POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DARK EYE CIRCLES
The following are common causes of dark eye circles. Most people have a combination of them and each of these causes must be targeted individually for a satisfactory result.
Hollow Eyes
Having sunken eyes can create a shadow in the area, giving the appearance of dark eye circles. This can be a result of ageing, causing a loss of fat and the shrinking of bone around the region. It can also be genetic and is common among certain ethnic groups.
Vascularity
Prominent blood vessels under the eyes can cause a darkening in the area, giving it a blue, green or purple tint. Overtime, haemoglobin from the blood may leak into the skin and subcutaneous tissue, resulting in pigmentation changes. Sensitive nose and eyes can cause blood to pool and get trapped in that area, as can frequent rubbing and irritation to the eyes.
Hyperpigmented skin
A darker skin tone around the eyes will obviously give an appearance of dark eye circles. The skin may darken as a natural response to frequent irritation to the area from, for example, rubbing or harsh products. Having blood pooled in that area chronically, as mentioned above, can also lead to deposits of blood products into the skin resulting in hyperpigmentation. It can also be a result of genetics.
Thin Skin
The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest in the body. Sometimes, the structures underneath can be seen through its translucency. The purple tint of the underlying muscle, or the blue and green tint from blood vessels will give an appearance of tired eyes. Thin skin may be a result of genetics, ageing, or damage from environmental factors like frequent sun exposure.
Over the counter creams can help lighten the area, but care must be taken to not use anything too harsh or the opposite may happen. Sun protection to the under eyes must not be neglected to prevent any further damage. A pigment laser or gentle chemical peel can help to lighten dark eye circles caused by hyperpigmentation.
A vascular or long pulsed laser can decrease the vascularity under the eyes. An ablative laser, such as an erbium or CO2 laser can be used to rejuvenate the area by increasing collagen production in that area, reducing fine lines in the process. Fillers can be used to treat hollowed eyes by replacing the fat that has been lost.
ASTUTE PROGRAMME
Astute has curated a programme that is suitable for most people who suffer from dark eye circles. It consists of (6) sessions of Venus Legacy, (3) sessions of Bison Long Pulsed Lasers, (3) sessions of Discovery Picosecond Laser treatments, (3) sessions of Teosyal Redensity (1) skinboosters treatments and a bottle of SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel.
Before starting on any treatment, it is important for patients to avoid any triggers that might be darkening the region. Those with sensitive noses and eyes would be advised to avoid any potential allergens. Medical treatments might also be required.
STEP 2 - LASER TREATMENTS
The next step in the journey will be laser treatments. During each laser session, a Long Pulsed Laser treatment will be done to decrease vascularity of the undereye area, followed by Picosecond laser to target the pigmentation there. This will be done once a month. Overtime, patients will find a gradual lightening of the area.
Laser treatments to this area must be done by someone experienced with lasers. As this is a delicate area, side effects like darkening of the skin, or scarring can easily occur if it is treated too aggressively.
STEP 3 - TEOSYAL REDENSITY 1 SKINBOOSTERS
Between each laser session, patients can undergo the Teosyal Redensity 1 Skinbooster treatments to get faster results. The Redensity 1 treatment is able to lessen wrinkles by hydrating the skin. The antioxidants it contains also have a whitening effect.
This treatment needs to be spaced out 3 to 4 weeks apart for 3 sessions for optimal and lasting results. It is important to get an experienced injector as the periorbital area contains many blood vessels and severe bruising can easily occur in inexperienced hands.
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