TL;DR
- Dark circles under the eyes are caused due to genetics, ageing, pigmentation, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Getting quality sleep, gently massaging the face, and applying cucumber slices or cooled tea bags to the eyes are natural ways to treat dark circles.
- Clinic-based dark circle treatment includes dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser treatment, and blepharoplasty surgery.
What are Dark Circles?
Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common cosmetic concerns among all age groups. Dark circles, sometimes called periorbital hyperpigmentation, often form when thinning skin makes blood vessels more noticeable, when excess melanin or leftover pigment from bruising darkens the area, or simply from genetics, allergies, or lack of sleep. Where thinning or hollowing is the cause, tear trough filler is the treatment most often considered.
Although they are not a sign of serious medical concern, dark circles can make individuals look tired and aged, affecting confidence. Our dark circles page covers assessment in more detail. This aesthetic concern has led to growing interest in various dark circle treatments. In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes as well as natural and clinical-based treatment options for dark circles.
What are the Causes of Dark Circles Around the Eyes?
Dark circles develop around the eyes due to various reasons, as outlined below:
- Genetics: Genetics is one of the major causes of dark circles. Even with a healthy lifestyle, individuals may develop dark circles if one or both parents have a history of this condition.
- Ageing: As we age, the fatty tissue beneath the skin under the eyes loses volume, leading to a hollowed and translucent appearance. These natural changes that come with age can worsen the appearance of dark circles in older adults.
- Pigmentation: Excess melanin production can cause hyperpigmentation in the under-eye area. This can make the skin appear darker than the surrounding facial skin. See our guide to hyperpigmentation treatment.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, increased screen time, excessive exposure to the sun, and frequent rubbing of eyes can lead to dark circles.
Natural Treatment for Dark Circles Around Eyes (Home Remedies)
Here are some natural dark circle treatments:
- Quality Sleep: Adults should get at least 7 hours of quality sleep. Sound sleep with extra pillows under your head reduces stress and swelling around the eyes.
- Cucumber: The high water content and vitamin C in cucumbers nourish the skin. The silica in it also helps in maintaining the healthy tissue of skin under the eyes.
- Tea Bags: Placing cooled black, green, or herbal tea bags on the eyes for a few minutes can help reduce puffiness and dark circles. The antioxidants in caffeine (present in tea) also stimulate blood circulation around the eyes, helping reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- Facial Massage: A gentle facial massage can be beneficial in reducing the dark circles under the eyes. These massages stimulate blood circulation, minimising the appearance of dark circles.
Clinic-Based Treatments to Get Rid of Dark Circles
If home remedies do not improve your dark circles, medical treatments may be required. At Dental & Wellness London, our clinician, Dr Vishal Patel, first assesses the underlying cause and then suggests the most suitable options. Here are some of the treatments we commonly recommend for dark circles:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are an excellent option to treat dark circles caused due to thinning of the skin or loss of fatty tissue. A hyaluronic acid gel or a platelet-rich plasma can be injected under the tissue of the eye. They effectively repair the skin around the eyes by promoting blood vessel growth and strengthening the skin and collagen. At DWL, Dr Vishal Patel, who is trained by IBSA, uses a cannula technique for under-eye filler.
Polynucleotide Treatment
While dermal fillers restore volume and structure to the under-eyes, polynucleotides work as powerful skin rejuvenators. These injectables contain fragments of fish DNA (commonly taken from salmon or trout) that closely resemble human DNA. Once introduced, they stimulate collagen production, support cellular repair, enhance moisturisation, and protect against external stressors like UV rays. Since they act at a cellular level, results are gradual rather than instant.
Laser Therapy
Heat energy is used in dark eye circle laser treatment to vaporise damaged cells. Laser treatment can also stimulate new collagen formation. This makes the under-eye area appear firmer and smoother.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels help lighten the dark pigmentation under the eyes. These commonly utilise glycolic acid, retinoic acid, or hydroquinone. Apart from these, our aesthetic medicine practitioner may suggest a Jessner peel, which includes salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. These peels help in deeper exfoliation and improve skin texture under the eye.
Blepharoplasty (Surgery)
Doctors can get rid of dark circles by removing fat or extra skin surgically through a procedure called blepharoplasty. The procedure reduces the shadowing effect of the eyelids. This, in turn, can minimise the appearance of dark circles.
Final Thoughts
Identifying the root cause is important for an effective dark circle treatment. While simple home remedies may help, clinic-based treatment options such as laser therapies, fillers, and chemical peels deliver quicker, more noticeable, and lasting results.
If you’re looking for a reliable way to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, Dental & Wellness London is a trusted skin care centre in Islington. Our experienced clinical team combines medical expertise with new-age technology to deliver safe and effective results.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, our clinic also offers complete dental and wellness solutions in London. To book a consultation, call us at 02081274567 or visit us at 222 Essex Rd, London N1 3AP, United Kingdom.
FAQs
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles can develop due to genetics, ageing, an unhealthy lifestyle, and pigmentation.
What are the simple home remedies to reduce dark circles?
Getting quality sleep, placing cucumber slices or soaked tea bags on the eyes, and gentle facial massages can help reduce dark circles.
Are there medical treatments for dark circles?
Yes, several medical options are available, including chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser therapy, and blepharoplasty. Consult a qualified medical professional for proper guidance.
How do dermal fillers help with dark circles?
Dermal fillers inject hyaluronic acid into the tear trough area. This restores lost volume, smooths the skin, and promotes better hydration and tissue repair. At DWL, Dr Vishal Patel, who is trained by IBSA, uses a cannula technique for under-eye filler.
Can lifestyle changes reduce or prevent dark circles?
Certainly, lifestyle changes play a vital role in reducing or preventing dark circles. Getting quality sleep, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and cutting down screen time can keep your eyes and skin healthier.
