Can Sun Exposure Cause Dark Circles?

Dark circles can make you look tired, grumpy, and age you. Dark circles can occur for a variety of reasons. You may wonder, can sun exposure cause dark circles? Below you will find helpful information about dark circles and the available treatment options.

Can Sun Exposure Cause Dark Circles?

Sun exposure can cause dark circles under your eyes and is often referred to as “UV-induced hyperpigmentation.” Hyperpigmentation is a major cause of dark circles. Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of your skin become darker, which means that your eyes are no exception. UV-induced hyperpigmentation occurs as sun exposure stimulates the melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, the skin’s pigment. Overexposure to the sun can cause your skin to produce more pigment than necessary under your eyes, which results in dark circles.

Other Causes of Dark Circles

Sun exposure is a major cause of dark circles. However, there are a number of other causes that can lead to the skin issue.

  • Natural Aging: The skin around your eyes is already thin. As you get older, it gets even thinner due to collagen loss. Collagen loss results in volume loss which can make your tear trough look more hollowed out and exacerbate your dark circles. Additionally, there are a lot of blood vessels underneath your eyes. The blood vessels appear more prominent when your skin thins. Because of this, your dark circles will continue to advance without cosmetic intervention.
  • Genetics: For some people, dark circles run in their family. If you notice your close relatives all have dark circles under their eyes, it may be genetic.
  • Smoking: Smoking can impact your skin in a number of ways, including dark circles. The toxins inhaled when you smoke end up in your bloodstream and are then distributed around your body. This can cause or worsen your dark circles.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Drinking in excess can cause dark circles as alcohol dehydrates your skin and body. This disparately impacts the thin skin around your eyes. This can cause the skin around your eyes to appear dark and sunken in.
  • Poor Sleep: People most commonly attribute dark circles to poor sleep. Poor sleep causes your blood vessels to dilate which causes an increase in blood flow. Because the skin under your eyes is much thinner, the increased volume of blood is more noticeable.

Dark Circle Treatment

There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options to address dark circles. The type of dark circle treatment depends entirely on the severity of your dark circles and your aesthetic goals. Non-surgical treatment options include FaceTite, AccuTite, microneedling, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. If you have mild to moderate dark circles, these treatment options may be right for you. Dark circles that are severe, or are coupled with under eye bags and skin sagging, may benefit from lower blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty, also referred to as “lower eyelid surgery,” can improve the appearance of your dark circles, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth out the skin around your eyes. Lower eyelid surgery in Inland Empire is highly effective and a long-lasting and nearly permanent solution to the issue.

Eyelid Surgery in Inland Empire

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes and want to get rid of your dark circles, consider eyelid surgery in the Inland Empire. The team at InFocus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery are skilled in eyelid surgery and other dark circle treatment options. They have helped countless patients achieve their desired aesthetic. In fact, patients report an increase in self confidence after dark circle treatment due to the results. Contact their office today to schedule a consultation!