Dark Circles Under Eyes
Dark circles around the eyes are a type of hyperpigmentation that occurs when melanin—a natural skin pigment—accumulates in the area. The appearance of dark circles is most noticeable in people with fair skin, whose veins around the eye area show through as red-blue lines.
Causes Under Eye Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes are caused by a variety of factors and may be hereditary. As we age, the skin’s elasticity weakens as we start losing collagen, and the area under the eyes begins to become thin and translucent. The darkening of the skin around the eye region may be due to various causes like fluid accumulation under the eyes, increased vascularity in the under-eye skin, or constitutional hollows under the eyes.
Some of the causes that make dark circles more prominent are:
Fatigue and lack of sleep
Allergies to eye cosmetics
Aging process causing skin laxity
Genetics
Pigmentation irregularities
Excessive sun exposure
A habit of rubbing eyes
Dehydration
Certain medication
Anemia, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiency
Excessive vascularity in the skin around the eyes
Tear trough (under eye hollows)
There are two primary causes of dark circles under the eyes. The first is vascular issues, which cause blood vessels in this area to become prominent and visible, appearing as a dark circle or bruise. The second reason is the loss of elasticity in the periorbital area. As skin ages, it loses its ability to retain moisture and support collagen and elastin fibers, causing the tissue under the eyes to appear sunken and darker than the surrounding areas.
Treatment Options
Laser treatment can eliminate the dark circles and puffy bags that develop under your eyes. Various kinds of lasers are used for reducing the appearance of dark circles around the eyes.
Laser treatments are a highly effective option for eliminating dark circles. A laser targets the inner layer of skin to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is an important protein that helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, thereby improving the texture and tone of the skin. As a result, dark circles are eliminated.
Laser Therapy
CO2 laser resurfacing for under-eye problems has been around since the 1990s, though it has improved a lot in recent years. Treatment involves fractional lasers, which scatter the laser energy to reduce the amount of damage while still getting great results.
Under-eye problems include fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. CO2 laser treatment can address these issues. The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, requiring laser technology that will not cause damage.
Fractional CO2
The Fotona SMOOTH, Er: YAG laser, applied in a non-ablative mode, can be used to tighten the periocular region. The laser stimulates collagen remodeling and contraction without damaging the surrounding skin. The entire area around the eye is treated, including the upper and lower eyelids, as well as the brow. Patients report no discomfort during treatment and have minimal recovery time after treatment.
Benefits:
Immediate freshness and tightness of the periocular area
Stimulates collagen remodeling and initiates neocollagenesis
Little-to-no downtime
Gentle, fast and non-invasive
Safe and precisely controlled
Fotona SMOOTH
In addition to the laser or FCO2 procedures, for even better results, it is highly recommended to combine the procedure with revitalization injections.
Revitalizing injections can significantly improve coloration and reduce the volume of under-eye bags. The results are evident after only two treatments, but treatments should be spaced a week apart. The injectable cocktail consists of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants, as well as other active substances which have an effect on microcirculation. The treatment improves the appearance of the under-eye area, diminishes fine lines around the eyes, and reduces dark circles and a tired look.
Revitalization Injections
The above-mentioned list is not definitive and may differ in the treatment of your specific skin condition. Furthermore, depending on your case, the procedures can be used alone or in combination. Your doctor will select the best treatment strategy according to your individual specifications.
Dr. Lola Ali is a professional skincare therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people achieve younger, brighter, and healthier skin. If you would like to know more about your specific aesthetical skin condition and available treatment approaches, please do not hesitate and book your first free skincare check-up and consultation with her.
