When it comes to looks, very few people are willing to compromise. However, to have a flawless appearance, each and every aspect of the personality must be perfect. It is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination and requires great attention to detail. Certain small but significant problems can ruin one’s perfect personality.
One of the names on this list is dark circles. These are circles around the eyes that appear darker than the rest of the face and make the person look dull and tired. The problem is widespread globally and no particular race or gender is exclusively affected by it.
Dark circles around the eyes can be corrected with a little effort. It’s important to understand the factors that cause dark circles, how they can be avoided, and what treatment options are available once they appear. Let’s delve into these matters.
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles can be caused by a variety of reasons. The most common factor is lack of adequate sleep. Unhealthy lifestyle in general also adds to the problem. Dehydration and poor diet also influence the appearance of dark circles.
Those who have allergies and nasal congestion are more likely to have this problem. Too much exposure to the sun without any type of protection such as sunscreen makes the appearance of dark circles very likely. Smoking is another factor that is associated with the problem.
How to avoid dark circles?
It’s an old cliché that prevention is better than cure. It certainly holds true in this case, as not allowing dark circles to appear in the first place is a better and very doable option. Making some lifestyle changes can help accomplish this task.
For starters, make sure you get enough sleep. Eat a diet that has all the nutrients the body needs and drink plenty of water. When you go outside in the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses. A big hat can also help.
Don’t let allergies affect your health and avoid nasal congestion to keep dark circles away. Last but not least, if you smoke, quit. Not only will it help you get rid of dark circles, but it will also have many other health benefits.
treatment options
Let’s take a brief look at treatment options for dark circles.
topical creams
There are numerous different types of creams that are available in order to correct this problem. Topical creams are usually the first choice of doctors. These act by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that darkens the skin. These creams mainly have azelaic acid, kojic acid and hydroquinone as main ingredients.
These creams need to be applied for a while to achieve the desired result. Make sure a doctor prescribes a cream for you, as using a product by ear can have many repercussions for your skin.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a highly effective treatment for dark circles. It uses a broad spectrum light at very specific wavelengths to correct the problem. The light does not affect nearby skin and only targets the melanin in the skin. As melanin heats up, it breaks down into smaller pieces and is eliminated by the body.
There is almost no pain involved in the procedure and to numb any feelings of discomfort, topical anesthetics are applied prior to treatment. The IPL treatment must be repeated several times to obtain the desired results. There is no downtime or serious side effects with IPL, making it a fantastic option.
Fractional CO2 laser skin rejuvenation
It is a fractional carbon dioxide laser that acts by renewing the upper layer of the skin. It maintains the traditional efficacy of the carbon dioxide laser but does not have the same level of abrasiveness. It pierces small holes in the skin that scab over over a period of a few days and is replaced by healthier skin. At the same time, the level of collagen and elastin in the skin is also improved, making the skin firm and supple.
Treatment is provided after the application of topical anesthetics. Like most similar treatments, it needs to be repeated several times to completely remove dark circles. Side effects are usually mild and don’t last long. There is no downtime, which is another benefit with Fractionated CO2.