Both dark circles and thin skin under the eyes are common concerns. Because it often makes individuals appear tired or older. While usually not a sign of a serious medical condition, many people seek to lighten or improve their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
It is not usually a medical issue, but these under-eye changes can result from a combination of genetics, lifestyle factors, aging, and environmental exposure. Fortunately, a variety of treatments ranging from home remedies to advanced medical options are available to help reduce their appearance and restore a refreshed look.
Continue reading to explore the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for dark circles and thin under-eye skin.
Understanding Dark Circles Under Eyes
Dark circles under the eyes refer to the skin area below the eyes looking darkened, which may appear as shades of blue, purple, brown, or black, depending on natural skin color.
Symptoms of Thin Skin Under Eyes
Drier than usual skin.
Wrinkles and fine lines.
Loose, crepey skin.
Eyes appear more sunken or hollow.
Dark circles or circles that look darker than usual, as underlying blood vessels show through.
Visible small blood vessels (capillaries), giving a bluish or reddish appearance.
Puffiness, as delicate tissues, may not provide adequate support against fluid buildup.
Possible Causes of Dark Circles
Aging: As skin ages, it loosens and thins, making blood vessels more visible. Hollowed areas called tear troughs can also develop, casting shadows that enhance the appearance of puffiness.
Genetics: Dark circles can run in biological families.
Lack of Sleep/Fatigue: Poor sleeping habits can cause the skin to appear pale, allowing blood vessels to show through.
Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can make the skin under the eyes look dull.
Allergies (Dermatitis): Eczema and contact dermatitis can dilate blood vessels under the eyes, making them visible.
Rubbing Eyes: Rubbing and scratching can cause swelling and blood vessel breakage.
Hyperpigmentation: Excessive sun exposure triggers increased melanin production, darkening the skin.
Lifestyle Factors: Stress, excessive alcohol use, and smoking can contribute to dark circles.
In Children: Babies and children can also develop dark circles due to genetics, eye rubbing, fatigue, dehydration, snoring, injuries, or minor illnesses like a cold, flu, or ear infection.
Treatment Options for Dark Circles
Home Remedies
Adequate Sleep: Aim for at least seven hours nightly.
Elevate Head: Use extra pillows to prevent fluid buildup.
Cold Compresses: Apply cold spoons, cucumber slices, or cold tea bags to shrink dilated blood vessels and reduce puffiness. Cucumbers contain water and vitamin C, while tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that can increase circulation.
Facials: Eye area massage can improve circulation.
Makeup: Concealers and foundation can help cover dark circles.
Medical Treatments
If seeking faster or permanent removal, a healthcare provider can discuss options.
Topical Creams & Bleaching Agents: Vitamin C creams and hydroquinone can lighten the appearance.
Chemical Peels: Alpha-hydroxy acids reduce pigmentation.
Laser Therapy: Resurfaces and tightens skin.
Tissue Fillers: Injectable hyaluronic acid gel can add volume and smooth skin.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Removes excess fat and skin.
Under-eye Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers/Tear Trough Fillers): Involve hyaluronic acid injections to add volume, smooth lines, and reduce dark circles. Generally safe and last about a year, but may not be suitable for fragile skin.
Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen and elastin growth, improving skin texture and appearance, and potentially thickening skin. Less risky for darker skin regarding post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Laser Resurfacing Treatment: Uses lasers to improve skin texture and appearance by stimulating collagen.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Treats signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, and visible blood vessels. Less intense than laser resurfacing, but may be less effective or cause discoloration on darker skin.
Chemical Peels: Exfoliate skin surface for a smoother, less wrinkled appearance, but can cause side effects like blistering or irregular pigmentation in sensitive/darker skin.
Sclerotherapy: For visible veins, a chemical agent is injected to shut down the vein, making it less visible.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Tightens sagging eyelids and removes fatty deposits, smoothing the area.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
While dark circles and thin skin under the eyes are usually not a medical problem, you should consult a healthcare provider if:
You have a dark circle or swelling under just one eye, as this could indicate an underlying health condition.
Dark circles persist, or you experience excessive swelling.
Sunken eyes worsen despite adequate sleep and hydration.
You experience additional symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy/dry/red eyes, ongoing fatigue, extreme/unusual weight loss or appetite problems, nausea, digestive issues, or headaches.
You are concerned about the appearance of dark circles under a baby’s or a child’s eyes.
If your sunken eyes are due to current medications like glaucoma eye drops, a doctor may adjust your treatment plan.
If you have any potential signs of infection or injury to your skin.
A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of sunken eyes through a physical exam and other tests and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.
Takeaway
Dark circles and thin skin under the eyes are common and often harmless, but can impact your appearance and confidence. Causes range from genetics and aging to lifestyle and environmental factors. With the right combination of skincare, healthy habits, and medical treatments, if needed, their appearance can be significantly reduced. Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent or worsening symptoms to ensure proper care and treatment. Contact Oris Dental Center’s beauty therapist to get rid of dark circles and thin skin under the eyes.
