Post-Pregnancy Dark Circles Under Eyes - Causes & Tips To Overcome Them

As you soak in the warmth of motherhood, allow us to ask - how you doin? While you focus on the wellbeing of the apple of your “eye”, don’t turn a blind “eye” to self-care. And by that, we specifically mean your delicate under eye area that is currently battling long, sleepless nights. And all this means that those dark circles under eyes might start showing prominently. But, what causes them? And how can you get rid of them? Let’s get you an in-depth analysis of what dark circles are, their causes, and 5 simple ways to reduce those harsh dark circles under eyes after your delivery. 

Under Eye Dark Circles - Definition And Causes

Dark circles under the eyes are also known as periorbital dark circles. They are usually characterised by darker under-eye skin tone compared to the surrounding areas of the facial skin.

Causes of Under Eye Dark Circles:

• Ethnicity & Genetics: The under eye skin colour of a person is strongly influenced by inherent factors such as ethnicity and genetics.¹
• Melanin Production: Dark circles may also be caused by the amount of melanin (skin-darkening component) present in the skin.1
• Lifestyle Factors: Several lifestyle and external factors also play a critical role in the appearance of dark circles. These include tiredness, fatigue, and sleep deprivation, stress, illnesses, hormonal changes, eye strain, dehydration, and smoking.¹
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Skin reactions from allergens like cosmetics, skincare products, or environmental triggers can cause inflammation and disrupt the skin's barrier. This may lead to increased pigmentation over time.²
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can stimulate melanin production, darkening the thin skin under the eyes. Protecting this area with sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure can help mitigate these effects.²
• Repeated Rubbing of The Eyes: This causes mechanical trauma to the delicate skin around the eyes, increasing the chances of increased pigmentation. ²
• Eye Drops: Some eye drop medications used in glaucoma treatment may lead to increased melanin production. This may also result in dark circles.²

The most common physiological change during pregnancy is darkening of the under eye area. The increased oestrogen and progesterone levels in pregnancy simultaneously result in melanocyte-stimulating hormone, thereby causing hyperpigmentation (darkening) of skin.²

Anatomy Of The Under Eye Area

Besides the intrinsic and external factors, the anatomy of the under eye area is also a major factor in giving rise to dark circles under eyes. 

The complex anatomy of the eye area can also be a contributory factor toward dark circles under eyes. For instance, there is less infraorbital subcutaneous fat and the under-eye area is prone to irregular blood flow and swelling. Additionally, the eye-lids have the thinnest skin of the face. The bone structure and contour of the eye socket can also lead to shadowing effects around the eye¹.

Results from a scientific review of periorbital dark circles, involving ultrasound imaging, suggest that under-eye dark circles are linked to thinner skin in the under-eye area. The increased blood vessel dilation and hyperpigmentation is more evident through thinner skin, thus increasing the visual appearance of dark circles¹.

Now that we’ve given you an eye-to-eye account of what contributes to dark circles under eyes, let’s check out how to get rid of them in the next section.

Top 8 Home Remedies for Dark Circles

1. Cold Compress (Ice or Chilled Spoon)

Using something cold on your under-eyes helps shrink the tiny blood vessels in that area. When these vessels become less visible, the darkness under your eyes also looks lighter. It also reduces puffiness, making your eyes look fresher and more awake. So, putting a chilled spoon on your puffy eyes really works well. ¹³

2. Chilled Cucumber Slices

Cucumber helps cool and calm the under-eye area, reducing puffiness and making tired eyes look more refreshed. It also contains antioxidants that help soothe the skin and improve the appearance of the under-eye area over time. ¹⁴

3. Raw Potato Juice

Potatoes contain natural enzymes and vitamin C that help brighten skin and reduce pigmentation. Their mild bleaching properties help even out under-eye discolouration over time. Vitamin C is known to support skin brightening and reduce pigmentation by regulating melanin production. ^{15 16}

4. Almond Oil Massage

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which nourishes delicate under-eye skin and supports repair. Gentle massage also boosts blood circulation, helping reduce darkness over time. It’s especially helpful for dryness-related dark circles. Massaging almond oil under your eyes may help reduce pigmentation under the eyes. ^{17 18}

5. Rose Water Compress

Rose water acts as a natural toner, refreshing and soothing tired eyes. Its mild anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness and improve overall skin tone. It’s a gentle remedy suitable for daily use. ¹⁹

6. Cold Milk Soak

Milk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and helps brighten the skin under the eyes. Its cooling effect also reduces puffiness and soothes irritation. Over time, it can improve uneven skin tone. ^{20 21}

7. Tomato & Lemon Juice Mix

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, while lemons contain vitamin C, both of which help brighten the skin. Together, they work to reduce pigmentation and improve the clarity of the under-eye area.
Antioxidants and vitamin C are widely studied for their role in reducing hyperpigmentation. ^{22 23 24}

8. Honey Application

Honey is a natural humectant that deeply hydrates and softens the under-eye area. It also has antioxidant properties that help repair skin damage and improve overall brightness. With consistent use, it can make the area look more nourished and even-toned. Hydration also plays a key role in improving skin appearance and reducing under-eye dullness. ²⁵

Top 5 Dark Circle Removal Tips

There are many reasons for under eye dark circles, including stress, lack of sleep, lifestyle or diet changes, etc³. Following delivery, a new mom might experience some or all these factors. It is believed that hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause an increase in melanin production, and thereby increase dark circles⁴. But the silver lining is that these dark circles are temporary and may fade away gradually after pregnancy ⁴. Until then, you can try these 5 tips to take care of dark circles under your eyes:

1. Improve Sleep Quality

Your new mommy duties will make it practically impossible for you to get long stretches of sleep. This lack of sleep can also make your under eye area look tired, dull and darker. So, focus on the “quality” of your sleep rather than the “quantity”. Follow the thumb rule of ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’. Take small, but deep naps. Try taking a warm bath immediately after bathing your baby. This will help you get a relaxed sleep along with your baby. You can also try listening to soothing music, head or foot massages, or room fragrances to help you get a relaxed, deep nap.

2. Home Remedies

The arrival of a baby also heralds digging into age-old home remedies to handle the baby’s delicate skin. So, even for a new mom’s skin-related worries, our go-to hack is always home remedies! And when it comes to home remedies for dark circles, green tea bags are our best bet. Simply refrigerate used green tea bags and use them on your eyes to relax whenever you get time.

Green tea and its phenolic compounds are believed to prevent melanogenesis (production of melanin pigment) that causes skin darkening ⁷. So, now you know. When you’re done sipping your favourite green tea to relax yourself, don’t just throw the tea bags away.

3. Combat Stress

Stress is largely believed to be a cause of many ailments. And dark circles under eyes are no different. In fact, a study suggests that the dark pigmentation becomes more intense with stress. Whereas good health and rest might aid in lessening the coloration⁸.

While it’s difficult for a new mom to escape stress completely, there are hacks to combat & control it. Remember all those prenatal Lamaze, meditation, and yoga classes you’d been to before your baby arrived? Now’s the time to put them to practise again. 

Another surprising stress buster is - CHOCOLATE! Yes, research proves that consuming about 40 gm of dark or milk chocolate daily, for at least 2 weeks, can help reduce perceived stress⁹. We hope this bit of information has lightened your mood, and, hopefully, brightened your beautiful eyes!

4. Reduce Screen Time

What do long, boring nights and OTT platforms have in common? Nothing,...except us! We all (new moms included) are guilty of straining our eyes to binge-watch OTT content as a boredom-survival instinct.

But for new moms, this eye strain combined with other factors listed above, might add on to worsening the dark circles under eyes¹. So, to all you new moms seeking the guilty pleasure of binge-watching popular K-dramas or answers to a crime-show cliffhanger, we recommend the 3 “R”s (no, it’s not RRR, the movie). It’s- Restrain, Refrain, and Reduce Eye Strain!

5. Use A Good Under Eye Serum

And last, but certainly not the least- what does a new-mom’s tired eyes need? A gentle massage coupled with a soothing effect of potent, natural ingredients! And all this comes together in AreoVeda’s under eye serum that contains a blend of all-natural ingredients.

The Pentavitin in the serum provides under eye skin hydration for up to 72 hours!¹⁰ It has Quinoa seed extracts that help reduce under eye skin folds and puffiness, with visible results in just 28 days¹¹. The CryoCoffee’s caffeine component helps inhibit the production of skin-darkening melanin.¹² What’s more? Unlike conventional under eye creams that require usage of hands, this Bullet Coffee under eye serum comes with a stainless steel roller mechanism. Not only is this hygienic, but also prevents friction to the delicate under eye skin, which is otherwise caused by direct hand application. It also provides a cooling, massage effect, thus helping relax the under eye area.

This brings us to the end of our list of tips to take care of the dark circles under eyes after childbirth!

Who do dark circles under the eyes affect?

Dark circles under the eyes can affect people of all ages, sexes and races. Additionally, people of all skin types can get varying levels of dark circles. However, certain groups of people are more likely to get dark circles when compared to others. These groups include: ²

• People with a family history of undereye dark circles

Dark circles under the eyes can be an inherited skin concern. Genetics is a primary reason for getting dark circles. 

• People with darker skin tones

Increased pigmentation under the eyes can also be seen in people with darker skin tones due to their genetic predisposition for increased melanin production. 

• Elderly people

Ageing causes the skin to become thin and lose collagen and fat. This leads to a hollow appearance of the eyes, and the blood vessels underneath become more visible due to the translucency.

What Medical Treatment Options are Available to Treat Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

Natural remedies like applying cucumber slices, used tea bags, or a cold compress may work for some people. While for some others, undereye dark circles vanish as soon as they get a good night’s sleep. For some other people, with intense dark circles, certain medical treatments can provide a solution. The medical treatments available to treat under-eye dark circles are: ^3,4

• Chemical Peels

A solution of exfoliating acids, like the alpha-hydroxy acids, is used under the eyes to remove dead and pigmented skin cells and to stimulate collagen production. Chemical peels lighten hyperpigmentation and promote brighter skin growth.

• Tissue Fillers

Hyaluronic acid gel is injected in the under-eye area to reduce the appearance of hollowness and smoothen undereye skin, thereby reducing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

• Laser Therapy

There are different types of laser procedures available for removing/reducing undereye dark circles. These help to resurface and tighten the skin. Pulsed dye and diode lasers are types of non-invasive laser treatments available for treating dark circles.

• Topical Creams and Bleaching Agents

Topical creams like Vitamin C ointments and bleaching agents like Hydroquinone help in fading under-eye dark circles.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

In this procedure, blood from the patient’s body is extracted and processed to get concentrated growth factors and platelets, which are then injected under the eyes to stimulate new skin regeneration and collagen production.

• Eyelid Surgery

If dark circles are caused by fat pockets or under-eye hollowness, then this surgery, also called the Blepharoplasty, is done to remove excess fat under the eyes and reposition it in the hollow areas to create a smoother appearance. 

How can dark circles under my eyes be prevented?

Dark circles cannot be prevented much if you have a genetic predisposition. However, if your dark circles are because of poor lifestyle choices or lack of good skin care, then here are some prevention tips to keep in mind: ⁵

• Quit Smoking and Tobacco - Nicotine speeds up the process of skin ageing.
• Use a Sun Block - When stepping out, always use sun protection like sunglasses and a sunscreen as the harmful UV rays of the sun can damage the delicate undereye skin, causing it to produce more melanin and darkening.
• Reduce Screen Time Before Bed - Mobile phones, laptops or too much screen time before bedtime puts a strain on your eyes, reduces your sleep quality, and affects the overall appearance of your eyes.
• Reduce Alcohol Consumption - Too much alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and sleep disturbance.
• Manage Stress - Stress impacts your skin directly. It increases the amount of cortisol produced in the body, which makes the skin appear paler. It also disrupts blood flow and reduces the supply of oxygen to the face. 

Rolling Up(Pun Intended)!

The joy of becoming a mother is unmatched. Yet, it brings with it innumerable challenges and changes - including physical changes like skin pigmentation. Since the under eye skin area is the thinnest compared to the rest of the face, dark circles under eyes appear prominently.¹³ The change in the new mom’s lifestyle and routine can also worsen this condition.

The good news (not another one, not so soon) is that the pregnancy-related dark circles are believed to be temporary which will resolve gradually.4 In the meantime though, you can still take care of dark circles under eyes with the tips provided by us. While a few lifestyle changes and home remedies for dark circles will help, rest assured you’ll hit the bull’s “eye” with AreoVeda’s Bullet Coffee Under Eye Serum! Made of potent, all-natural ingredients, it comes with a stainless-steel roller that provides friction-free, cooling massage effect to the eyes. So, what are you waiting for? Order one for yourself - Today!

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