First of all, let’s understand what dark circles are and how they form.
Dark circles are characterized by a darkening of the area around the eyes. Although common in people of Arab descent, they can appear in all ethnicities, in both men and women, and at any age. The darkening around the eyes tends to worsen if it does not receive proper treatment.
Basically, there are four types of dark circles:
- Pigmented dark circles: formed by the deposit of dark pigments (melanin);
- Vascular dark circles: formed by prominent (large) blood vessels visible through the thin skin of the area and by the leakage of pigments from this circulation;
- Edematous dark circles: formed by fluid accumulation in prominent fat bags in this area;
- Deep dark circles: formed by a depression in the bone anatomy (orbital rim), creating a step with shadowing just below the eyes.
Thus, according to these causes, we can recommend the right treatment:
- Pigmented Dark Circles – Lightening agents;
- Vascular Dark Circles – Nd – Yag Laser and Pulsed Light;
- Deep Dark Circles – Fillers;
- Edematous Dark Circles – Laser Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery to remove bags.
But if there are already specific treatments for each type of dark circle, have you ever wondered why this problem is so hard to treat?
The first reason is that excess skin, as well as its laxity and hypertrophy of the orbicularis muscle of the eyelids, are problems that require surgical correction and are rarely described in the literature or addressed when the subject is dark circles.
The second reason, even clearer, is that dark circles do not stem from just one of their causes, but from several of them combined. That’s right! It is almost impossible to find a dark circle that does not involve more than one causal factor. That is why we achieve the best results when we combine laser blepharoplasty with the other treatments mentioned.
Care to keep dark circles from getting worse
Always drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, apply sunscreen daily and avoid smoking, as it impairs oxygenation and blood supply and also damages the small vessels in the eye area.
In addition, try to sleep at least eight hours, because that is when your skin rests and the famous ‘beauty sleep’ happens. Before going to bed, remember to remove all your makeup, preferably with a makeup remover and a cleanser specific to your skin.
Nutrition can also affect this process, so maintain a balanced diet. Vitamin C is a great ally for beautiful skin: besides helping strengthen the walls of blood vessels, it reduces stress and boosts immunity.
Seek out competent professionals. Count on Dr. Rogério Leal, a specialist in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation. Whether any procedure is indicated depends on an in-person assessment, case by case. CRM SP 90.116 | RQE 11.350.
