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Can Crying Cause Dark Circles?

Published in Eye Care 3 mins read

Yes, crying can temporarily cause dark circles under your eyes.

While crying is an emotional response, it has physical effects on our bodies, particularly around the eyes. According to a reference from 2020, crying can lead to several temporary changes in the eye area, including:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Development of under-eye circles

These effects are often temporary and can be reduced with the right products and techniques.

Understanding Why Crying Causes Dark Circles

The darkening under the eyes after crying isn't due to a change in skin pigmentation but is more about the increased visibility of blood vessels and fluids. Here's a closer look:

  • Fluid Retention: Crying can lead to fluid retention around the eyes, causing puffiness and making the skin under the eyes appear darker.
  • Increased Blood Flow: The act of crying, often associated with emotional stress, can cause blood vessels to dilate. This increases blood flow to the area, which can make under-eye circles more noticeable.
  • Thin Skin: The skin under the eyes is particularly thin, which makes changes in the underlying blood vessels and fluids more apparent.

How to Reduce Dark Circles After Crying

If you experience dark circles after crying, there are several things you can do to help reduce them:

  • Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to your eyes. This helps reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess fluid and reduce puffiness.
  • Rest: Give your body and eyes adequate rest to help them recover.
  • Eye Creams: Consider using eye creams with ingredients that help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, as the 2020 reference suggests trying different products.
  • Gentle Massage: Gently massage the area around your eyes to help encourage lymphatic drainage and reduce fluid buildup.


Symptom Cause Solution
Dark Circles Fluid retention, increased blood flow Cold compress, hydration, rest, eye creams, gentle massage
Swelling Fluid retention Cold compress, hydration, rest
Redness Increased blood flow Cold compress, rest


In conclusion, while dark circles resulting from crying are usually temporary, they are a common occurrence due to the physical changes brought about by emotional responses. Using the tips and products mentioned above can help in reducing the appearance of under-eye circles after crying.

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