dark circles in spite of getting an adequate amount of rest and sleep each day. However, there are several different factors that could cause you to develop dark rings under the eyes, some of which include:

Diseases, Disorders and Medical Conditions

Orbital or peri-orbital cellulitis (an invasive eye infection)
Irregularities in pigmentation, mainly evident in Asian and Black populations
Dehydration
Allergies
Malnutrition
Anemia
Traumatic Factors

General and Lifestyle Causes

Exposure to the sun for a prolonged period of time could also increase the production of melanin mainly around the eyes, which darkens the area considerably.

In order to treat dark circles appropriately, your skin specialist will need to first identify the exact causes.

Remedies for Dark Circles

In case the discoloration under eyes is severe or worsens with time, your doctor may advise you to undergo medical treatment options like:

Unfortunately, the results of these options are not always perfect and therefore, you need to discuss all the possible outcomes with your doctor before you decide to go in for them.

If your doctor determines that the dark rings under eyes are not caused by a medical concern, you may just be advised to follow simple self-care steps. The home treatment for bags under eyes usually includes natural cures like:

These home remedies are quite safe if used correctly, but it is best to check with a doctor before trying any of them.

Diet for Dark Circles

There are no magical foods that can make the shadows under your eyes just disappear and therefore, there is no specific diet for dark circles that you can follow. However, a well-balanced and nutritious diet has a positive impact on your overall health and can improve your overall skin tone. Make sure you increase you intake of:

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Vitamin E

In addition to the foods mentioned above it is also important that you have at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.

Suggestion for Dark Circles

Though dark circles are not a serious problem, they should not be ignored for a long period of time. In case your dark circles are getting more prominent even when you do get an adequate amount of sleep and rest every day, it is best for you to consult a doctor.

Injuries in and around the eyes
Eye surgery
Facial surgery (nasal surgery or plastic surgery procedures)
Rubbing or scratching the eyes too hard
Fracture of the nose, face, bones around the eyes, or the skull