Dark circles under the eyes are a common concern. Sometimes they may be temporary. A poor night’s sleep, stress, or fatigue can lead to dark circles. However, dark circles can also be chronic. Many people turn to products that overpromise results. People can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on products that do not address the root cause of the issue. You may wonder, can skincare alone treat dark circles? Below you will find helpful information on how to effectively address the issue.
Can Skincare Alone Treat Dark Circles?
Skincare products have a powerful impact on your skin. However, they are often not a complete solution to dark circles. Dark circles have several different causes. Each cause often requires different treatment methods. Dark circle treatment can have a major impact on your skin. Combining treatment and skincare products can offer great results. Consider the following benefits and limitations of skincare for treating your under-eye area.
Benefits of Skincare
In some cases, topical skincare products can improve the appearance of the under-eye area. Topical products operate by improving the outer layers of the skin. They are most effective for dark circles caused by mild pigmentation, dryness, or temporary puffiness. Ingredients such as caffeine, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are beneficial.
Skincare can hydrate the skin, resulting in smoother, brighter-looking skin. It can also temporarily reduce puffiness that casts shadows under the eyes. Certain products can also improve the tone and texture of your skin with consistent use. If these products alone do not address your dark circles, more intervention is necessary. A board-certified oculoplastic surgeon can evaluate your dark circles to determine the best course of action.
Limitations of Skincare for Dark Circles
Topical skincare products operate by addressing the top layers of the skin. However, it cannot address deep, structural issues. A loss of volume under the eyes is a common cause of dark circles. You may notice under-eye hollows or deep tear troughs. These issues cannot be addressed with topical skincare products.
The skin under the eyes thins as you age. This can reveal blood vessels under the eyes. Topical products cannot address dark circles caused by thinning skin. The skin can also loosen over time. This can result in under-eye bags and dark circles. These issues cannot be addressed solely with skincare. Surgical intervention is necessary to effectively address the issue.
Common Causes of Dark Circles
Dark circles can impact the look of your entire face. They can make you look tired, angry, and unhealthy. Each patient is uniquely different, so it is important to understand the cause of your dark circles. Once this has been determined, you can get the right treatment to address the issue.
Pigmentation
Dark circles can be caused by excess melanin in the skin. This often looks like brown or gray discoloration under the eyes. Under-eye pigmentation can be due to genetics, sun exposure, or inflammation. Skincare alone cannot entirely address pigmentation. Professional skin treatments are necessary to target the underlying cause.
Skin Thinning
Collagen and elastin keep your skin firm and voluminous. As you age, these proteins naturally decline in production. This results in thinning skin, especially under the eyes. Thin under-eye skin makes the underlying blood vessels more visible. This often makes the under-eye area look blue or purple. It is tough to address with skincare or makeup alone.
Volume Loss
Loss of fat and structural support under the eyes creates hollows. These cast shadows under the eyes, giving the appearance of dark circles. While they are not actual dark circles, changes in facial anatomy make them appear that way. Skincare cannot replace lost volume under the eyes.
Puffiness and Fat Distribution
Aging can lead to fat redistribution around the eyes. This can affect the under-eye area, leading to dark circles. In addition to protruding fat pads, puffiness can also result in under-eye bags. The contrast between the bulges and the hollows results in dark circles. Surgical intervention is necessary to address the issue.
Dark Circle Treatment
Professional dark circle treatment addresses the unique cause of the discoloration. This differs from skincare, as it does not mask the root problem. A board-certified oculoplastic surgeon can help you determine which type of treatment is right for you. Below are some of the most effective treatment options.
Injectable Fillers
Dermal fillers can restore lost volume under the eyes and effectively smooth out under-eye hollows. This reduces shadows under the eyes, creating a more refreshed appearance. This is the most beneficial option for dark circles caused by age-related volume loss. The treatment smooths the transition between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. The results are visible immediately. However, follow-up treatments are necessary to maintain your results.
Skin Treatments
Several skincare treatments can improve the appearance of the under-eye area. Laser treatments are known for improving and reducing pigmentation. The treatment also stimulates collagen, which continues to improve your skin well after treatment. In addition to laser treatment, chemical peels are also highly effective. They improve pigmentation and skin quality. This can be especially effective under the eyes. Both treatment options offer immediate benefits that continue to improve over time. Follow-up treatments are necessary to maintain your results.
Surgical Treatment
Sometimes, surgical intervention is necessary to address dark circles. Fat repositioning addresses prominent fat pads and structural issues under the eyes. These treatments offer long-term results for dark circles caused by anatomical issues. Surgical intervention involves repositioning or removing excess fat. This reduces the appearance of bulging and shadows under the eyes. This is a top choice for those who do not find improvements with professional skin treatments or injectables.
Best Board-Certified Oculoplastic Surgeon
Dark circles can impact your facial aesthetic and your confidence. If you are unhappy with the look of your under eyes, contact Jennifer Murdock today to schedule your consultation!
