Do Minoxidil Dark Circles Go Away: The Truth about Minoxidil and Dark Circles

Minoxidil, an FDA- approved hair growth product, is commonly used by many to treat hair loss and promote hair growth.

However, people who use Minoxidil, mainly on eyelashes or beards, have experienced dark circles under their eyes.

Though other people deny that there are no such effects of minoxidil, based on my research, I can assure you that it is real. Minoxidil does give dark circles under the eyes. It is not a myth.

In this article, we’ll explore the truth about Minoxidil and dark circles, including what causes them, how to prevent them, and whether they can be treated or not. So, keep reading.

How minoxidil causes dark circles under eyes

Originally, minoxidil was used as an antihypertensive drug. It causes blood vessels to dilate and thus decreases blood pressure.

Later, it was observed that minoxidil also causes hair to grow, and after that, it is mainly used for curing hair loss.

There are only a few side effects of minoxidil: itching, redness, and headache. Unlike finasteride, also a popular drug used to treat hair loss, it does not cause infertility.

Among the few side effects of minoxidil is a dark circle under the eye. This usually happens if you use it on your beard or eyebrows.

How does it happen?

Minoxidine dilates the blood vessel of the skin around the eyes which is very thin and delicate, making the area look darker. These dilated blood vessels become more visible and can create a darker appearance under the eyes.

Another reason could be that minoxidil can sometimes cause dryness or irritation of the skin, making the area under the eyes look darker and more wrinkled.

Do minoxidil dark circles go away if you stop using it

Any side effect of minoxidil is not permanent. They will go away if you stop using them.

Likewise, the dark circle under the eyes that appears after using minoxidil will disappear gradually after you stop using it as the medication will no longer be absorbed into your bloodstream, and the blood vessels under your eyes should return to their normal size.

How long does it take this effect to go away?

It may take some time for the dark circles to fade away completely, but it does happen eventually.

However, if you are very much worried about dark circles under your eyes or if they linger even after you stop using minoxidil, I suggest you talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.

That’s because there could be other reasons for the appearance of dark circles, such as aging, lifestyle, dehydration, lack of sleep, or other health conditions. Your doctor can help you identify and address real underlying causes.

Here are some of the tips to get rid of Minoxidil dark circles:

• Avoid using too much Minoxidil, especially if you apply it around the eyebrows or beard.
• Use a moisturizer to help reduce dryness around the eyes.
• You can try using an under-eye cream or serum that contains ingredients like caffeine or vitamin C to help reduce puffiness and brighten the skin.
• Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can also help reduce the appearance of Minoxidil dark circles.

Other side effects of minoxidil

Minoxidil, popularly known by its brand name Rogaine, is a commonly used drug for treating hair loss. It is typically applied topically and is used extensively due to its efficacy in stimulating hair growth. However, like any medication, minoxidil comes with its share of potential side effects.

The most common side effect is skin irritation. This can manifest as redness, itching, flaking, or dryness at the application site. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and subside with continued use or discontinuation of the drug. However, if these symptoms persist or become severe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Another common side effect is the unwanted growth of facial hair. This can occur when minoxidil inadvertently comes in contact with other parts of the body. To avoid this, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after applying the solution.

An unusual but notable side effect of minoxidil is changes in hair texture or color. Some users have reported that their hair became less manageable or changed color. These effects are usually temporary and revert back once the application is discontinued.

Less common but more serious side effects include dizziness, fainting, chest pain, rapid heart rate, swelling of hands or feet, and unexplained weight gain. These could indicate that minoxidil is being absorbed into your bloodstream, which can potentially cause systemic side effects.

Allergic reactions to minoxidil, though rare, can occur. Symptoms can include rash, itching, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. If you experience any of these, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

A highly significant side effect is the “shedding phase.” This is when users notice increased hair loss within weeks of starting the treatment. This is often temporary and occurs because minoxidil stimulates the hair follicles to shift from the resting phase to the growth phase, causing the old hairs to fall out.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s reaction to medications is unique. While these side effects may sound alarming, many users of minoxidil experience minimal to no side effects. It is generally considered safe for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Before starting minoxidil, it’s recommended to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider about its potential side effects. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and lifestyle. Also, it’s important to remember that hair growth is a slow process and minoxidil requires regular and consistent use for several months for its effects to be visible.

Bottom Line

To sum up, Minoxidil dark circles are usually not permanent and should go away once you stop using the medication.

That said, I don’t suggest you do that. Suddenly stopping minoxidil cause the shedding of hair and your hair will start to fall. Try using other methods as described above to get rid of minoxidil dark circles or if want to stop using it, do this only after you consult with a dermatologist.

That’s only my opinion. Hope this article helps you understand minoxidil dark circles clearly. Thanks for reading.