Dark circles under the eyes are a common cosmetic concern that can make a person look tired and aged. Fortunately, aesthetic medicine offers a variety of treatments to effectively address this problem, including innovative methods such as the use of exosomes and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
What are dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles under the eyes are areas of darkened skin under the eyes. They can range in colour from bluish and purple to brown and black. In addition to discolouration, dark circles under the eyes may be accompanied by bags or puffiness, contributing to a tired appearance.
Causes of Dark Circles
There are multiple factors that can cause dark circles under the eyes, including:
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the formation of dark circles under the eyes.
- Ageing: With age, the skin becomes thinner and loses collagen and elastin, making the blood vessels under the eyes more visible.
- Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can cause the skin to become paler, making dark circles under the eyes more visible.
- Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels under the eyes, resulting in dark circles under the eyes.
- Dehydration: Lack of hydration can make the eyes look sunken and bring out dark circles under the eyes.
- Sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can increase the production of melanin (the pigment that colours the skin), darkening the skin under the eyes.
- Lifestyle factors: Stress, alcohol and tobacco use, and poor diet can also contribute to dark circles under the eyes.
Aesthetic treatments for dark circles under the eyes
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These fillers are injected into the under-eye area to add volume and reduce the appearance of shadows and bags. They are especially effective for dark circles under the eyes caused by volume loss.
- Laser treatments: Laser treatments can help reduce pigmentation and improve the texture of the skin under the eyes.
- Chemical peels: Gentle peels can improve skin pigmentation and stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce dark circles under the eyes.
- Microneedling: This treatment uses tiny needles to create micro-perforations in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. It can be effective in improving skin texture and tone.
- Topical Creams and Serums: contain ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, retinol and peptides that can help to lighten the skin and strengthen the eye area.
In addition to traditional treatments, aesthetic medicine has incorporated advanced techniques such as the use of exosomes and PRP to treat dark circles.
Exosome Treatment
- What are exosomes: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that play a crucial role in cell communication and tissue regeneration. They contain proteins, lipids and genetic material that can influence skin repair and rejuvenation.
- How they work: When applied to the skin, exosomes can help stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation.
- Procedure: Exosome treatment usually involves topical application in combination with microneedling to facilitate absorption. Results can include a significant improvement in the appearance of dark circles and firmer, more radiant skin.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment
- What is PRP: PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood, which is centrifuged to concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
- How it works: PRP is injected into the under-eye area to promote cell regeneration, stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and tone.
- Procedure: After blood is drawn and processed, PRP is injected into the affected areas. This treatment can improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by reducing pigmentation and puffiness, and increasing skin firmness.
Tips for Preventing and Managing Dark Circles Under the Eyes
In addition to cosmetic treatments, there are several steps you can take to prevent and manage dark circles under the eyes:
- Get Enough Sleep: Make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep a night to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen around the eyes to prevent sun damage.
- Proper Skin Care: Use specific eye products that contain beneficial ingredients and avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Allergy Relief: Treat allergies with appropriate medications and avoid irritants that trigger them.
Dark circles under the eyes can be a significant aesthetic concern, but with the help of modern aesthetic medicine, there are several options available to treat them and improve the appearance of the skin under the eyes. Innovative exosome and PRP treatments offer new hope for those seeking effective and long-lasting results. Consult with an aesthetic medicine specialist to find the most suitable treatment for your particular case and enjoy a fresher, rejuvenated look.