Do you have dark circles under your eyes? It’s not unusual for people to develop dark circles and bags under their eyes, especially as they get older. While they aren’t exactly flattering, the good news is that in most cases, those dark circles under your eyes are harmless.
What Causes Those Dark Circles?
There are many factors that cause people to develop these circles under their eyes. They include:
- Fatigue/lack of sleep
- Aging
- Diet (too much salt/sodium)
- Thinning skin under the eyes
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco use
- Reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes
- Eye-strain
- Allergies
- Dehydration
- Overexposure to sunlight
- Genetics
As previously stated, dark circles usually aren’t anything to worry about. However, if the discoloration gets worse and is accompanied by swelling, irritation, or pain, you may want to see your doctor.
Getting Rid of Those Dark Circles
The biggest problem most people have with dark eye circles is the way they make their face look. Dark circles can make a person appear tired and old. Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to treating the dark circles under your eyes.
Home Remedies for Dark Circles
Some of the home remedies that you can use to manage the dark circles under your eyes include:
- Getting more sleep.
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Limiting alcohol and tobacco use.
- Take regular breaks from your computer screen.
- Massage (a gentle massage can help improve circulation)
- Cucumber slices (it’s thought that the high water and vitamin C content of cucumber help to nourish and moisturize the skin).
- Cold compress to constrict the blood vessels.
- Teabags (the caffeine in the tea stimulates blood circulation and possesses antioxidant properties).
Over the Counter Products for Under Eyes
There are also a number of over-the-counter products you can purchase to help treat your dark circles. Makeup may not treat the circles, but it is effective at covering them up. You can try applying antioxidant creams and other skincare products.
Medical Treatments for Dark Circles Under Eyes
If over-the-counter products don’t help, you may want to consult a doctor or dermatologist. Medical treatments for dark circles under the eyes include topical creams, chemical peels, or laser procedures. Your doctor may refer you to an oculoplastics specialist if your condition requires blepharoplasty (also known as an “eyelid lift”), a surgical procedure that removes deposits of fat or extra skin around the eye area.
Berkeley Eye Center Can Help With All of Your Eye Care Needs
In addition to a doctor or dermatologist, your eye doctor may be able to help you manage those dark circles as well. Berkeley Eye Center provides a wide range of eye and vision care services, including treatment for eye-related cosmetic issues like dark circles under the eyes. We even have our own oculoplastics clinic, if your condition requires a surgical solution such as blepharoplasty.
Berkeley Eye Center has been protecting the vision health of patients for over 60 years. We’re one of Houston’s most trusted eye care specialists. If you’ve been noticing dark circles under your eyes, or it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, contact Berkeley Eye Center today to see a Houston eye care specialist. We have locations all over the Houston area, accept most forms of vision insurance and offer patients several payment options.