Dark Circles

A major concern with dark circles is the perpetual appearance of being tired, making you appear older than you really are. 

A reduction in collagen causes the blood vessels under the eyes to be more visible and appear darker. These dark circles are not necessarily an example of exhaustion, even though stress and fatigue impact the appearance of facial aging, which includes a higher tendency to develop dark circles. Conditions such as a fluid imbalance or localized swelling result in puffy or swollen eyelids, making the area under the eye seem darker, but is not consistent with the common condition known as dark circles.

Multiple factors contribute to the development of dark circles:

• Fatigue: While not a direct cause, research has shown that oversleeping, chronic fatigue, or not getting enough sleep can result in dark circles. Sleep deprivation causes skin dullness and paleness in skin tone, which more readily reveals dark tissues and blood vessels that lie underneath the skin.
• Aging: As you age, your skin becomes thinner, and your fat tissue and collagen decrease, compromising your skin’s elasticity. This allows blood vessels to be more visible, making the area below your eyes appear darker.
• Eye strain: If you’ve ever stared at a screen for too long, you probably noticed your eyes become red from straining. The more strain you put on your eyes, the more you run the risk of enlarging the blood vessels surrounding the eye, causing the skin under the eyes to darken over time.
• Allergies: An allergic reaction forces the body to release histamines, which causes blood vessels to dilate. This can cause dark circles as the dilation makes the vessels more visible, leading to dark circles under the eyes.
• Dehydration: Skin needs hydration to stay healthy. Not drinking enough water causes the skin to become dull and eyes to appear sunken. Fortunately, drinking water is an easy fix.
• Genetics: Common with all physical traits and characteristics, dark circles can be inherited. The effects can be seen as early as childhood and may worsen with age.

The relationship between aging and dark circles is dramatic and nearly unavoidable. This is due to the natural decline in various tissues experienced by both men and women during the aging process. In addition to thinning skin, collagen levels decline, and so does its elasticity. 

Youth is synonymous with energy and vitality. Just getting enough rest isn’t enough to promote the restorative effect. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments and aesthetic advances available to help reduce dark circles. Reclaiming a rested appearance can be as simple as a chemical peel, skin resurfacing treatments, dermal fillers that are safe for the eye area, and even vitamin injections, hormone replacement therapy, and more. 

Finding a medical expert is as simple as visiting our online community. With AgeEnvy, valuable information detailing dark circles as well as qualified providers for this concern is at your fingertips. Keep in mind that your health and safety comes first. That’s why our mission is to give consumers control over their health by getting them connected with providers that are licensed; verified experts focused on dark circles under your eyes.