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Nitric Oxide & Dark Under-Eye Circles

Jun 14, 2011 | By Lyn Michaud
Nitric Oxide & Dark Under-Eye Circles
Photo Credit Celso Pupo Rodrigues/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Nitric oxide acts as a chemical messenger in the nerves, immune system and blood vessels. Cells in the skin layers release nitric oxide to protect and help heal damage to the skin. Slowed blood flow in the area under the eyes results in dark circles. A study conducted by AGI Dermatics in New York published in "Nitric Oxide" in August 2006 shows increasing the release of nitric oxide in blood vessels under the eyes improves blood flow in those vessels and.decreases the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Causes of Dark Circles

Thinning of skin and loss of collagen and fat under the eyes with aging increase the appearance of shadows under the eyes. According to MayoClinic.com, nasal congestion may dilate and darken the veins from eyes to nose, creating a purplish darkness under the eye. Additional causes of dark circles include eczema, variations in production of skin pigment and exposure to sun, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and caffeine.

Nitric Oxide Function

Endothelial cells release nitric oxide in blood vessels. According to "Heart Advisor," nitric oxide opens blood vessels wider to improve blood flow. In response to the skin's exposure to ultraviolet light, infection or injury, nitric oxide releases to protect and repair cells.

Drs. Marie-madeleine Cals-Grierson and Anthony Ormerod report in the June 2004 issue of "Nitric Oxide" that skin cells contain three different types of nitric oxide synthase. Most cells in the skin contain inducible nitric oxide synthase. The cells that maintain skin's elasticity contain endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Cells making up the majority of the epidermis release neuronal nitric oxide synthase.

Nitric Oxide and Dark Under-eye Circles

The thin layers of skin under the eye allow blood vessels to show, and slowed blood flow increases the appearance of dark circles. In the August 2006 issue of "Nitric Oxide," researchers at AGI Dermatics report stimulating the production of nitric oxide by using a lotion containing bicyclic monoterpene diols reduced dark under-eye circles in seven out of 26 participants.

Nitric Oxide From Skin Stem Cells

Stem cells in the skin help maintain and repair damage to the skin's outer layers, the epidermis and the dermis. In the July 2010 issue of "Archives of Dermatological Research," researchers at Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancoma, Italy, reported the presence of three types of nitric oxide synthase enzymes in skin stem cells. Though skin stem cells cultured in the laboratory released nitric oxide, the authors point out that additional research is needed to determine how the cells release nitric oxide.

Stimulating Nitric Oxide Production

Blood vessel and heart health rely on the presence of nitric oxide. According to "Heart Advisor," risk factors for heart disease including smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure and cholesterol levels reduce nitric oxide levels. Reducing these risk factors through lifestyle changes or medical treatment and regular aerobic exercise may help increase levels of nitric oxide.

References

Article reviewed by S.C. Ville Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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