The lower eyelid skin is very thin.  Any increase or decrease of blood flow or changes of the branches that bring blood flow to the lower eyelid can worsen dark circles. These factors also worsen with ageing due to pigment changes, loss of skin elasticity, and aggravation of the nasojugal groove.

The treatment is dependent on the identified causal factor (i.e. changes of blood vessels, pigmens, and skin irregularities).  Treatments can be divided in to five categories:  dietary supplement, topical therapy, peelings, lasers and fillers.  These treatments can be done alone or in combination.

Dietary supplements or dietary changes are effective for some people for treating dark cirlces under the eyes.  We suggest supplements or foods containing high concentrations of soy extract, fish protein polysaccharides, extracts from white tea, grape seed and tomato, vitamins C and E as well as zinc and chamomile extract. A recent 6 months clinical study of a group of people using the above dietary supplements showed a significant improvement of skin conditions, including dark circles.

Several topical treatments are available for dark circles. Our Intensive Eye Ligghtening serum contains several of the contemporary active ingredients has shown real efficacy in treating dark circles. This product contains antioxidants which are agents for moisturizing the skini and stimulants of new collagen formation, such as as vitamins C and E, Q10 coenzyme, caffeine, bisabolo and kojic acid.

Other products are also available containing retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K or phytonadione that can lighten the skin.

Chemical peels can be used for the treatment of dark circles. Through exfoliation, abrasion, and shedding of the superficial skin cells, chemical peels can also lighten the eyelid skin. Chemical peels reduce pigmentation of the skin, significantly improving some cases of dark circles. The choice of the agent, concentration, number of applications, etc will depend on each patient’s needs. The most frequently used peels for dark circles are TCA and phenol peels.

The most commonly used lasers to treat dark circles is Nd:Yag laser, CO² laser and the Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices.  Lasers treat dark circles under the eyes by acting on specific chromophobes like water, hemoglobin, and melanin. By targeting these chromophobes, they improve vascular and pigment alterations. Lasers also stimulate collagen production.  By improving the underlying skin structure (flaccidity) the visibility of the dark circles is diminshed. The number of sessions and the results may vary from patient to patient, according to the type of laser or light source. The use of sunscreen during treatment is highly recommended.  Also, combining laser or IPL treatments with a topical bleaching treatment with tretinoin or retinol for 6 weeks prior to laser treatment also reduces dark circles.