WHAT ARE DARK CIRCLES UNDER YOUR EYES?
Dark circles refer to the skin below the eye, aslo known as the tear trough, darkens. When this area gets darker, it can cast a shadow appearance or a darking in skin color with different shades of black, brown, purple or blue depending on your natural skin color. Dark circles cast a shadow that can make you look more tired or older than you are- causing aniexty for many people.
Dark circles under the eyes have many causes- but dark circles are usualy not a sign of a medical emergency. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress and sun exposure are all possible causes to dark under eye circles. Whatever the cause you may want to lighten them with a cosmetic treatment to look less tired or more youthful.
WHAT CAUSES DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES?
There are a few possible reasons dark circles may appear under the eyes such as:
- Diet and dehydation: eating a healthy well balanced diet and drinking plenty of water is important to hydrate our skin cells.
- Lack of Sleep: Getting a full nights sleep can improve the heavy dark circles under the eyes.
- Stress and Lifestyle: Stress can lead to lack of sleep and rest. Excessive alchol or drug abuse will cause dark circles to appear.
- Dark Circles Genetics: Dark circles can be a genetic family trait.
- Aging: As we age of skin gets thinner allowing the tissue to show more blood vessels, making the area appear more blue or purple in appearance.
- Hyperpigmentation: Sun expose causes increase in melanin- this can cause dark circles to appear.
WHO DO DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES AFFECT?
Both men and women can experience darkening under the eyes. It can be genetic or a combination of the many possibilities. However there is an increased risk with dark circles for:
- People who have a family history of dark circles
- Eldery People
- People with darker skin tone
That’s why its important to treat dark circles with a multi-treatment approach to ensure the best dark circle treatment is achieved.
HOW DO I GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES?
Luckly there are several cosmetic treatments to soften dark circles. From laser resurfacing, facials, chemical peels and fillers- there are many solutions for non-surgical dark circle fix.
LASERS FOR DARK CIRCLES
Laser treatment is an excellent option for patients who would like little downtime and the dark circle is not from volume loss under the eye. Lasers can target pigment to lift darker skin tone revealing lighter more even skin tone and texture. This procedure is 45 minutes and may require mulitple treatment sessions for best results.
CHEMICAL PEELS THAT LIGHTEN
Chemical peels are an effective treatment to lighten and brighen dark circles. At VIVA we recommend the Obagi blue peel to reveal a more even skin tone and lift darkening around the eyes- an excellent treatment that targets pigment and skin texture.
SKINCARE FOR DARK CIRCLES
Hydroquinone is an excellent topical bleach to treat dark eye circles. Obagi 4% hydroquinone cream is safe and effective around the eye area, commonly used to treat melasma – this cream will lift the dark circles around the eye. Results can take up to 4 months however, this cream is most effective when in combination of tear trough fillers and chemical peels as an at home maintence regime.
TEAR TROUGH FILLERS FOR DARK UNDER EYE CIRCLES
Tear trough fillers are an excellent in clinic procedure using dermal fillers to fill in the hollows that can cause a dark under eye circles making us look tired. By adding volume, the shadow cast under the eye area is softened. This procedure is performed in 45 minutes with a topical numbing cream and is an outpatinet treatment- returning to work and normal activities same day.
WHY DO I HAVE DARK CIRCLES?
There may be several factors causing dark circles- aging, sun damage, genetics, lifestyle- this is why attending a consultation with a cosmetic doctor is important. Reviewing medical history and lifestyle before cosmetic procedures are introduced is first to avoid any lengthy or unnecessary treatments.
WILL THEY GO AWAY?
Unfortunately, dark circles do not go away on their own. However, with the many cosmetic procedures and topical creams you can learn to live with dark circles and manage the severity of the under eye dark circles over time.
PREVENTING DARK CIRCLES
You can prevent dark circles by pracitising simple skincare routine at home, having aesthetic injectables on a routine basis and adjusting your lifestyle. By applying factor 50 daily and minimizing sun exposure you can reduce the risk of dark circles. As well as SPF, getting a full nights sleep and maintaining good skincare can help prevent dark circles.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
For many patients dark circles under their eyes are caused by non-life threatening factors however if the dark circles get worse or experience swelling with the dark circles speak to your family doctor or GP.
FIX YOUR DARK CIRCLES AT VIVA
If you are ready to fix your dark circles we offer free consultations for dark under eye treatment at both of our clinics. Tear trough filler starts at £375 and chemical peels start from just £150. Call us today at 02037332199 to book your free consultation to learn more about curing dark under eye circles.
