Dark circles, puffy eyes and the eye anatomy
Did you know that dark circles and puffy eyes are one of the most common concerns among men and women of all ages and backgrounds? Have you ever wondered why Indians are more prone to developing dark circles? Do you know what causes dark circles and puffy eyes? Well, there's no simple answer to this question. The reasons can be many. Dark circles can have complex triggers ranging from anatomical and structural components to lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, dehydration etc.
To understand dark circles and puffy eyes better let us have a quick look at the anatomy of the eyelids. The skin of the eyelid area is a thin and delicate layer of tissue that covers the muscles, glands, nerves, and other structures that make up the eyelids. It is composed of three layers:
Epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and provides a protective barrier against the environment and prevents moisture loss from the skin.
Dermis: The dermis is the middle layer and contains blood vessels, nerves, and sensory receptors.
Subcutaneous tissue: The subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of the skin and consists of fat, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Why are Indians so prone to developing dark circles?
Indians are more prone to developing dark circles due to anatomical and health-related factors. Some have eyes that are deeply set while others have genetically thinner eyelid skin which leads to the development of dark circles earlier. Anaemia or low haemoglobin levels are also more prevalent among Indian women which leads to dull puffy eyelids. Dr Samujjala Deb, MD, a dermatologist shares her personal experience on this - "Around 50% of patients attending my clinic complain about dark circles, and most have searched for home-based or cosmetic treatments to treat the same."
Shedding Light on Dark Circles: Understanding the Appearance and Characteristics
Dark circles are dark or discoloured patches that appear under the eyes, which can give the appearance of tiredness or exhaustion. Dark circles around the eyes can have various causes, and they can be classified into different types based on their underlying cause. Here are some of the different types of dark circles around the eyes:
Pigmentation-related dark circles: These dark circles are caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin. This can be due to genetics, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. An easy way to identify is to compare the skin with the cheek skin.
Structural dark circles: These dark circles are caused by changes in the structure of the skin and the tissues around the eyes. This can be due to ageing, loss of fat and collagen, or a genetic predisposition. Pinching the eyelid skin often leads to improvement in such dark circles.
Vascular dark circles: These are caused by blood vessels that become more visible due to thinning of the skin or poor circulation. These thin vessels can be easily seen under the thin eyelid skin
Shadow-related dark circles: These are caused by the way light reflects off the skin around the eyes, creating a shadow that appears as a dark circle. This can be due to the shape of the eyes, the position of the eyes in the skull, or a genetic predisposition. Observing in direct light often improves these.
Health-related dark circles: These can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as anaemia, thyroid problems, or kidney disease. Indians tend to develop these more often due to the high prevalence of anaemia. These disappear once the person is well-rested and the health conditions are corrected.
Ageing-related dark circles: With the normal process of ageing, the bony eye sockets gradually become bigger leading to sagging and wrinkling of the delicate skin over the eye area. These are associated with wrinkles, and pigmentation on the whole face as a part of ageing.
It's important to identify the underlying cause of dark circles to determine the best course of treatment.
FAQs related to dark circles
Are there any lifestyle changes to improve dark circles?
Lifestyle modifications like following regular sleep schedules, drinking water, using sunscreens and avoiding smoking can help improve early dark circles and puffiness.
What actives are effective against dark circles?
Medicines with actives like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and caffeine can help to treat dark circles occurring due to skin ageing, pigmentation etc.
How to treat dark circles not getting better with medicine?
For dark circles which are due to structural changes and deep-set eyes, aesthetic treatments like hyaluronic acid injections, micro-needling and lasers are also an option
Say Goodbye to Puffy Eyes: Understanding the Causes and Remedies
Puffy eyes refer to the swelling or puffiness around the eyes, which can give a swollen, tired, and heavy look to the face. This can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissue around the eyes or by inflammation. Other symptoms that may accompany puffy eyes include redness, itching, and a feeling of tightness around the eyes.
Puffy eyes can be caused by several factors, including:
Ageing: As we age, the skin around our eyes becomes thinner and loses elasticity, making it more prone to puffiness.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the body to release histamines, which can cause swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, it retains water, which can cause puffiness around the eyes.
Genetics: Puffy eyes can be inherited, and some people are more prone to them than others.
Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can cause fluid to build up under the eyes, leading to puffiness.
Sinus problems: Sinus congestion can cause inflammation around the eyes, leading to puffiness.
Stress: Stress can cause the body to release cortisol, which can lead to fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes.
Diet: Eating a diet high in sodium can cause the body to retain water, leading to puffiness around the eyes.
Alcohol and tobacco use: Alcohol and tobacco can cause dehydration and inflammation, which can lead to puffiness around the eyes.
Lifestyle changes for dark circles and puffy eyes
Here are some lifestyle changes that may help improve the appearance of dark circles around the eyes:
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can cause the skin to become dull and pale, which can make dark circles more prominent. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Manage stress: Stress can cause the skin to become dehydrated and dull, which can make dark circles more noticeable. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help keep the skin hydrated and healthy-looking, which can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Protect your skin from the sun: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 regularly whether out in the sun or at home. Reapply every two hours if you are exposed to the sun.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause premature ageing and damage to the skin, which can make dark circles more noticeable.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the skin and cause blood vessels to dilate, making dark circles more noticeable. Limit your intake of these substances.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep the skin healthy and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet.
While lifestyle changes may help improve the appearance of dark circles, it's important to note that they may not eliminate them.
How Can I Make My Dark Circles Lighter? Is There Any Medicine For That?
Several compounds are effective in lightening dark circles around the eyes. Here are some of the most common ones:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten and even out the skin tone. It can also stimulate collagen production, which can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and moisturisers: All three help to improve the hydration of the delicate eye area resulting in a fresh rejuvenated look with less prominent lines and spots.
Retinoids: Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that can help increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. They can also help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin. It is commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation, including dark circles.
Caffeine: Caffeine has been shown to help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes, which can help minimize the appearance of dark circles. It can also help stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.
Liquorice root extract: Licorice root extract contains a compound called glabridin, which has been shown to help reduce pigmentation and lighten the skin. It can also help soothe inflammation and irritation.
Kojic Acid: derived from mushrooms is helpful in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the eye area.
Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 calms redness and also stimulates collagen production
These compounds can be found in various skincare products, including undereye creams for dark circles, under-eye serums and under-eye gels. It is important to choose products that are formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid irritation or sensitivity. A useful product for dark circles is the DermDoc by Purplle 1% Retinol Complex Under Eye Gel or the DermDoc Under Eye Roll On with Niacinamide, which helps in reversing them to a large extent.
What cosmetic treatments are helpful for dark circles?
There are several cosmetic treatments available to help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, including:
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid can be injected under the eyes to plump up the area and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Chemical peels: Chemical peels can be used to exfoliate and resurface the skin, helping to reduce discolouration and improve skin texture. This is usually helpful in dark circles due to hyperpigmentation.
Laser therapy: Laser treatments can be used to target and break down the pigmentation under the eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma from the patient's blood into the under-eye area to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and texture.
Microneedling: Microneedling involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response and promoting collagen production.
From a skincare expert/dermatologist
Dermatologist, Dr Samujjala Deb (MD) says, "In my experience, I have often seen my patients complaining of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. In the majority of cases, the reasons have been a poor lifestyle, stressful workweeks, and a lack of sleep.
All I ask them to do is to just go and get some more sleep! With hectic schedules and busy workweeks, the one thing that gets hampered the most is quality sleep, which leads to not just dark circles, but poorer skin health in the long run."
She further adds, "I also recommend my patients to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 regularly whether they go out in the sun or not. Indian skin is more prone to developing early signs of ageing due to a lack of awareness about proper sunscreen usage. Also, prolonged sun exposure is one of the leading causes of dark circles in us.
