Dark circles under eye

Dark circles under the eyes can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include a family history of dark circles, exhaustion, lack of sleep, allergies, eye rubbing, or excessive sun exposure.

Dark circles under your eyes, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), may appear as shades of brown, blue, black, or purple. They can affect anyone but are typically more common in:

Older adults
People with a genetic predisposition to this condition
People with darker skin tones, who are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eye area

Fatigue is generally believed to be the most common cause of dark circles under the eyes. This may be controversial, and there are actually a number of reasons.

Types of dark circles

These are classified based on clinical analysis, pigmentation pattern, and vasculature.

Types	Appearance
Pigmented (P)	Like the shade of brown under the eyes
Vascular (V)	A shade of blue/pink/purple color, possibly with swelling
Structural (S)	Shadow tone associated with bags and furrows of the lower eyelid; fat loss with bony prominence
Mixed type	Combination of two or three of the above (PV, PS, PVS, etc.)

Causes of dark circles

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, and lifestyle factors. If symptoms persist, contact a doctor.

Some medical conditions can cause dark circles and discoloration under the eyes, including:

Allergies
Anemia
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) or contact dermatitis
Dehydration
Lichen planus
Malnutrition

Lifestyle and general causes of dark circles under the eyes:

Aging
Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or sodium
Certain medications, such as birth control pills
Crying
Fatigue
Inherited (genetic) factors
Insomnia or poor quality sleep
Stress
Sun exposure

Prevention of dark circles

People can help prevent the appearance of dark circles by addressing lifestyle factors.

Researchers found that stress increased the appearance of dark circles, while rest and healthy lifestyle habits decreased discoloration.

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection that cover the eyes and using sunscreen around the eyes can help prevent or reduce dark circles.

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can speed up the body’s aging process and increase the risk of dark circles under the eyes.

Applying cold compresses to the eyes can reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels.

Sleeping with extra pillows to elevate the head can reduce puffiness in the lower eyelids.

Associated symptoms:

Swelling under the eyes
Itchy eyes
Nasal or sinus congestion
Lax skin, wrinkles, or bags under the eyes

Vitamin B12 might increase skin pigmentation, which may contribute to dark circles developing beneath your eyes.

Iron deficiency anemia may also cause dark circles under your eyes.

Management

Ayurvedic medicine offers several effective treatments for dark circles, including herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle changes, Ayurvedic treatments, and Ayurvedic eye treatments. These treatments take a holistic approach to addressing the underlying imbalances in the body that are causing dark circles and can improve the overall health of the skin. By incorporating Ayurvedic remedies and practices into your daily routine, you can reduce the appearance of dark circles and achieve healthy, glowing skin. It is always recommended to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment.

Abhyanga: Abhyanga massage helps improve blood circulation, which in turn helps reduce the appearance of dark circles by providing the skin around the eyes with the necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Shirodhara: Shirodhara is a deeply relaxing treatment that helps calm the mind and reduce stress. Stress is a common cause of dark circles.
Netra Tarpana: Netra Tarpana is an Ayurvedic eye treatment that involves pouring warm herbal oil over the eyes to nourish and rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes.