If you’ve been using eye cream and have a needling suspicion it isn’t working to erase under-eye circles, you’re right!
Eye creams are an effective way to moisturise delicate under-eye skin, but they don’t address the source of dark circles under the eye. What’s the source? Keep reading to learn more…
Why You Have Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
Medical experts have identified poor circulation as the most common reason for dark circles under the eyes. The skin under your eyes is extremely thin, making it one of the most delicate parts of your body. Over time, under-eye skin loses fat and collagen. This creates under-eye hollows. Capillaries are close to the surface of these eye hollows, and the oxygen-depleted blood cells they carry, giving the hollows a dark, bluish hue.
Adding insult to injury, capillaries are extremely delicate. They can leak blood cells into surrounding tissues. Your body sends enzymes to break down these errant blood cells and the haemoglobin they carry so they can be flushed from the body. Unfortunately, haemoglobin turns a blue-black colour when it breaks down, making under-eye circles especially dark.
Unlike skin on other parts of your body, under-eye skin has no oil glands, making the area susceptible to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
9 Triggers for Under-Eye Circles
Eye cream is a wonderful way to hydrate delicate under-eye skin, but it cannot address the underlying causes behind dark circles:
- Smoking – Simply put, smoking restricts blood flow. This, in turn, makes skin look pale and emphasises darkness under the eyes. If you can kick the habit, Costhetics says go for it.
- Drinking – Alcohol dilates blood vessels, and this dilation adds to a puffy, swollen appearance to the under-eye area. Costhetics would never say ‘no’ to a bit of indulgence, just no over-indulgence please.
- Sugar – Excess sugar consumption can trigger damage to collagen and elastin in facial skin structure. This collapse and thinning of the skin allows the dark capillaries beneath to become more visible. Cutting back on sugar will make your body feel good all over.
- Sleep – When you sleep, your body processes switch from functioning to repair. Blood flow to your skin increases and your body ramps up production of collagen and elastin. Without enough sleep, your skin does not get properly replenished and can be dry and dull. Lack of flow causes blood to collect under your eyes, with the thin skin in that area making it quite obvious. Get your rest and dream of beautiful eyes.
- Medication – Some medications can cause under-eye blood vessels to become dilated. Lymphatic fluid builds up, causing capillaries to become enlarged and visible. Keep taking your medication! As you’ll see below, there are other things you can do to improve your eye area.
- Medical Conditions – Heart problems and kidney disease can cause fluid retention and cause the eyes to puff, as can eczema and sinus problems.
- Genetics – People from Africa, India, Latin America and elsewhere have melanin-rich skin. As a result of the excess of this pigment, their skin may manifest darker skin in the preorbital eye area.
- Nutritional Deficiencies – Under-eye discolouration can be the result of a poor diet with deficiencies in vital minerals such as iron. A study on pre-orbital discolouration found anaemia (iron deficiency) to be the underlying cause of dark circles in 50% of study participants.
- Ageing – It’s a fact of life. At a certain point, body systems slow down, including circulation. Blood flow to the eyes simply isn’t what it once was, and older, weaker capillaries simply can’t handle the load.
Fixes for Dark Circles: Professional Microneedling and More
If your goal is to:
- Improve circulation under the eyes
- Combat under-eye blood pooling
- Boost collagen
- Trigger your skin’s natural self-healing properties
…professional microneedling may be the best way to get there. Why go to the pros if your budget is tight when you can pick-up a handy, dandy micro-roller at the pharmacy? Safety is the main reason. The skin under your eyes is incredibly delicate. A dermal therapist will have the training and experience to perform the treatment effectively. The last thing you want is for a do-it-yourself attempt to harm your skin or your vision.
Cosmetic physicians have other solutions including:
- Dermal fillers
- Blepharoplasty
- Cosmetic acid that blocks chemical reactions in the cells responsible for pigmentation
- Hydroquinone (a bleaching agent)
Leave Raccoon Eyes For The Raccoons
Are you tired of being asked if you’re tired? Are you spending too much money on under-eye concealer that isn’t fooling anyone? Do you need help locating a medispa or clinic to help you with raccoon eyes? If you are looking for a dermal therapist, facial plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic physician, or other aesthetic professional, Costhetics can help find a doctor near you.