Dark circles in teenagers may not be due to serious health problems, but they can be cosmetically concerning. Excess pigmentation under or around the eyes is a common dermatological issue in people of all ages. It can be due to stress, fatigue, and sleeplessness (1). You may try a cold compress to correct the underlying cause to reduce the pigmentation around the eyes. If you want to understand the causes, prevention, and treatment of dark circles in teenagers, continue reading our post.
Symptoms Of Dark Circles In Teens
Dark circles can appear as light to dark-colored, brownish-black pigmentation around the eyes. They are generally classified into (2):
Pigmented: The area appears as a brown hue or tinge around the eyelid.
Vascular: The area around the eyes appears as pink, purple, or blue hue with or without puffiness.
Structural: The under-eye area appears darker due to shadows formed by the facial structures or contours.
Causes Of Dark Circles In Teens
Dark circles can occur in both boys and girls. There are several factors and conditions associated with the appearance of dark circles under the eyes (2) (3) (4) (5). The causes of dark circles extend beyond medical and physiological reasons. Certain environmental, physiological, and lifestyle-related factors might cause or worsen existing dark circles. Some common factors associated with dark circles are:
Excessive exposure to the sun Ultraviolet radiation Lack of sleep Anemia (nutritional deficiencies) Smoking Alcohol consumption Hormonal disturbances Stress Dehydration Disorders of thyroid, liver, or kidney Excessive screen time and gadget use
Risk Factors Of Dark Circles In Teens
A few factors can make a teen more susceptible to dark circles (4) (5).
Ethnicity: It has been observed that individuals belonging to ethnic groups with a darker skin tone could be more prone to dark circles than those from groups with lighter skin.
Genetics: Dark circles can run in the family, and a teen might have dark circles if other family members have it too.
Age: Several changes occur in the skin during teenage. The phase might make the child more susceptible than when they were a young child.
How To Remove Dark Circles Naturally?
Home remedies for dark circles are mostly anecdotal and may not have scientific backing. Therefore, it is advisable to do a patch test before trying them under the dark circles if your child has sensitive skin or any existing skin problems. You may try the following simple at-home remedies to manage your child’s dark circles. The use of cosmetic concealers and under-eye massage might help reduce the intensity of darkness. However, use caution since concealers can contain chemicals and massaging close to the eye can be risky.
Medical Treatment For Dark Circles In Teens
Dark circles in teens seldom require any treatment. Your child’s doctor might recommend home management tips and suggest waiting for the child to grow older. Dealing with the underlying cause, like inadequate sleep and UV exposure could help cure dark circles. Treatment might usually be required only in cases where dark circles cause body image issues in teens. In such cases, a dermatologist might suggest the following treatment methods (2).
Hydroquinone in combination with tretinoin Kojic acid (naturally derived from naturally occurring Aspergillus fungi species) Azelaic acid Topical retinoic acid Topical vitamin C Arbutin (extract of leaves of the bearberry shrub and the cranberry, pear, or blueberry plants)
It is advised never to self-medicate or use over-the-counter skin products without consultation with a doctor.
Prevention Of Dark Circles In Teens
Some causes of dark circles can be prevented by observing certain precautions and lifestyle changes.
Have an adequate sleep.
Have a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits with anti-oxidants to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Use appropriate sunscreens and wear sunglasses to protect from pigmentation and sun damage (UV rays).
Discuss with your teen about ways to manage stress, which could cause fatigue and sleeplessness.
Dark circles are a common condition, and their impact is limited to cosmetic problems. Good sleep and other precautions can significantly help control the presence of dark circles. Speak to your teen and let them know that excess pigmentation around the eyes is nothing to be worried and conscious about. You can also consult a doctor to know about the ways to manage the issue. Have some experiences to share about dark circles in teens? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
