One of the most common beauty complaints, dark circles can undoubtedly be a drag. Whether you blame yours on your mother or your party-hard lifestyle, under-eye concealer is not the only solution available. Because, while tricky to treat, dark circles can be improved. Read on to discover how.

Dark circle causes

Dark circles in the skin around the eyes can be caused by the underlying blood supply, pigmentation from sun damage, or under-eye hollowness. A combination of genetics, thin skin, pale skin, poor circulation and environmental factors such as lack of sleep, alcohol, poor diet, allergies and toxins can cause dilation of the blood vessels and sluggish blood flow in this under-eye area.

Hollowness under the eyes can also cast a shadow and create the illusion of darker circles, while superficial veins in the area can also increase the look of darkness.

Simple ways to improve them

The old remedies of cucumber slices, cold spoons and cold wet tea bags all work by cooling the area down and vasoconstricting the blood vessels. Drinking lots of water and eating a diet full of fresh veggies and clean foods can help to detoxify the body, and may also help to improve dark circles caused by poor lifestyle choices.

Skincare ingredients to look out for

Skincare products that may help include creams and serums that contain kojic acid, Vitamin K or caffeine, as these help constrict the blood vessels. Vitamin A (retinoids) helps by thickening the skin and by creating more collagen in the area. Vitamin C can help to brighten and lighten pigmentation. Finally, Hyaluronic Acid will help plump the skin by drawing more water to its surface.

Cosmetic treatment for dark circles

Cosmetic treatments that may improve dark circles include any treatment that aims to increase collagen and thicken the skin, such as:

  • RF Skin Resurfacing: Uses Radio Frequency to disrupt collagen and elastic fibres to induce the healing process. The result is improved skin quality under the eye to mask the vessels underneath while combating fine lines and laxity.
  • Tissue regeneration treatments use the patient’s own blood can also improve circulation, heal damaged cells and revolumise the lax tissues caused by age-related volume loss.
  • Exilis 360 tightening - Skin tightening for fine lines under the eyes. Exilis can go within the orbital rim and tighten the fine lines to assist with the appearance for dark circles.
  • Soft tissue augmentation with fillers can improve dark circles caused by hollowness as it changes the way the light reflects, making the area appear lighter. Certain fillers also contain mesotherapy lightening ingredients which further aid dark circles, and IPL or laser treatments can improve darkness caused by pigmentation.

IPL, Radiofrequency Skin Resurfacing and tissue regeneration treatments require approximately 4 treatments spaced 1 month apart, Exilis 360 tightening will require 4 weekly treatments and fillers last 6-12 months and may need to be done over 2 appointments.

To book a consultation or speak with a qualified practitioner book now or call 02 8041 5725