How can I save my dark circles?

Author: Liu Jingqing, attending physician of Shenzhen People's Hospital

Reviewer: Yu Li, Chief Physician, Shenzhen People's Hospital

Dark circles, scientifically known as periorbital pigmentation, are a type of darkening of the skin around the eyes, usually seen on the lower eyelid or both. However, careful observation in daily life will reveal that not all dark circles are caused by darkening of the pigment. The reasons for this can be found below.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

1. What are the types of dark circles?

The main types of dark circles include vascular, pigmentary and structural types. Dark circles that contain 2-3 of the above types are also called mixed type.

1. Vascular dark circles

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Characteristics: The lower eyelid, especially the inner skin, appears bluish purple, which is more common in Asians. Due to thin skin and less subcutaneous fat, the subcutaneous blood vessels are more visible, thus forming vascular dark circles. As we age, the skin becomes looser and thinner, and the subcutaneous fat shrinks, and this type of dark circles will become deeper and deeper.

How to judge: A simple method is to use your hands to gently stretch the skin. At this time, the blood vessels deep under the skin will be more obvious, and the dark circles will also deepen accordingly when observed visually, which will help to determine whether they are vascular dark circles.

Causes: Common factors include rhinitis, endocrine disorders, renal insufficiency, and periorbital blood circulation disorders. These factors may affect the blood circulation around the eyes, leading to blood congestion and the formation of purple dark circles.

2. Pigmented dark circles

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Characteristics: Due to the formation of melanin or the increase in the number of melanocytes in the eyelids, the eyelids appear brown and black. This type of dark circles can appear on the lower eyelids or surround the entire upper and lower eyelids. The so-called "panda eyes" belong to this type.

How to judge: Similarly, you can use your hands to gently stretch the skin. At this time, the color of the pigment will not change, and there will be no obvious difference in dark circles when observed visually.

Causes: Common factors include congenital pigmentation, eye allergic diseases, prolonged sun exposure and cosmetic irritation.

3. Structural dark circles

Figure 4 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Characteristics: Structural dark circles are caused by abnormalities in the structure of the eyelids and their subcutaneous tissue (such as depression or bulge), and there is no obvious melanin deposition or blood vessel visibility, so they are also called pseudo-dark circles.

How to tell: From the appearance, the eyelids may appear grooved or ridged. These structures will form shadows under the light, resulting in the visual effect of dark circles, especially in the lower eyelids.

Causes: Common factors include sunken tear troughs, sunken eye sockets, sagging eyelid skin, formation of eye bags and eyelid edema.

2. What are the treatments for dark circles?

1. Vascular dark circles: You can choose laser technology for vascular targeted treatment, such as pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light, picosecond laser, etc. These technologies can effectively stimulate collagen regeneration, thereby improving the condition of dark circles.

2. Pigmented dark circles: You can use topical or systemic drugs to inhibit the formation of melanin. At the same time, you can also use lasers that target melanin, such as Q-switched lasers, picosecond lasers, etc., to achieve the effect of reducing dark circles.

3. Structural dark circles: Picosecond laser, fractional laser, gold microneedle or monopolar radiofrequency can be used to stimulate eyelid collagen regeneration and improve skin sagging. In addition, hyaluronic acid, collagen and other injection materials or autologous fat filling can be used to improve depressions, such as tear groove depression and eye socket depression. For severe and complex eyelid structural abnormalities, surgical treatment is required.

4. Mixed dark circles: According to the causes and characteristics of the formation, two or more treatment methods can be used in combination.

We often say, "30% treatment, 70% prevention". Indeed, prevention of dark circles is more important than treatment. When we find the possible cause of dark circles, we should avoid and eliminate the relevant risk factors in time. If dark circles have already appeared and are difficult to reverse, you should go to a regular medical institution, seek help from a professional doctor, and cooperate with a targeted and full-course treatment plan, so that the dark circles can be truly saved!