Eyes: Bright | Eliminate | Dark Circles | Under-Eye Bags

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are a common issue that can affect self-esteem and appearance. Understanding their causes and the available treatments is essential for those looking to reduce or eliminate dark circles.

Basic Facts About Dark Circles

• Dark circles are extremely common, affecting 9 out of 10 people to some degree.
• There are two main causes of dark circles:
  • Blue veins around the eyes: These dilated blood vessels can be visible through the thin skin around the eyes, giving a "raccoon-eye" appearance. These veins are called periorbital veins, similar to reticular veins in the legs.
  • Melanin deposition: Excessive melanin, often genetic, can darken the skin under the eyes, making dark circles more prominent.

Lifestyle Factors and Medical Conditions Worsening Dark Circles

• Sleep: Both lack of sleep and oversleeping can make dark circles more visible by dilating blood vessels.
• Sun Exposure: Excess sun can lead to age spots around the eyes, weakening the skin and contributing to dark circles.
• Fluid Retention: Salt intake can cause blood vessels under the eyes to retain fluid, making them more prominent.
• Aging: As we age, the fat pad beneath the eye thins, making veins more visible.
• Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can cause a sunken-eye appearance, similar to the effects of aging.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Lower iron levels reduce oxygen in the blood, making dark circles appear darker.
• Smoking: Smoking damages skin, causes hypertension in upper body veins, and leads to higher hemoglobin levels, which darken the blood.
• Allergies and Nasal Congestion: These can cause the veins around the sinuses to dilate, worsening dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles

To treat dark circles, you must first address lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and sun protection. Consult your healthcare provider to address any underlying medical conditions like anemia or nasal congestion. These steps can help reduce dark circles but may not be a complete cure.

Sclerotherapy for Dark Circles

Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for dark circles caused by blue veins under the eyes. This procedure involves injecting a solution into the veins to close them permanently. It's a safe and proven solution for varicose, reticular, and spider veins in the legs, as well as periorbital veins around the eyes.

Although some fear the treatment may affect veins in the eyes, periorbital veins drain into the external jugular veins in the neck, not the retinal veins of the eye, making it a safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor.

If you're tired of relying on makeup to cover dark circles, sclerotherapy offers a long-lasting solution.