Dark Eyelids: Causes, Remedies & Prevention
Reviewed By: Dr. Manali Shah
Updated on: 09th October, 2021
Some people may have dark eyelids and a dark spot under their eyelids. These are indicative of the same condition and both may not manifest in all cases.
When the skin on the upper eye region is affected by hyperpigmentation it leads to dark eyelids. There are many causes of this condition, it can be due to change in blood vessels, congenital conditions, or even due to eye injuries.
Table Of Content
- Causes of Dark Eyelids
- Risk Factors that may lead to Dark Eyelids
- Home Remedies for Dark Eyelids
- Dermatological Procedures
- Preventing Black Eyelids
- Why Choose Clear Skin
- Conclusion
Causes of Dark Eyelids
Your skin has a component known as melanin, it provides you with a natural complexion. However, your skin can be darker in some spots and some of the causes behind this hyperpigmentation are:
Sun Damage
This happens when your skin is damaged from excessive sun exposure. It leads to excessive melanin production. It can result in freckles and age spots.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which results in increased melanin production in the skin. These dark patches are called melasma, and they usually occur around the eyes. Continued sun exposure can make melasma worse, over time.
Thin Skin
This phenomenon is quite common and it happens with age. Your skin will start losing collagen and fat, and the thinning of your skin will lead to swelling as well as darkening in some areas; especially, around your eyes and mouth
Bruised Eyelids
Bruised eyelids can also result in hyperpigmentation.
Inflammatory Diseases
Some common conditions that lead to skin darkening are dermatitis, allergies, chronic sinusitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases can lead to swelling and hyperpigmentation.
Medication
There are few medications and eye drops that can cause under-eye darkening. It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist before stopping any medication to see if it is really the cause of your dark circles.
Risk Factors that may lead to Dark Eyelids
Studies have shown that people with light skin tones are more at risk for hyperpigmentation and dark eyelids. However, that does not mean that dusky skin can’t develop dark eyelid issues too.
You may be at risk of dark eyelids if you:
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- Don’t wear sunglasses, especially ones that block UVB and UVA sun rays
- Neglect your eye area, when applying sunscreen
- If you are going through hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
- Are prone to inflammatory diseases
- Have a family history of premature ageing
- Are born with a congenital eyelid condition
Home Remedies for Dark Eyelids
Home remedies are the first step towards dark upper eyelids treatment. These natural treatments are risk-free and don’t have many side effects. They are also affordable, so you may want to try the following.
Cold Compress
This black eyelid treatment is quite helpful when you want to address dilated blood vessels and inflammation. It can also help minimize any bruising that is caused by broken blood vessels. You can either buy a cold compress or make one at home by wrapping a few ice cubes in a cloth and applying it to your eyes. Do this repeatedly for ten minutes, daily.
Hydration
You can try many home remedies, but they will all be moot if you don’t drink enough water and stay hydrated. It’s advised that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day, if you get dehydrated it will open a gateway of health problems that will result in dark circles and eyelids.
Elevate Your Head
Another popular addition to the dark eyelids remedies list is elevating your head while sleeping. You can do this by adding extra pillows or stings on a recliner. Elevating your head can help with blood flow and reduce any swelling around your eyes.
Get More Sleep
This remedy is not the ultimate cure for dark eyelids, however, lack of sleep can make your dark eyelids look worse. Not getting enough sleep can make your skin seem pale, and this will make the dark areas seem darker.
Wearing Concealer
This is more of a quick fix trick, especially if you don’t have the patience to wait for the dark areas to match your normal complexion. Try a concealer that matches your skin tone and this will provide the illusion that you have even-toned skin. If you have a light complexion then go for concealers with pink undertones, and if you are dusky then go for peach-tinted concealers.
Tomato Slices
Tomatoes are a popular natural cure that is known to reduce dark spots and radical damage, with consistent use. This is because they control beaching elements that work well when it comes to lightening skin. Tomato and lime juice can be effective at lightening dark circles.
Cucumber Slices
This is another well-known ingredient when it comes to dark eyelids home remedies; cucumbers are preferred for dark eyelid treatment because they have skin lightening effects. Also, they have some potent astringent properties that work like magic when it comes to fixing any discolouration around the eyes.
Tea Bags
Green and black tea are known for their antioxidant properties, which helps reduce inflammation and discolouration. Chill two saturated tea bags for two hours, then you have to place them on your eyes for fifteen minutes. Remove the tea bags and rinse your eyelids. Apply almond oil around your eyelids to keep them hydrated. Repeat this process every day to have radiant skin around your eyes.
Over The Counter Treatments
The home remedies can reduce the appearance of dark eyelids and stop them from getting worse, but they are not a cure. This is where Over the Counter treatments come into play. OTC medicines include ingredients like retinoid, kojic acid, and hydroquinone which are potent anti-ageing ingredients; they are quite strong, and not recommended for everyday use. You have to consult with your dermatologist before going for any OTC treatment.
आंखों के काले घेरे – कारण और उपाय (Under Eye Dark Circles: Causes & Treatments) | Clear Skin, Pune
Dermatological Procedures
If you are looking for dark upper eyelids treatment that is stronger than home remedies and OTC treatments, then you can consider dermatological treatments. Some of the popular options include:
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- Laser resurfacing therapy
- Chemical peels
- Medical Solutions
- Rejuvenation and tightening procedures
- Fillers
- PRP
- Blepharoplasty
- Fat transplant
- Eyelifts
Preventing Black Eyelids
The best way to prevent dark eyelids is by taking care of your skin. Protecting yourself from the sun by wearing protective eye gear and hats when you step out. Also, ensure that you wear sunscreen especially if you live in a tropical country. Your sunscreen and sunglasses offer protection from UVB and UVA light, note the labels of your sunscreen and shades and look for UVA+UVB protection.
For children born with dark eyelid issues, your pediatrician will recommend medications and other treatments to address the underlying causes. This will prevent any changes to their eyelids and help prevent vision problems, in the future.
Why Choose Clear Skin
Your day out in the sun could turn disastrous with the appearance of darkened eyelids and dark circles. We can help you recover your skin tone through evidence-based treatment methods and are transparent about the expected results to ensure customer satisfaction.
We use the best-in-class treatments and technologies that are approved by the FDA standards. This ensures that the highest safety protocols are followed, and enables us to deliver great results for our patients.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing dark eyelids involves understanding their causes, such as sun damage, hormonal changes, and certain medications. Effective treatments include home remedies like cold compresses, proper hydration, and using natural ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes. Over-the-counter treatments and professional dermatological procedures can offer more potent solutions. Preventive measures, including sun protection and maintaining a healthy skincare routine, are essential. For personalized treatment and expert advice, consult with a dermatologist.
Further Reading
What Causes Hyperpigmentation After Acne and How Can It Be Treated?
Discover causes & treatments for post-acne hyperpigmentation. Explore skincare tips like sunscreen, topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy for clear skin.
10 Common Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making and How to Avoid Them
Discover 10 common skincare mistakes that could harm your skin, from over-cleansing to skipping sunscreen.
Top Treatments for Acne Scars
Discover top treatments for acne scars, from pigmentation solutions to advanced procedures for deep scars.
How to Remove Pigmentation from Face?
How to Remove Pigmentation from Face? Learn effective ways to treat facial pigmentation, from chemical peels to laser therapy.
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