Say Good-Bye to Under Eye Darkness
- Avee Naidoo
- Sep 16, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7, 2023
by Dr. Avee Naidoo (2023).
What are they?
Under-eye circles, also known as dark circles, are a common cosmetic concern characterized by the appearance of dark or discoloured areas beneath the eyes. They can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, thinning skin, anatomy, underlying diseases, and lifestyle choices such as lack of sleep, stress, or excessive sun exposure. These circles can make an individual appear tired or older than they are.
What causes the appearance of under-eye circles?
o Under-eye darkness is more common in people with a genetic predisposition (it runs in the family) and those of non-white ethnic background.
In these individuals, the pigmentation can often be quite deep (‘dermal pigmentation’), which makes it very challenging to treat. As such, concealers and make up to camouflage the darkness may be most beneficial in these individuals for immediate results.
o Underlying medical conditions, such as anemia (low iron levels in your blood), sleep deprivation, dehydration, liver disease, thyroid disorders, eczema to the eyelids, and seasonal allergies
o Aging can produce noticeable dark circles under the eyes due to the skin under the eyes losing collagen and becoming translucent.
How can we treat darkness
under the eyes?
There are several effective ways to treat and minimize the appearance of under-eye circles, helping you achieve a more refreshed and youthful look.
For immediate results, a good concealer can work wonders in camouflaging dark circles. We recommend first priming with a colour corrector to improve the efficacy of your concealer.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of dark circles.
Diet: Incorporate a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and nuts can help nourish your skin from the inside out.
Sun Protection: Always wear sunscreen and sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can worsen dark circles.
We know you came here for the skin care recommendations,
So, here’s the good stuff...
We advise implementing in good skin regiment that includes any of the following active ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid, to hydrate and provide volume to the under-eye area
Topical Caffeine, which can reduce the appearance of darkness and “wake up” the skin
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, which can brighten the skin complexion. It is advised that Vitamin C is applied in the morning, prior to application of your sunscreen.
Azelaic Acid
Hydroquinone (2-4% is recommended), however, this can be slightly irritating to the under-eye area. Speak to a doctor first before beginning hydroquinone.
Options for over-the-counter under-eye creams (pictured above) include:
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% Solution + EGCG
L’Oreal Revitalift with Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine
No. 7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream
Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), $$$
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Remember...
Consistency is key when it comes to application of creams to attain the results you want. It can take many months, and in some cases, years, before you notice significant improvement in the appearance of your under-eye areas.
If you are interested in in stronger prescription products or more invasive treatments (e.g. chemical peels, laser, intense pulsed light treatments, or hyaluronic acid filler for deep-set eyes), reach out to your dermatologist or skin care physician. We all want you to be confident in the skin you are in.
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