Dark Circles Under Eyes
Solihull Medical Cosmetic Clinic offers a comprehensive range of treatments to address dark circles under the eyes. These treatments may be recommended individually or in combination, depending on the cause. Dr. Sagoo will assess each client before suggesting a treatment protocol.
Dark circles can be a frustrating issue, especially for individuals with Asian or Black skin tones, which may impact their confidence in social settings. Understanding the causes of dark circles makes it possible to treat the underlying issue.
What’s Causing Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
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Skin Conditions:
Skin conditions like atopic eczema can cause dark under-eye circles. Aging also contributes, as the skin loses collagen and thins, making veins more prominent. Shadows can be cast by bone structure, puffy eyelids, or hollows under the eyes caused by the natural ageing process
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Family History:
A common cause of dark circles under the eyes is genetics. Certain ethnic backgrounds have skin that increases melanin production, not solely due to external factors.
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Allergies:
Dark circles under the eyes can result from seasonal allergies such as hay fever, food allergies,
cosmetic allergies, and allergens in the home or workplace. Allergies cause inflammation, which enlarges the tiny blood vessels beneath the eyes.
These swollen blood vessels press against the thin under-eye skin, making the dark colour more visible. Rubbing and scratching can also stimulate melanocytes (melanin-producing cells), darkening pigmentation in the area.
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Nasal Congestion:
Blocked nasal passages can cause dark circles because the veins from
your eyes to your nose can become dilated and darken.
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Vitamin Deficiencies and Poor Nutrition:
Poor nutrition can lead to vitamin deficiencies, specifically B vitamins (such as a B12 deficiency from anaemia), vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin K, resulting in dark circles under the eyes. Vitamins are also needed for adrenal gland function.
When the adrenal gland is fatigued from stress, and excess consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, vitamin absorption is impaired, resulting in facial puffiness and dark circles.
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Dehydration:
Lack of water causes dehydration, leading to dilated and swollen blood
vessels. Excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body and disrupt sleep, should be avoided. Alcohol also decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin, as does smoking.
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Smoking:
Smoking causes vascular problems, constricting blood vessels, resulting in poor
circulation and making the blood vessels appear more prominent and darker.
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Hormones:
Hormonal changes, such as those related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy,
or menopause, can cause anaemia, dark circles, and puffiness due to water retention. Cutting down on salty foods, carbs, and excess fluids can help.
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Lack of Sleep:
Although it is not the major cause, lack of sleep can lead to stress and other
health problems, creating paler, tired-looking skin and making shadows and dark circles under the eyes more noticeable.
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Tear Trough Deformity:
A depression beneath the lower eyelids, known as a tear trough
deformity is another significant cause of dark under-eye circles. This is usually inherited and worsens over time due to the natural loss of tissue under the orbital rim area.
In such cases, a temporary filling agent, such as Restylane or Juvederm, can be placed in the valley to plump up the depression, improving the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. The treatment is painless and is performed after applying a small amount of numbing cream to the skin.
Treatment of Dark Circles Under the Eye
Solihull Medical Cosmetic Clinic, under the supervision of Dr. Sagoo, provides a range of cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of under-eye dark circles, including:
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IPL (Intense Pulsed Light):
Using high-intensity light absorbed by the brown pigment in dark skin, the dark colouration under the eye can be improved over a series of 3-4 sessions. There is no downtime, although using a high-factor sunblock is recommended.
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Under-Eye Laser Vein Removal:
Prominent veins under the eye can give the appearance of dark circles as the blue/red colour of the veins creates a dark shadowing. Dr. Sagoo is one of only two doctors in the UK who can remove these veins with a vascular laser, providing almost immediate lightening and a smoother, uniform appearance with dramatic effects.
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Carboxytherapy:
This technique targets the build-up of “venous pooling” under the eye area using carbon dioxide gas. The treatment improves the capillary network of the lower eyelids, increases the dermal collagen layer, and replaces the bluish colour with a healthy pink tone. A series of four to six sessions is recommended, with maintenance every six months.
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PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):
When used in combination with other treatments for dark circles, such as carboxytherapy, PRP injections can significantly improve dark circles. PRP injections around the eye area are carried out at four-week intervals, with a course of three treatments advised. The growth factors released by the concentrated platelets stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, making the under-eye skin thicker and less prone to discolouration.
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Pico Laser:
Pico lasers use picosecond laser energy to shatter pigments. The clinic’s medical-grade pico laser treats and removes tattoo pigments and can also be used for treating dark circles caused by acquired pigmentation, such as sun damage. Approximately three treatments may be required, depending on skin type.
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Tear Trough Deformity Treatment:
If a tear trough deformity exists, hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm, can be placed in the valley to plump up the depression, improving the appearance of dark circles. The treatment is painless, with immediate results.
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Dark Eye Peel:
Safe medical-grade chemical peels containing powerful skin-lightening and
rejuvenating ingredients treat pigmentation, soften wrinkles, and brighten the area for a more uplifted, fresher, and lighter look. These peels can also be used to treat both upper and lower eyelids. A course of four eye peels (7-21 days apart) is recommended.
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Laser Resurfacing:
Using a CO2 laser under the eyes for individuals with fair skin can help remove increased pigmentation, improve fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance texture.
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Sunekos (Skin Booster):
Sunekos is a non-surgical injectable skin treatment that combines hyaluronic acid and amino acids to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. This treatment rejuvenates the skin, enhancing volume, hydration, and elasticity, and can be particularly effective in treating dark circles caused by sun exposure. A typical treatment involves 3-4 sessions spaced 7-10 days apart.
Skin Care Products and Analysis for Dark Circle Under the Eyes
The clinic provides a range of medical-grade skin-lightening creams such as Arbutin and Kojic acid, as well as Vitamin A retinoid creams, collagen-stimulating, and skin-rejuvenation creams to help keep the skin healthy. Using a state-of-the-art skin analyser, multiple photos are taken at different levels of the dermis and epidermis to assess the degree of pigmentation, dehydration, and pore size, allowing for the selection of bespoke products to target problem areas.
Prevention of Dark Circles
- Ensure sufficient sleep.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
- Take intermittent breaks to rest your eyes during long working hours.
- Consume an iron-rich diet.
- Use medically advised under-eye creams containing hyaluronic acid and natural skin-lightening agents.
Important Considerations During Treatment
- None of the treatments are effective on their own; a combined approach is often necessary.
- the most effective treatment occurs when the underlying cause is identified.
- Every skin type is different, just like every individual is unique.
Book Your Consultation
If you're interested in learning more about treating dark circles or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Solihull Medical Cosmetic Clinic at 03300 417494. Our team, led by Dr. Sagoo, is here to help you achieve a fresher, more rejuvenated appearance with a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
