What are the causes and remedies of dark circles around the eyes

Dark circles can be a sign of tiredness and a lack of sleep, but they can also result from allergies, thyroid conditions, older age, and other factors

Dark circles under the eyes may look dark brown or black, depending on skin color.

These circles are rarely a cause for concern, but people may wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.

In some cases, dark circles under the eyes can indicate a need for lifestyle changes, such as improvements in sleep habits or diet.

Causes and risk factors

The area under the eyes can appear darker due to constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or from thinning of the skin around the eyes.

All causes of dark circles under the eyes include:

• lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits
• allergies, including hay fever
• hyperpigmentation, which happens when the body produces more melanin
• reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes
• thinning skin under the eyes
• anemia from iron deficiency
• overexposure to sunlight
• frequent rubbing of the eyes
• aging
• smoking
• inherited genes
• thyroid conditions
• dehydration
• dermatitis

There are some risk factors for dark circles under the eyes, such as:

Older age: Loss of fatty tissue and thinning of the skin around the eyes are part of the aging process. These changes can make dark circles appear more defined in older adults. A tear trough is the hollow under the eyes, which can cause dark circles and is related to aging.

Genetics: Dark circles can be hereditary. Research has found that if someone has dark circles under their eyes, these also appear in some other family members.

Medical treatments

If home remedies do not get rid of dark circles under the eyes, a person can see their dermatologist for advice on medical treatment.

Medical treatment options include:

Chemical peels
Chemical peels, using alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, can help to lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes. People may also use chemical peels in combination with topical creams for better effect.

Lasers
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment for dark circles. Less invasive laser procedures may lessen the risk of scarring or other potential side effects.

Fillers
If thinning of the skin or loss of fatty tissue is causing dark circles under the eyes, fillers may be a potential option. People can have injections of platelet rich plasma or hyaluronic acid gel into the area under the eye.