Dark Circles Under the Eyes: How to Treat & Get Rid of Them
July 13th, 2016 | Posted in: Beauty Tips, Skincare, Wrinkles Treatment |
Are you tired of the way that dark circles make you look as if you haven’t slept in days? Then maybe it’s time to get rid of them for good.
If you desperately want to get rid of those dark circles, then laser resurfacing may be a procedure that you should consider. However, before you decide that laser resurfacing is the solution to your problems, you’ll need to consider what laser resurfacing can do for you, as well as your other cosmetic and at-home options in removing those pesky dark circles.
What Causes Dark Circles?
While dark circles are often thought of as a sign for lack of sleep, there are actually many things that can cause dark circles, and they can be placed under three categories: facial aging, lifestyle choices, and other causes.
Facial aging:
- Volume loss or fat descent in the cheeks
- Under eye volume loss
- Lower eyelid laxity (looseness)
- Thinning under eye skin
- Bulging under eye fat
Lifestyle choices:
- Smoking
- Sun damage
- Caffeine consumption
- Alcohol consumption
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Dietary deficiencies
Other causes:
- Allergies
- Extra melanin
- Nasal congestion
- Medical conditions (eczema, thyroid problems, etc.)
- Venous congestion in under eye blood vessels
- Environmental exposure
- Heredity (family genetics)
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are used to reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin, irregular pigmentation, and superficial scars. During the procedure, your doctor will apply a chemical solution to your skin, which makes it blister and eventually peel off, leaving new skin that is smoother and less wrinkled. Chemical peels offer a range of benefits, including:
- A Chemical peel reduces dark circles under the eyes
- Reduces wrinkles
- Reduces acne scars
- Reduces the effects of age and sun damage on the skin
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Tightens skin
- Improves skin tone
- Stimulates the growth of new collagen
Hyaluronic Fillers
Hyaluronic fillers are a type of dermal filler consisting of hyaluronic acid. When injected into the skin, these fillers attract water and provide volume to smooth and soften the look of wrinkles. Results do not take long to manifest, and they can last up to a year before another injection is required. The benefits of hyaluronic fillers include:
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and lines
- Helps re-strengthen your skin
- Replaces the loss of volume that can be responsible for under eye hollowing
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and dark circles under the eyes. This procedure uses a laser beam that is gently and precisely passed over the surface of the skin, removing unwanted cells, one layer at a time. Studies have shown that laser resurfacing can lighten dark skin tones and induce new collagen formation in the skin, resulting in the reduction of dark circles and lines.
The benefits of laser resurfacing are similar to chemical peels, and include:
- It’s usually a one-time procedure
- Reduces dark circles under the eyes
- Reduces wrinkles
- Reduces acne scars
- Reduces the effects of age and sun damage on the skin
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Tightens skin
- Improves skin tone
- Stimulates the growth of new collagen
Complementary Options
Along with laser resurfacing, you can also try the following to help maintain a lighter complexion around your eyes before or after the procedure.
- Almond oil—regular usage of almond oil will help fade dark circles and is very beneficial for delicate skin around your eyes.
- Cucumbers—have skin-lightening and mild astringent properties that help fix dark circles naturally. They also have a soothing and refreshing effect.
- Rose water—rejuvenates skin and has a soothing effect on tired eyes. It is also a good skin toner because it has mild astringent properties.
- Tomatoes—have bleaching properties that can greatly lighten skin.
- Coconut oil—due to its moisturizing quality, coconut oil can help reduce dark circles and prevent wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes.
- Cold compress—can constrict the blood vessels under the eyes, which helps reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Book a Consultation
If you are concerned about dark circles under your eyes, contact Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc. to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gabriel Chiu. Dr. Chiuis an experienced, American Association of Physician Specialists board-certified plastic surgeon who has served the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area for years.
