Dark circles are a common facial skin problem, which manifests as pigmentation under the eyelids, visible blood vessels or changes in skin structure. Although the surface symptoms are similar, the formation mechanism varies significantly in different age groups. Understanding these differences is important for developing targeted prevention and intervention measures.
1. Causes of dark circles under the eyes in children and adolescents
In children and adolescents, dark circles are often temporary and functional problems, and the main mechanisms of formation include the following:
1. Genetic factors
A common cause of dark circles under the eyes in this age group is family inheritance. Some children are born with thinner skin around their eyes, and the blood vessels under the dermis are more likely to show dark colors, appearing as a bluish-purple shadow.
2. Allergic diseases
Allergic rhinitis is one of the important pathogenic factors of dark circles under the eyes of children, which often manifests as the so-called "allergic shiners". Due to nasal congestion, venous return is blocked and the veins under the eyes are stagnant, resulting in dark shadows on the lower eyelids.
3. Poor sleep quality
Academic pressure gradually increases during adolescence, and the frequent use of electronic products often leads to insufficient sleep or disrupted sleep rhythm. These dark circles are usually temporary and will be alleviated after rest and recovery.
4. Nutritional imbalance and lifestyle habits
Long-term lack of vitamin K, iron, or insufficient water intake may affect the microcirculation around the eyes and aggravate dark circles. In addition, frequent rubbing of the eyes and poor skin care habits may also aggravate pigmentation.
2. Causes of dark circles under the eyes in adulthood
Adults are the group most prone to dark circles under the eyes, and the causes are multi-factorial.
1. Intense pace of life and sleep deprivation
Working long hours, sleeping late or staying up late can obstruct blood circulation around the eyes and cause venous blood stagnation, resulting in a bluish-black tint under the eyelids, which is especially common among urban white-collar workers.
2. Pigmented dark circles
Long-term sun exposure, cosmetic residue, and incomplete makeup removal can all stimulate the formation of melanin. In addition, post-inflammatory pigmentation is also common, such as repeated friction or sequelae of contact dermatitis.
3. Vascular dark circles
In young and middle-aged people, the microcirculation in the eye slows down and the skin gradually becomes thinner, making the deep blood vessels more obvious, causing the lower eyelid to appear bluish or purple-black. Vascular dark circles are more obvious in fair-skinned individuals.
4. Changes in menstrual cycle
Women are affected by hormone cycle fluctuations, and changes in water and sodium metabolism in the body before and after menstruation, increased permeability of blood vessels around the eyes, may also aggravate the degree of dark circles.
5. Prolonged exposure to electronic screens
Continuous use of office computers and mobile devices causes visual fatigue, affects blood and lymphatic circulation around the eyes, makes dark circles more noticeable, and may be accompanied by eye bags and dry lines.
3. Causes of dark circles in middle-aged and elderly people
As we age, the formation of dark circles tends to be more of a structural change and chronic physiological degeneration.
1. Aging of the eye skin
The content of collagen and elastin in the dermis of the skin decreases year by year, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and collapses, causing the orbital fat to bulge out, forming a "sunken shadow", which visually aggravates the appearance of dark circles.
2. Orbital septum fat displacement
As the orbicularis oculi muscle relaxes, the orbital fat gradually sags and protrudes to the front of the eyelid, forming a shadow on the lower eyelid. This structural dark circle often manifests as "eye bags with shadows".
3. Pigmentation and chronic inflammation
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays, environmental pollution and chronic micro-inflammatory reactions around the eyes cause increased epidermal melanin deposition. The elderly often experience pigmentary changes in the eyelids, which manifest as brown dark circles.
4. Impact of chronic diseases
Metabolic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction can indirectly aggravate eye pigment or vascular abnormalities, forming or aggravating dark circles by affecting hemodynamics and microcirculation.
5. Medication and hormone changes
Some elderly people use anticoagulants or hormone drugs for a long time, which may increase the permeability of the blood vessel walls around the eyes and cause purpura or congestion, which are visually similar to dark circles.
IV. Intervention and management strategies for dark circles in different age groups
1. Children and adolescents
The focus of management is to find the underlying cause, such as controlling allergic rhinitis, improving sleep rhythm and diet structure, avoiding rubbing eyes, and proper skin care are basic interventions. If necessary, you can cooperate with a doctor to use mild anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory skin care products.
2. Adults
It is recommended to optimize the work and rest structure, maintain a regular schedule, control the eye load, pay attention to sun protection around the eyes and remove makeup thoroughly. For pigmented and vascular dark circles, eye care products with low concentrations of fruit acid, niacinamide, caffeine and other ingredients can be considered. At the same time, physical methods such as cold compresses and eye massage can be used appropriately to promote microcirculation.
3. Middle-aged and elderly people
On the basis of anti-aging and moisturizing, pay attention to changes in skin thickness and fat structure. For example, for sunken dark circles, injection treatments (such as hyaluronic acid fillers) can be considered. For pigmented dark circles, long-term care with whitening ingredients is required. In the presence of systemic diseases, the focus should be on controlling the primary disease to prevent continued deterioration of the dark circles.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although dark circles are not a serious disease, their causes are complex and involve multiple systems. When they persist for a long time or gradually worsen, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor or dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. Early intervention and standardized care can effectively improve their appearance and enhance overall facial vitality and health.