Concerns · Face
Dark circles: types, causes and treatments
Dark circles are the darkening or shadow in the area under the eyes and have different causes: excess pigment in the skin (pigmented dark circles), blood vessels visible under thin skin (vascular dark circles) or hollowing of the area, which casts a shadow (structural dark circles). Many people have more than one type. Treatment depends on the cause and may include laser, fillers, peels and biorevitalization. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, the type is identified by a dermatologist at the appointment.
Why it happens
The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the body, which makes vessels and any change in color visible. Dark circles usually have three components, alone or combined:
- Pigmented: excess melanin in the skin, common in darker skin and in people with a family history, worsened by the sun and by rubbing the eyes.
- Vascular: vessels visible under thin skin, with a purplish tone, which worsen with tiredness, allergies and fluid retention.
- Structural: hollowing of the area (tear trough), due to anatomy or volume loss over time, which casts a shadow.
How the evaluation is done
The dermatologist examines the area under different lighting and assesses skin thickness, tone, the presence of hollowing or bags and factors such as allergies, identifying the predominant component to choose the treatment.
Recommended treatments
- Hyaluronic acid fillersDark circles with hollowing (tear trough), which casts a shadow.
- Acroma® laserPigmented dark circles, with darkened skin.
- Intense pulsed lightVascular and pigmented components, in selected cases.
- Chemical peelLightening of darkened skin under the eyes.
- Biorevitalization with NCTF or PDRNImproved quality of the thin skin under the eyes.
Combined treatments
Because dark circles usually have more than one component, treatment often combines techniques, such as fillers for hollowing and laser or peels for darkening, as well as lightening creams and daily sun protection.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can dark circles be cured?
It depends on the type. Structural dark circles respond well to fillers; pigmented and vascular dark circles can improve considerably, but usually require ongoing care, such as sun protection and creams, to maintain the result.
Does sleeping more get rid of dark circles?
Poor sleep makes dark circles worse, especially vascular ones, but it is rarely the only cause. Genetics, pigmentation, allergies and the anatomy of the area play an important role.
Is tear trough filler safe?
Yes, when well indicated and done with suitable technique and product. Not every dark circle is suitable for filler: very thin skin, fat bags and frequent puffiness require careful evaluation.
Can allergies cause dark circles?
Yes. Allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis favor darkening and puffiness of the area, and controlling the allergy is part of the treatment.
Team