Dark undereye circles can make you look lethargic or tired, and can also contribute to your face appearing less youthful. Dark circles under your eyes are often caused by fatigue, but there are a number of other reasons you can develop them, including skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis; sun exposure; or allergies or hay fever (which can result in scratching or rubbing, which also causes dark circles). Dark circles can also be caused by genetics.
When you have dark undereye circles, people may comment that you look tired or in need of rest. In fact, a lack of good sleep or downtime is a common cause of dark circles. Dark undereye circles can also be caused by the natural aging process, which results in thinner, less elastic skin. When skin thins and loses elasticity, the blood vessels under your eyes may be more visible. In addition, people tend to lose fat and collagen in the face as they age, which can result in more sunken, dark undereyes.
Dark circles under the eyes can also be caused by medical conditions, like eczema and dermatitis, or allergies that irritate the eyes (rubbing and scratching can cause dark circles). In some cases, dark undereye circles are simply hereditary.
While there are a number of home remedies that can help lessen the appearance of dark circles, in many cases, the most effective and long-term way to eliminate undereye circles and eye bags is through cosmetic procedures. There are a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments that can reduce the appearance of or eliminate dark undereye circles.
Laser therapy treatments can vaporize damaged skin cells and target the darkened pigmentation of the skin under your eyes. This type of treatment can also help stimulate new collagen production, leading to a youthful, rejuvenated look.
Chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin, and help stimulate collagen growth.
Injectable dermal fillers can help restore the volume that is lost under the eyes during the natural aging process, which can help eliminate undereye circles and restore a youthful appearance to the face.
A SilkPeel uses a gentle device that exfoliates the skin, promoting the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage under the eyes (and wherever else on the face the device is used).
A fractional CO2 laser treatment involves microscopic columns of energy being passed into the deep layers of the skin, promoting new collagen and elastin. This type of treatment can help improve volume under the eyes, and reduce dark pigmentation.
Microneedling uses microscopic needles to prick the skin, which stimulates collagen production and helps produce fuller, more youthful skin, including under the eyes.
While the non-surgical options listed above are highly effective at reducing the appearance of dark undereye circles, multiple treatments are often needed, and more severe eye bags might require a surgical procedure to eliminate completely.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, can drastically reduce or eliminate the appearance of undereye circles. During a lower lid blepharoplasty, which can be performed by a plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or dermatologic surgeon, fat from the lower lids is surgically removed, decreasing the shadow cast by your eyelid and reducing the appearance of dark circles.
While in some cases – such as when eyelid circles are genetic, or the result of the natural aging process – dark circles under the eyes cannot be prevented, there are some measures you can take to ensure you do not develop undereye circles. These include:
Sleep: Getting six to eight hours of sleep nightly can greatly reduce your risk of developing undereye circles. In addition, you should practise good sleep hygiene, by keeping screens out of the bedroom, avoiding food close to bedtime, and investing in comfortable bedding.
Skincare: Some creams and moisturizers, including those containing retinol, can help lessen the effects of aging, including dark undereye circles.
Sun exposure: Staying out of the sun and applying plenty of sunscreen will help ensure your skin does not suffer sun damage, which can lead to dark undereye circles.
Cold treatments: Ice, cold rollers, and chilled tea bags can help soothe your eyes, and will reduce puffiness and dark circles that are caused from lack of sleep or poor rest.
Makeup: Applying concealer and tint-correcting colour cosmetics will not eliminate dark undereye circles, but you will be able to hide them temporarily.
Check out our before and after section here!
The cost to fix dark undereye circles depends on the treatment you choose, the severity of your undereye circles, and how many treatments are required. The expert clinicians at SpaMedica will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your undereye circles, and will then be able to provide a cost estimate.
At SpaMedica, we offer a number of surgical and non-surgical approaches to addressing all cosmetic concerns, including dark undereye circles. Our team will work with you to determine your desired outcomes, and will put together a treatment plan that fits your needs. Contact the clinic to book a consultation today!
High energy light will be pulsed gently on the skin to target any imperfections on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
The SilkPeel device uses a gentle wet abrasion technique formulated specifically for your skin type.
The fractional CO2 laser treats superficial and deep skin layers to rejuvenate, tighten and brighten the skin.
