What are dark circles under the eyes?

What causes dark circles around the eyes? Is this the same for men and women?

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 skin to become dull and pale, revealing the dark tissues and blood vessels underneath. But allergies, eye strain, dehydration and overexposure to the sun can also play a part in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

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. There are numerous home remedies, from cold compresses to the application of cold tea bags, or just getting your head down for a few extra hours of sleep. However, 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.

What is the best treatment 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. These range from laser, to skin peels, fillers to surgical removal of excess fat and skin to reveal a smoother and more even skin surface.

However, by far the most effective treatment to get rid of dark circles under the eyes permanently is eyelid surgery. Here at the Cadogan Clinic, a transformative effect can be achieved in just 45 minutes.

Eyelid surgery is also the best treatment for getting rid of dark circles above the eyes and getting rid of dark circles around the eyes via the same technique.

We will be happy to discuss the available treatments to decide which one is the best for you.