How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles : Cost, Procedure & Results

Dark circles can result from brownish to bluish skin tone or a shadowing effect in the eye area. They can lead to a tired, old and sickly appearance. Though not a health condition, it may be a significant facial aesthetic concern. Dark circles may become challenging to treat and require advanced procedures performed by a qualified medical professional.

The condition, also known as Periorbital Hyperpigmentation (POH), Periorbital Melanosis, Infraorbital Darkening and Infraorbital Discolouration, affects up to 48% of people in the 16-25 age group.

There are various causes of dark circles, including the following:

Primary causes:

• Genetics or family history of dark circles
• Ageing can make pigmentary demarcation lines and dark circles noticeable due to any of the following:

1. 1. 1. prominent vasculature
      2. tear trough formation
      3. thinning of skin due to collagen, elastin or fat loss
      4. fine lines
      5. sagginess

• Side effects of drugs, especially those used for reducing ocular hypertension

Health concerns:

• Contact dermatitis, e.g., due to allergic reaction to eye makeup
• Atopic dermatitis
• Refractive error
• Disorders like anaemia because of nutritional deficiencies and dehydration
• Thyroid hormone imbalance
• Periorbital oedema or fluid retention due to hypertension and kidney or liver disorder
• Obesity and insulin resistance may make the under-eye skin appear thick, pigmented and velvety due to a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans

Lifestyle factors:

• Inadequate/ improper sleeping habits
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Increased eye strain
• Excessive sun exposure
• Friction due to the habit of rubbing the eyes frequently
• Smoking or alcohol consumption

You have an increased risk of having dark circles if you come under any of the below categories:

1. You are an older adult.
2. You have a positive family history of dark circles.
3. You have a dark skin tone with a tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.