Most people think that a lack of sleep causes dark circles. Get-rid-fo-dark-circles-around-eyes While not getting a good night’s rest is one of the culprits for under eye circles, many more reasons exist. Understanding why you’re getting dark circles will help you learn how to better treat this condition and find a successful solution.

At American Institute for Plastic Surgery we have multiple options for helping reduce or eliminate dark circles. Our dynamic duo of products called AGE 360, which is part of our custom formulated clinical skin care line GLOW360, will help optimize eyes issues. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light or photofacial) treatments can also help jump start the process by helping to create more collagen to thicken thinning skin.

Below is a chart of dark under eye circle causes and potential treatment options to consider:

DARK CIRCLE CAUSES TREATMENT OPTIONS
Fatigue or Illness

A good night’s rest; Good and consistent sleep habits; Sleeping 7-8 hours of deep sleep a night, not intermittent naps that add up to 7-8 hours; Reducing stress; Living a healthy lifestyle (not smoking or drinking); Daily exercise
Allergies, Congestion, or Sinus Problems

Allergy medication; Nasal sprays; Rinsing out sinuses (Neti pot)
Hyperpigmentation

(Too much melanin production around the eye area; Genetic; Dark circles are more brownish).

Sunscreen to prevent them from getting darker; Skin lighteners (vitamin c, kojic acid) or other topicals (retinoids, AHAs) to improve them
GAS & Thin Skin

(Blood vessels may show through your skin, especially if you are fair; You can have either have naturally thin skin or experience fat loss; Dark circles are bluish)

Thickening your skin with retinoids; Drinking enough water; Using products with elastin and collagen; Using hydrating moisturizers; IPL or other laser treatments to close the blood vessels
Hemosiderin

(Iron oxide leaking from tiny blood vessels; Dark circles look purplish)

Copper peptides; Products with Vitamin K
Anemia

(Iron deficiency)

Make sure to get enough iron either through food (red meats, broccoli, liver) or supplements
Bruising

Don’t rub your eyes; Be gentle when you’re putting in contacts or removing eye makeup; Avoid tugging at the eyes; Pat on eye cream with your ring finger