Dark circles under the eyes (under-eye shadows) are a common reason for visiting an aesthetic medicine clinic. This issue affects both women and men of different ages, making the face appear tired, sleep-deprived, and older than one’s actual age. There are several causes of this condition, making a proper assessment of the problem and the selection of appropriate treatment crucial.
Dark circles under the eyes may be a result of sleep deprivation and fatigue, but it’s essential to remember that the skin around the eyes is four times thinner than in other areas of our body and lacks sebaceous glands. As a result, it ages quickly, emphasizing the importance of proper care.
Causes of dark circles under the eyes:
- Facial features and genetic factors: Dark circles under the eyes often occur in young individuals, usually with deeply set eyes, fair skin, and superficially located vessels that shine through the thin skin around the eyes. Additionally, overly tense zygomatic cutaneous ligament supporting the eye socket’s content can lead to a depression between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Often, patients report a similar issue in their family history.
- Fatigue, lack of sleep, intense lifestyle: These are common reasons for “dark circles,” but they can also be the first sign of a systemic illness. Therefore, obtaining a thorough patient history is crucial to exclude other potential causes.
- Loss of subcutaneous fat tissue in the central face and orbital bone tissue: Aging leads to changes in facial fat compartments and to atrophy of the bone tissue of the eye sockets. Muscles and ligaments also undergo atrophy, significantly reducing their ability to support the tissues beneath. This results in the widening of the eye sockets, potential swelling under the eyes, and depressions between the lower eyelid and the cheek, known as tear troughs. Fine lines become more visible, and the eyes lose their radiance.
- Pigmented skin lesions under the eyes: Sun spots and abnormal pigmentation related to systemic diseases or use of drugs. Pigmented dark circles result from the accumulation of pigment that shine through the thin skin around the eye.
Recommended treatments for dark circles under the eyes:
- Hyaluronic acid tear trough filling: Using hyaluronic acid to fill the tear trough, either to reduce or completely eliminate the depression between the lower eyelid and the cheek. The procedure is virtually painless when performed with a cannula, requires no anesthesia, has minimal bruising risk, and provides excellent results.
- Skin rejuvenation around the eyes: Improving skin density, tension, hydration, and color through needle mesotherapy using various formulations tailored to individual needs. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) rejuvenation vitalization is also recommended.
- Medical peels: For brightening the skin around the eyes, along with at-home care.