How to Treat Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
Dark under eye circles are a common insecurity that can make you look tired or older. They are caused by various factors, including genetics, ageing, lifestyle, weight loss and environmental influences.
Although sleeping between 7-9 hours a night and eating well can help reduce dark circles, cosmetic treatments are often the most effective solution for getting rid of these under-eye bags.
Why Do I Have Dark Circles?
As we age, the skin around our eyes loses collagens and elastin, becoming thinner and more translucent. This allows the blood vessels underneath to become more visible, giving the area a hollowed or shadowed appearance. This under-eye zone may then appear brown, black, blue, or purple, contrasting with your normal skin tone.
In addition to ageing, stress, lack of sleep, smoking, and excessive screen time can exacerbate dark circles and under-eye puffiness.
How To Treat Dark Circles Under Eyes
If you’re looking for the best treatments to reduce dark circles and rejuvenate your under-eye area, here are some of the best cosmetic options available for a refreshed appearance:
1. Polynucleotides for Under-Eye Darkness
Polynucleotides, derived from salmon DNA, have natural healing properties that help brighten dark circles under the eyes while stimulating collagen and elastin production (vital for a younger appearance and healthier looking skin).
Ameela Eyes, a specific type of polynucleotide, targets both dark circles and under-eye puffiness.
Treatment process:
o The under-eye area will be cleaned and numbed with a topical cream.
o A needle or cannula technique is used to inject polynucleotides under the skin.
o There is minimal recovery time associated with the procedure.
Most patients notice the best results after 2-4 weeks, but your skin will continue to improve with optimum results expected about 3 months after the course of treatment has been completed.
Dr. Ed Robinson offers Ameela Eyes for £300 per treatment.
2. Dermal Filler For Dark Circles
Instead of focusing on the tear trough area, dermal fillers can be injected into the mid-face and temples to restore volume and facial balance, which indirectly supports the under-eye area. This restores volume to the areas around the eyes, providing a more rested and balanced appearance.
o Treatment time: 30-60 minutes
o Results: Noticeable immediately, usually lasting 12-18 months
o Cost: prices start at £250 but vary considerably depending on the areas treated
o Recovery: Minimal downtime, however, inflammation may last for 24-48 hours
3. Tear Trough Filler for Under-Eye Hollows
Tear trough filler uses a gel-like substance to fill in hollow areas beneath the eyes, minimising dark circles and creating a youthful, refreshed look. For those who suffer from this discoloration, the tear trough filler makes your eyes appear brighter and more vibrant.
How it works:
o A topical numbing cream is applied.
o Watered down hyaluronic acid is injected under the eyes with a cannula.
o Treatment time: 30 minutes
o Recovery: Minimal downtime
o Results: Visible after 2 weeks, lasting 12-18 months
o Price: £400 at Dr. Ed Robinson Aesthetics
4. SkinPen Microneedling For Under- Eye Bags
SkinPen Microneedling is a treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response. This triggers the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which improves skin texture. When targeting the skin around the eyes, microneedling reduces dark circles and brighten the under-eye area.
o Treatment duration: 1 hour
o Recovery: Minimal downtime
o Results: The best results can be seen after 4 weeks, usually lasting up to 6 months
o Price: £250 at Dr. Ed Robinson Aesthetics
5. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Platelet- Rich Plasma therapy uses your own blood to rejuvenate the skin under your eyes. Rich in growth factors and proteins, PRP promotes collagen synthesis and skin repair, reducing the appearance of dark rings and improving overall skin quality.
What does PRP treatment involve?
o Blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to extract the plasma.
o The area is cleaned with an anti-septic solution.
o PRP is injected into the under-eye area using a small needle.
o Treatment typically lasts 60 minutes.
o Recovery: Immediate, with mild swelling for 24-48 hours
o Results: Best results can be seen 4-6 weeks after procedure, lasting 6-12 months
o Price: From £350 at Dr. Ed Robinson Aesthetics
6. Medical-Grade Skincare to Reduce Dark Circles
Using medical-grade skincare can significantly improve the appearance of dark circles. Products from the OBAGI range are formulated to address pigmentation, tighten the under-eye skin, and reduce puffiness.
o OBAGI ELASTIderm Eye Cream: A firming formula makes it one of the best creams for targeting dark circles under the eyes.
o Daily Hydro-Drops and Rejuvenating Eye Gel: These products help visible reduce dark circles and improve under-eye skin quality.
To ensure the best results from any of these aesthetic treatments for dark circles, keep these tips in mind:
o Don’t wear makeup before your appointment as it will need to be removed.
o Refrain from using active skincare ingredients 24 hours prior to the treatment.
o Ensure you are well-hydrated before and after treatments.
o Avoid alcohol consumption for 24-48 hours to minimise risk of bruising.
o Strenuous, saunas and steam rooms or anything that promotes sweating should also be avoided following the treatment, as this also increases the chance of bruising.
If you are interested in aesthetic procedures to reduce dark circles Dr. Ed Robinson offers a range of treatment options and comprehensive consultations to find the best treatment option for you.
Feel free to contact us on 0161 399 0631 or book an appointment online through the link at the top of this page.
Dr. Ed has clinics in Hale, near Manchester, and London’s Harley Street.