What Are Dark Circles?
Dark circles, also known as under-eye circles or lower eyelid bags, are a common condition caused by multiple factors, including lifestyle habits, dietary imbalances, allergies, insufficient sleep, and underlying medical conditions. Medically, they are referred to as infra-orbital hyperpigmentation or infra-orbital pigmentation.

While dark circles do not typically cause physical symptoms or affect daily life, they are often considered a cosmetic concern as they can impact personal and professional confidence due to their unpleasant appearance.

What Causes Dark Circles?
1. Sleep Deprivation:
Inadequate or poor-quality sleep weakens the blood vessels beneath the eyes, causing the surrounding muscle (orbicularis oculi) to lose elasticity and firmness. This results in darkened or sagging skin under the eyes.
2. Medical Conditions:
• Thyroid Issues: Swelling beneath the lower eyelids is a common symptom.
• Allergies: Persistent itching and irritation around the eyes can disrupt the tissue structure and cause darkening.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
• Poor nutrition or dietary imbalances
• Excessive screen time or eye strain
• Smoking, alcohol, or toxin buildup

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles?

Treating dark circles involves a combination of lifestyle changes, home remedies, and professional treatments, depending on the underlying cause.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
• Improve Sleep: Ensure adequate and quality sleep to restore muscle elasticity and blood circulation.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, hydration, and avoiding smoking or alcohol are essential.
• Topical Applications: Over-the-counter creams containing vitamin C, retinol, or caffeine can improve the skin’s appearance.

Professional Treatments
1. Chemical Peels:
• Low-concentration TCA (trichloroacetic acid) or glycolic acid can help exfoliate and lighten under-eye pigmentation.
• Peels are non-invasive, affordable, and carry minimal risk.
2. Microneedling & Mesotherapy:
• Microneedling restores skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production.
• Mesotherapy involves injecting collagen or skin-rejuvenating serums under the eyes for long-lasting results.
3. Dermal Fillers:
• Fillers are injected under the lower eyelid to improve volume and reduce hollowness.
• While effective, they carry a risk of allergies, asymmetry, or puffiness.
4. Netra Tarpan (Ayurvedic Treatment):
• A traditional therapy to rejuvenate the eyes, improve local tissue health, and promote better sleep.
5. Internal Medications:
• Herbal supplements may help improve sleep and reduce pigmentation from within.

Combination Therapy

For severe cases, a combination of treatments is often recommended. The plan is tailored based on the individual’s condition, skin type, and general health. Long-lasting results depend on following post-treatment care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dark circles may require time and consistent care to improve, but with the right approach and expert guidance, they can be effectively minimized, restoring a refreshed and youthful look.