Dark Circles

Dark circles are a major cosmetic concern. A lot of people have them, and find them very hard to treat and conceal. Though there is no concrete treatment option out there, there are ways to help combat the severity and look of them.

Dark circles can either be genetic or caused by external stressors on the skin. Genetically speaking, dark circles occur on individuals who naturally have thin skin around the eyes which makes the superficial location of the vasculature more prominent. Also the degree in density and laxity of the skin can create shadowing and such. Darker skin types are more prone to dark circles due to the increased melanin deposition.

For people who are not genetically disposed, dark circles can occur through a variety of external stressors. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can cause dark circles due to irritation of the delicate eye area which triggers a defense response (i.e. increase melanin production). Dermatitis caused by allergies and periorbital edema (puffy eyes due to poor diet, stressful lifestyle, lack of sleep, excessive rubbing of the eyes).

The best advice I can recommend is to be extra gentle around the eye area. Don't use scrubs, or rub harshly around the area. Also, use a Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C has the ability to build collagen (plump up skin, in addition to it's skin lightening ability) and if you used diligently, it can at least provide prevention against further darkening of circles. The Vitamin C does have the ability to eradicate dark circles on individuals who are NOT genetically disposed to this condition. I know this because I was not born with dark circles, I got them a few years ago due to an unhealthy lifestyle and excessive irriation from harsh products. Using a good Vit. C serum (there are tons: LRP Active C Eyes, Vichy Bi White, Skin Medica Vitamin C Complex, Skinceuticals AOX etc.) got rid of mine in the last two years. It takes awhile but it works, just be gentle and use patting methods. Don't rub in!

Always use sunscreen around your eye area. If you find your eye area being irritated due to sunscreen use, put on a light moisturizer or eye cream prior to sunscreen application.
=)