Decoding the dark circle

Dr Vikas Sharma

Dark circles around the eyes and under-eye puffiness are a cosmetic concern among many, especially as we age. The skin under the eyes is very delicate, sensitive and considerably thinner than elsewhere on the body. The skin around the eyelids (periorbital skin) is the thinnest in the body (around 0.5 mm thick compared with 2 mm in other areas). People often think dark circles and under-eye bags are due to tiredness and a lack of sleep. Although this can be one cause, there are other reasons as well:

Allergies, including hay fever; hyperpigmentation, which happens when the body produces more melanin; reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes; thinning skin under the eyes; anaemia from iron deficiency; overexposure to sunlight; frequent rubbing of the eyes; ageing; smoking; inherited genes; thyroid; dehydration; dermatitis, etc.

Know the causes

Dark circles can be hereditary. Research has found that if someone has dark circles under their eyes, these also appear in some other family members. Dark circles under the eyes may look purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on skin colour. A better understanding of the root cause can provide insight into ways on how to reduce dark circles and bags under eyes, or to at least delay it.

In most cases, dark circles under the eyes are blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. Like varicose veins, dark circles under the eyes are usually an inherited trait. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin, it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent the skin—the darker the circles appear. In people with a deep-set bone structure, shadowing can also contribute to the dark colour under the eyes. Any condition that causes the eyes to itch can contribute to dark circles, due to rubbing or scratching the skin around them.

Vasodilator Drugs or Medications that causes blood vessels to dilate can cause skin under the eyes to darken because it is very delicate.

Deal with it

Sleep with your head slightly raised. Add an extra pillow or prop up the head of your mattress. This helps prevent fluids from accumulating around your eyes as you sleep.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)