Dark circles under your Eyes: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

WHAT ARE DARK CIRCLES UNDER YOUR EYES?

Dark circles under eyes appear when the skin below the eye, also known as the tear trough, darkens. When this area gets darker, it can cast a shadow or show as darker skin in shades of black, brown, purple or blue, depending on your natural skin colour. Dark circles can make you look more tired or older than you are, causing anxiety for many people.

Dark circles under the eyes have many causes, but they are usually not a sign of a medical emergency. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress and sun exposure are all possible causes of 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 dehydration: eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water is important to hydrate our skin cells.
• Lack of sleep: getting a full night’s sleep can improve heavy dark circles under the eyes.
• Stress and lifestyle: stress can lead to a lack of sleep and rest. Excessive alcohol or drug use can also cause dark circles to appear.
• Genetics: dark circles can be a family trait.
• Ageing: as we age, our skin gets thinner, allowing more blood vessels to show through and making the area appear more blue or purple.
• Hyperpigmentation: sun exposure causes an increase in melanin, which 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 possible causes. However, there is an increased risk of dark circles for:

• People with a family history of dark circles
• Elderly people
• People with darker skin tones

That’s why it’s important to treat dark circles with a multi-treatment approach to achieve the best results.

HOW DO I GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES?

Luckily, there are several cosmetic treatments to soften dark circles. From laser resurfacing, facials and chemical peels to fillers, there are many non-surgical solutions for dark circles.

LASERS FOR DARK CIRCLES

Laser treatment is an excellent option for patients who would like little downtime and whose dark circles are not caused by volume loss under the eye. Lasers can target pigment to lift a darker skin tone, revealing lighter, more even skin tone and texture. This procedure takes 45 minutes and may require multiple treatment sessions for best results.

CHEMICAL PEELS THAT LIGHTEN

Chemical peels are an effective treatment to lighten and brighten dark circles. At VIVA we recommend the Obagi Blue Peel to reveal a more even skin tone and lift darkening around the eyes. It’s an excellent treatment that targets pigment and skin texture.

SKINCARE FOR DARK CIRCLES

Hydroquinone is an effective topical treatment for dark circles. Obagi 4% hydroquinone cream is commonly used to treat melasma and can lift dark circles around the eye. Results can take up to four months, and the cream is most effective when combined with tear trough filler and chemical peels as an at-home maintenance routine.

TEAR TROUGH FILLER FOR DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES

Tear trough filler is an excellent in-clinic treatment that uses dermal filler to fill the hollows that can cause dark under-eye circles and make us look tired. By adding volume, it softens the shadow cast under the eye. The procedure takes 45 minutes with a topical numbing cream, and it’s an outpatient treatment, so you can return to work and normal activities the same day.

WHY DO I HAVE DARK CIRCLES?

Several factors can cause dark circles, including ageing, sun damage, genetics and lifestyle. This is why attending a consultation with a cosmetic doctor is important. Reviewing your medical history and lifestyle comes first, to avoid any lengthy or unnecessary treatments.

WILL THEY GO AWAY?

Unfortunately, dark circles do not usually go away on their own. However, with cosmetic procedures and topical creams, you can manage and reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.

PREVENTING DARK CIRCLES

You can help prevent dark circles by following a simple skincare routine at home, having aesthetic treatments regularly and adjusting your lifestyle. Applying SPF 50 daily and minimising sun exposure can reduce the risk of dark circles. As well as SPF, getting a full night’s sleep and maintaining good skincare can help prevent them.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR DARK CIRCLES

For most patients, dark circles under the eyes are caused by non-life-threatening factors. However, if your dark circles get worse or you experience swelling, speak to your GP.

TREAT YOUR DARK CIRCLES AT VIVA

If you’re ready to treat your dark circles, we offer free consultations for dark under-eye circles at all our clinics. Tear trough filler starts from £399 per ml and chemical peels start from £150. Book your free consultation online to find out more.