Articles

What are dark circles under the eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes can be a cause of embarrassment for many. They are less than complimentary when it comes to a person's appearance and can affect both men and women.

Tagged: Anti - Ageing

Author: Dr. Susan Mayou, BSc FRCP

Date: 11th December 2020

Dark circles under the eyes can be a cause of embarrassment for many. They are less than complimentary when it comes to a person's appearance and can affect both men and women.

Many people look for dark circles under eyes treatment as a way to rid themselves of these. In this article, we’re going to take a look at dark circle causes and consider the best treatments that are available.

Dark circles under the lower eyelids are when the thin skin below the eyes appear darkened. This is different to the darkness caused by bruising to the eye. These dark circles are often accompanied by eye bags, which can make a person appear older than they are. These can be very stubborn so the best treatments for dark circles involve medical intervention and, in some cases, surgery. 

The appearance of dark circles under the eyes doesn’t just lead to someone appearing older. It can have other impacts too. They can give the impression that someone is constantly lacking sleep. Although that may not be true it can cause issues with how they are perceived both personally and professionally. This is another key reason that people seek out dark circles treatment.

What causes dark circles around the eyes?

When people consider potential treatments, they also like to explore dark circles causes. This is because knowing the cause may allow them to prevent dark circles in the first place. There is rarely just one cause of dark circles. Often there is a combination of factors involved. Some of the most common include:

Fatigue is often blamed for dark circles under the eyes. Oversleeping, extreme fatigue, or just staying up a few hours past your normal bedtime can cause dark circles to form. Sleep deprivation can cause the skin to become dull and pale. This reveals the dark tissues and blood vessels underneath. As well as dark circles under the eyes, lack of sleep causes other issues. It can lead to a build-up of fluid under your eyes and this can lead to a puffy appearance. 

Ageing is something that comes to us all. Often the impact of the ageing process will affect our appearance in ways that we dislike. When it comes to dark circles causes, ageing is one that you are unable to avoid. As we age, our skin starts to become thinner. The skin also lacks fat and collagen. The result is that the dark blood vessels become more visible and give the appearance of dark circles. 

Modern life sees us using our eyes perhaps much more than we used to and this has an impact on our appearance. We spend time staring at TV screens, mobile phones, and computer screens. This puts significant strain on our eyes and causes blood vessels to enlarge giving the appearance of dark circles.

Our bodies are clever in that they try their best to protect us. This is the case when we experience something that we are allergic to. Our bodies release histamines to deal with allergies. This can lead to itching and redness, but it also makes the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible. 

Dark circles may be a feature for which we have our parents to thank. These can be inherited and can often be seen as a child. If dark circles are already present in childhood, it does not necessarily mean that they will get worse with age. For some people this is the case, for others, they disappear completely. 

We are all told the importance of drinking plenty of water. Our fluid intake is linked to our overall well-being. It is also one of the less obvious dark circles causes. When we are dehydrated, the appearance of our skin changes. It may begin to look dull. It can also make your eyes appear sunken. This adds to the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.

Exposure to the sun is something else that we have all heard about. As well as being told about the obvious health risks associated with too much sun, many are also aware of the ageing effect that it can have on the skin. Too much sunlight can lead to your body overproducing melanin. This can cause the skin to have a darker appearance than normal. 

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

Welcome to Sloane Street

Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

Get in Touch

Are the causes of dark circles the same for men and women?

Dark circles are common in both men and women and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. However, they are more common in elderly people, who have lost the fat and collagen needed to retain the skin’s elasticity, people who have a genetic predisposition to this condition (known as periorbital hyperpigmentation) and people from non-white ethnic groups, as darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eye area.

Some people choose to cover up their dark circles with make-up. This should be done with care, as some products can actually cause symptoms to worsen.

How can I get rid of dark circles under the eyes permanently?

Unfortunately, dark circles under the eyes can be very difficult to get rid of. The treatment for dark circles under the eyes depends on the root cause of the problem. As we have seen there are many dark circles causes and this will have an impact on any potential dark circles treatment. 

There are numerous home remedies. Some of the most common dark circles under eyes treatment that people try include:

If your dark circles are caused by tiredness then it makes sense to get more sleep. This is as simple as getting your head down an hour or so earlier than you usually would.

As dark circles causes include the appearance of enlarged blood vessels, applying a cold compress can minimise them. As dark circles treatment goes, it is not a permanent solution but the cold can help to shrink the blood vessels and reduce any puffiness.

As well as getting extra sleep, it is worth considering how you sleep. If your head is low throughout the night fluid can pool. This can add to the puffy appearance beneath your eyes. Using pillows to elevate your head during the night can help to reduce this.

A common go-to dark circles treatment for years, many people have applied cold tea bags in the hope of improving their appearance. Teabags work to some extent because they contain both caffeine and antioxidants. These can help to reduce the size of your blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Whereas some of these home remedies may have some impact, it is recognised that medical treatments, such as those carried out at the Cadogan Clinic, offer a more effective and permanent solution to get rid of dark circles under the eyes.

Words from our clients:


What are the best treatments for dark circles under the eyes?

The good news is that there are various medical treatments available to tackle the problem of those stubborn dark circles under the eyes. In fact, when it comes to dark circles under eyes treatment, there is the choice between surgical and non-surgical remedies. Some of the options include laser, skin peels, fillers, and eyelid surgery. the best option for you will depend upon the extent of the dark circles under your eyes as well as the overall result that you are hoping to achieve. The best way to make this decision is to book a consultation with an expert who will be able to talk you through the various options.

Non-surgical dark circles treatment

Some people opt for dark circles treatment that doesn’t involve surgery. The most common of these treatments include:

This is a non-invasive dark circles treatment with no downtime. The use of a laser can reduce hyperpigmentation. It can also help to stimulate the rejuvenation of the skin leading to a reduction in dark circles.

Skin peels at the Cadogan Clinic are tailored to the individual. These work by exfoliating the skin. It causes the skin to refresh itself by creating new skin cells.

This is an injectable dark circles treatment. The injections contain hyaluronic acid which is a substance found naturally within our bodies. Its use can lead to a more youthful appearance and the softening of lines.

Surgical dark circles under eyes treatment

The most effective dark circles treatment is eyelid surgery. Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid reduction, or eye bag removal, within 45 minutes this can give a permanent solution to dark circles under the eyes. 

This dark circles treatment sees the removal of loose skin and excess fatty tissue. It tightens any relaxed skin and leads to a firmer, more youthful, appearance. As well as targeting dark circles under the eyes, eyelid surgery can also target issues above and around the eyes. This makes it a complete answer to any issues with the appearance of your eyes.

To find the best treatments for your dark circles why not get in touch and arrange a consultation? 


Treatments mentioned in this article

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Hyalronic Acid and Sculptra are very popular, quick injectable treatments that can soften facial wrinkles, lines and fill out hollows to recreate the smooth contours of younger skin. Fillers are popular with those seeking a swift, non-surgical solution for ageing skin that has lost volume as the collagen that previously helped to shape and support it has disappeared.

View Treatment

Tear trough filler is dermal filler treatment designed to level out the area below the eyes and diffuse dark shadows, restoring volume and minimising darkness.

View Treatment

As we age, the skin around our eyes starts to lose its elasticity. It is not uncommon to develop eye bags, as our muscles relax, causing the lower eyelids to sag. In addition, our upper eyelids can also start to droop. This effect is often heightened in smokers or those who have had excessive sun exposure.

View Treatment


Trustpilot

Laurel Wreath for Awards

2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2020

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2019

My Face My Body

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2017

Aesthetics Awards

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards

0207 901 8500

Get in touch