Published: Nov 16, 2022, 12:44 IST    Updated: Apr 10, 2023, 13:43 IST

The Best Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Eyelids & Dark Circle

A model looking at his dark eyelids and under-eye circles in the mirror© Shutterstock

As more and more men are stepping up their skincare regime, they're awakening to the fact that dark eyelids are way more difficult to treat than, say, pimples, acne or dryness. Sometimes, treating dark eyelids means looking over the skincare regime to the main root cause. 

Even though having dark eyelids is not itself a health risk, they may indicate certain health problems. Since the skin around the eyes is thinner than the majority of the skin covering the body, it makes the eyelids more prone to translucency and damage, which gives the appearance of dark eyelids. 

Read on to find out more about the dark eyelids causes, as well as home remedies and dark eyelid treatments to get rid of it.

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What are dark eyelids? 

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Dark eyelids are mainly a result of poor lifestyle conditions, genetics, hormonal imbalance and age.

Brown-coloured eyelids are the result of hyperpigmentation. It happens when the melanin pigment increases and darkens the skin around the eyes. 

On the other hand, blue, purple or pink-green hue eyelids are the result of hypervascularity—a higher concentration of blood vessels—which gives the thin eyelid skin beneath the eyes a more pronounced appearance of blood vessels.

What causes dark eyelids?

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Following are some common dark eyelids causes:

Sun damage 

One of the common causes of dark eyelids is exposure to the harsh sun. The UV rays from the sun cause the eyelid skin to become thinner and boost melanin formation in that area.

As a result, blood vessels under the already thin skin eyelids' become more obvious, giving them the appearance of being dark. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF50+ is a dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreen for men & women, which is great for protecting eyelids from harsh UVA and UVB rays.

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Genetics 

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Genetics can sometimes play a role in the development of dark eyelids. For instance, some family members may have black eyelids as a child that darkened with age. While others may notice that their eyelids darken when they exhaust themselves or overly stress out and get back to normal when they take proper rest.

Melanocytes Condition 

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Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin. And when melanocytes in the skin's dermis develop dark pigmentation around the eyelids of the person, a skin condition called Dermal Melanocytosis occurs, which causes dark eyelids.

Dermal melanocytosis may be inherited or acquired conditions, such as: 

  • Sun exposure 
  • Hormonal changes
  • Chronic eczema

Increased Number of Blood Vessels 

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The presence of increased blood vessels and thinner skin around the eyelids is another common cause of dark eyelids. Manually stretching the skin around the eyes allows doctors to confirm their diagnosis of increased vascularity.

Hyperpigmentation Due to Inflammation

The skin around the eyes tends to become hyperpigmented due to an allergic reaction. Allergies often cause an accumulation of fluid in the eyes, which, in turn, causes the eyelids to become dark. Kama Ayurveda Rejuvenating and Brightening Night Cream is a special blend of precious saffron from Kashmir that promotes cell growth and illuminates skin colour while reducing the appearance of dark circles and hyperpigmentation.

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Medications 

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Some types of drugs can also be responsible for dark eyelids. Drugs such as Prostaglandin analogues are used in the treatment of glaucoma, and conditions like latanoprost (Xalatan) can cause the darkening of eyelid skin.

Age

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Ageing causes skin thinning and a lack of fat in the area contributing to tear troughs. Therefore, some men may notice some dark eyelid symptoms, such as a hollow eye rim and a dark shadow over and under their eyes.

Home remedies for dark eyelids 

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Here are some dark eyelids prevention tips to try at home.

Protection from UV rays 

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Use sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to stop the sun's UVA and UVB rays from turning the eyelids dark. Wearing UV-coating sunglasses is another great dark eyelid-prevention tip.

Cold compresses

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While cold compresses won't completely help get rid of black eyelids, they can aid in reducing inflammation brought on by a skin problem. To stop swelling around the eyes from getting worse, applying cold compresses for 5 to 10 minutes can greatly help in reducing the dark eyelid risk factor.

Tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers 

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Another great home remedy to reduce dark eyelids symptoms is placing slices of fruits or vegetables over the eyelids. Due to their high water content and antioxidant content, some fruits and vegetables may temporarily lighten, tighten and reduce inflammation.

Coconut and almond oils 

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Coconut oil is popularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying coconut or almond over the eyelids to treat eye inflammation can, in turn, help in reducing the appearance of dark eyelids.

Enough sleep

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A good night's sleep of a minimum of 7-8 hours can help lower the chance of vasodilation and make the eyelid skin look less pale or dark.

Professional medical treatments for dark eyelids

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The quickest, most efficient or most durable dark eyelid treatments or procedures are frequently those provided by licensed medical professionals. While some treatments, like chemical peels, can be done in beauty parlours, others necessitate a dermatologist's medical knowledge. Avoiding fixing the condition may increase dark eyelid risk factors. 

Chemical Peels 

A chemical peel accelerates exfoliation by removing the damaged skin's outer layer. It can be used alone or in conjunction with topical treatments to lighten dark eyelids and improve the chemical peel's ability to penetrate the skin. 

On the other hand, topical eye creams are a good alternative to chemical peels for regular use. Cerave's Eye Repair Cream is an excellent topical solution for darker eyelids. It can be applied under the eyes as well as on the eyelids. Moreover, there are many budget-friendly eye creams for men available in the market today. 

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Transplantation of autologous fat 

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Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transplantation, is another popular dark eyelid treatment that involves moving fat from one place of the body to a location beneath the delicate skin of the eyelids. By restoring eyelid volume, the procedure lessens the visibility of blood vessels under the eyelid's surface.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection

© Istockphoto

In this dark eyelid treatment, the patient receives a series of injections of platelets that are high in growth factors as part of PRP injection therapy. Growth factors promote new collagen synthesis, which increases skin flexibility around the eyelid.

Laser Treatment

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Laser treatments such as ablative and nonablative lasers can be used to treat dark eyelids brought on by vascularity and hyperpigmentation. In addition to tightening and lightening the skin, laser therapy also encourages the creation of collagen, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.

How to prevent dark eyelids

© Istockphoto

Below are three important dark eyelid prevention tips that you should follow:

  • Avoid being outside in the sun. Apply sunscreen or moisturizers containing SPF to the face and eyes.
  • Determine the root cause and start preventing it. For instance, restrict your consumption of salty foods and refrain from rubbing your eyes during allergic reactions.
  • Maintain a good lifestyle. Keep yourself hydrated, eat a balanced diet, cut back on alcohol and smoking and get enough sleep every night.

Learn more about effective ways to soothe the eyelids and maintain good eye health. 

Wrapping up

Age, genetics and lifestyle choices, among others, can all contribute to dark eyelids. Dark eyelids can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life by making one appear older, more worn out or unwell. The best way to avoid this problem is by leading a healthy lifestyle and protecting the eyes from the sun's damaging rays, among other preventative actions.

Topical creams or homemade remedies can be used to reduce the appearance of dark eyelids. If the issue prevails for a longer time, then it is recommended to consult a medical professional to discuss the best solutions to treat severe dark eyelids.

Try the best 5 eye creams for men to get rid of visible dark eyelids & under-eye circles.

Disclaimer: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.in/Amazon.com sites, as applicable at the time of purchase, will apply to the purchase of this product.

FAQs

Why are my eyelids darker than my face skin?

Dark eyelids mainly occur due to hyperpigmentation, increased blood vessels, eye injuries, or genetic conditions. 

How can I naturally lighten my dark eyelids?

To naturally lighten your dark eyelids, you can try applying sunscreen to your face every day before stepping out, wear sunglasses, or place cucumber slices on your eyelids.

What is the best treatment to fix hyperpigmentation around eyelids?

Laser therapies and chemical peels are the best way and quickest way to fix hyperpigmentation around eyelids.

Why do Indian men have dark eyelids?

Dark eyelids are more common among Indian men because darker skin is rich in melanin, which leaves more prominent and harder-to-treat eyelids compared to Caucasian men.

What causes the darkening of eyelids and nose?

Swollen blood vessels caused due to sinuses affect the normal blood flow, as a result darkening the veins behind the eyes and nose, giving the appearance of dark circles and dark eyelids.

Specialty: Grooming

Qualification: M.C.A from P.T.U

Experience: 10 Years

 Saurabh Dixit is an accomplished content and digital marketing expert with a ten-year track record in diverse sectors like Automotive, Fintech, Edtech, Lifestyle, Grooming, and Health. Known for his thorough research and evidence-based writing, Saurabh has earned notable recognition in the industry.  
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