Periorbital Hyperpigmentation | by Noushinah Ganey
Lifestyle Factors
Alcohol consumption and smoking contributes to unsightly dark circles and puffiness , as alcohol depletes nutrition and electrolytes and steals good hydration from the body . Not having enough fluids in the body can shrink skin cells , making dark circles more noticeable . Sleep is negatively impacted , which also exacerbates the appearance of dark circles . Additionally , alcohol is a vasodilator , which
When our bodies don ’ t get enough restorative sleep , our blood vessels dilate , causing an increase in blood flow which is the result of the dark tint we notice under our eyes , resulting in dark under-eye circles . causes small blood vessels in the skin to expand , resulting in puffiness and the visibility of a bluish colour . Alcohol digests in the body as a sugar compound , causing glycation damaging collagen and elastin structures , leading to darker capillaries under the eyes . Smoking also worsens under-eye bags and dark circles , speeding up skin aging , which breaks down collagen . Further , the carbon monoxide in cigarettes deprives your skin of oxygen , which is essential for healthy skin . A diet high in sodium retains water and causes puffiness around the eyes .
Allergies
Allergic reactions make our bodies release histamine , causing blood vessels to dilate and become more visible beneath the skin . Allergies also increase our urge to rub and scratch around the delicate eye area , causing inflammation and swelling , which results in shadows beneath the eyes . Asthma is also significantly associated with periorbital dark circles .
Genetics
Dark circles can also be hereditary , and family history is the most significant risk factor for periorbital hyperpigmentation , with the average age of onset being approximately 24 years old . Having a family history of health problems , such as hyperthyroidism , hypothyroidism , anaemia , or diabetes also contributes to dark circles . The capillaries under the eye area can also become leaky , allowing red blood cells in the surrounding area , which causes dark black colour discoloration
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