Dark circles under the eyes – what are the causes and treatments?

Eye Treatments

28 May

Written By

DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES ARE AN UNWANTED COMMON COSMETIC CONCERN FOR MANY. WHILE WE CAN OFTEN ATTRIBUTE THEM TO A LACK OF SLEEP, THE REALITY IS THAT A VARIETY OF FACTORS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE APPEARANCE OF THESE SHADOWY, TIRED LOOKING DISCOLORATIONS, INCLUDING GENETICS, LIFESTYLE FACTORS, AND UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES?

GENETICS

One of the most significant factors influencing the development of dark circles is genetics. If your parents or grandparents have dark circles, there’s a high likelihood that you may develop them too. Genetic predisposition can affect the skin’s thickness, pigmentation, and the amount of periorbital fat (fat around the eye area).

People with thinner skin around their eyes tend to have more visible blood vessels, which can create a bluish or purplish tint. Additionally, those with higher levels of melanin may experience hyperpigmentation, leading to darker circles. Ethnic background plays a role as well, with individuals of Asian and African descent more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eyes.

AGEING

As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, leading to thinner and more translucent skin. This process is particularly noticeable around the eyes, where the skin is already delicate. The loss of fat and collagen in the periorbital area can make the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible, resulting in dark circles. Aging also often comes with a loss of volume in the facial tissues, which can create hollows under the eyes and accentuate shadowing.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

The most commonly cited cause of dark circles is lack of sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone. High levels of cortisol can increase blood volume, making blood vessels, including those under the eyes, more prominent. Sleep deprivation can also lead to fluid retention, contributing to puffiness and swelling that casts shadows under the eyes.

DIET AND HYDRATION

Your diet and hydration levels significantly impact your skin’s appearance. High salt intake can lead to water retention, exacerbating puffiness and dark circles. Dehydration, on the other hand, can cause the skin to appear dull and sunken, highlighting the appearance of dark circles. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K and iron, can help maintain healthy skin.

ALCOHOL AND SMOKING

Alcohol and smoking are known to have detrimental effects on the skin. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, leading to a more hollowed and tired appearance. Smoking accelerates the aging process by breaking down collagen and reducing skin elasticity, making blood vessels under the eyes more noticeable. Both habits can also cause poor circulation, which contributes to the formation of dark circles.

ALLERGIES AND NASAL CONGESTION

Allergic reactions and nasal congestion can lead to what is often referred to as “allergic shiners.” When you’re allergic to something, your body releases histamines, which can cause blood vessels to dilate and become more visible under the skin. Additionally, chronic rubbing of itchy eyes can lead to inflammation and broken blood vessels, worsening the appearance of dark circles.

Nasal congestion can also contribute to dark circles by causing veins around the sinuses to dilate and darken. This condition is often exacerbated by seasonal allergies or chronic sinus issues.

SUN EXPOSURE

Excessive sun exposure can increase melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation in the delicate skin around the eyes. Over time, this can cause the skin to darken, creating the appearance of dark circles. Sun exposure can also lead to premature aging and thinning of the skin, making underlying blood vessels more prominent.

HEALTH CONDITIONS

Certain health conditions can contribute to the appearance of dark circles. For example, anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, can cause the skin to appear pale and the blood vessels under the eyes more noticeable. Thyroid conditions can also lead to changes in skin texture and color around the eyes.

HORMONAL CHANGES

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can affect the skin’s pigmentation and circulation. These changes can lead to dark circles as the skin becomes more susceptible to discoloration and the blood vessels more visible.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES?

Understanding the underlying cause of your dark circles is the first step in addressing them. You can introduce a number of strategies to help work out what is the main cause and reduce their appearance:

Get Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate the skin.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Use Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection to protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV damage.

Allergy Management: If you think allergies are contributing to your dark circles, consider taking antihistamines and reducing exposure to allergens to test your theory.

Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress can help constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness, making dark circles less noticeable.

Skin Care Products: Look for products containing ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which can help improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation. We have a fantastic night cream from SkinBetter called Eyemax Alpharet Overnight Cream, a clinic-only skincare product available directly from the clinic.

Professional Treatments: For persistent dark circles, you may wish to consult a dermatologist. Treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, and fillers can prove to give significant results.

Light Eyes Ultra Mesotherapy is an innovative revitalising eye application targeting dark circles under the eye in addition to being a fantastic complete eye rejuvenation treatment. The formulation is a cocktail containing Hyaluronic Acid, Ruscus, Vitamin C, antioxidants and botanical extracts.

BENEFITS OF LIGHT EYES ULTRA MESOTHERAPY:

1. HYDRATION AND SKIN PLUMPING

Hyaluronic Acid: One of the primary components of the Light Eyes cocktail is hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating agent. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin, which helps to plump up the area under the eyes. This added volume can reduce the appearance of hollows and shadows that contribute to dark circles.

2. IMPROVED BLOOD CIRCULATION

Vitamins and Amino Acids: The mix of vitamins (such as vitamin C) and amino acids in Light Eyes Mesotherapy enhances blood circulation around the eyes. Improved blood flow can reduce the pooling of blood and the bluish tint often associated with dark circles. This helps in reducing the discoloration and giving the skin a healthier appearance.

3. REDUCTION OF PIGMENTATION

Antioxidants and Brightening Agents: The treatment contains antioxidants and other agents that help to lighten hyperpigmentation. By reducing melanin production and breaking down existing pigment, Light Eyes Mesotherapy can help to lighten dark circles caused by pigmentation issues.

4. STRENGTHENING THE SKIN BARRIER

Minerals and Peptides: Minerals and peptides included in the mesotherapy solution help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. This improved barrier function can protect the delicate skin around the eyes from environmental damage and reduce the likelihood of future dark circles forming.

5. COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN STIMULATION

Biorevitalizing Components: Ingredients that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin are often included in the Light Eyes cocktail. These proteins are essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Increased collagen and elastin production can improve the skin’s texture and resilience, making the under-eye area look firmer and less shadowed.

6. REDUCTION OF PUFFINESS

Decongestant Agents: Light Eyes Mesotherapy includes components that help to reduce fluid retention and puffiness. By minimizing swelling around the eyes, the treatment can help to eliminate the shadows and bulges that contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

7. ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION

Protection Against Free Radicals: The antioxidants in the mesotherapy solution protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and accelerate aging. By neutralizing these molecules, the treatment helps to maintain healthier skin and prevent further damage that can lead to dark circles.

LIGHT EYES MESOTHERAPY PROCEDURE AND RESULTS

The Light Eyes Mesotherapy procedure typically involves a series of small injections around the eye area. These injections deliver the active ingredients directly into the skin, ensuring that they reach the targeted tissues effectively. The treatment is usually performed over multiple sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve the best results. Patients often notice an immediate improvement in hydration and plumpness, which can make the eyes look more refreshed and less tired.

With repeated treatments, the cumulative effects of improved circulation, reduced pigmentation, and enhanced collagen production become more evident. Dark circles gradually fade, and the skin around the eyes looks firmer and more youthful.