We’ve all had them: those dark circles under our eyes that speak of a late night and lack of sleep.
They usually go away once you’re able to get some proper shut-eye, but if you find you’re spending far too many mornings dousing your face with cold water and rummaging through your fridge for cucumbers, there may be something larger at play than lack of sleep.
At Skinzone Laser & Cosmetic Surgery, with locations in Alhambra and Santa Ana, California, we specialize in finding skin solutions to clear away the effects that wear, genetics, and age can have on your face. We can effectively tackle those dark circles through a number of different treatments and at-home tips.
To get started, let’s take a look at what causes those puffy, dark circles and what you can do about them.
The age factor
The effects of aging on your skin can be frustrating. Your skin has done an admirable job over the years protecting your body against the elements, but this role inevitably takes its toll. Exposure to the elements, such as wind and sun, and a natural loss of collagen due to decreasing hormones, leaves your skin less toned, allowing the fat to sag down. And this is especially evident around your eyes.
The migration of the small amount of fat under your lower eyelids thanks to a loss of elastin and collagen leads to puffiness and shadowing, which, in turn, creates dark circles. If aging is the culprit behind your dark circles, there’s a lot we can do restore youth and vitality to this area. From laser skin treatments that promote collagen production to surgical eye bag removal, we can relegate tired-looking eyes to when you’re actually tired.
In your genes
The tendency to get dark circles under your eyes also has a lot to do with your genes. If you’ve inherited thin, fair skin from your parents, you’re more susceptible to the tired look because the blood vessels under your skin are more visible. If this is the case for you, arm yourself with a good concealer because not much can be done about the color of your skin.
’Tis the (allergy) season
Many people develop dark circles under their eyes when their allergies act up. In order to fight off allergens, your body produces histamines, and these histamines can inflame your blood vessels. Because the skin under your eyes is so delicate, the effects of this inflammation are more readily apparent. The solution? An antihistamine should help clear up the swelling.
Under the hood
If your upper lids are heavy or puffy, they can cast a shadow over the area below your eyes, presenting a darker look. The best way to tackle this is to undergo a simple surgery known as a blepharoplasty. During this in-office procedure, Dr. Vu removes the excess skin in your upper eyelids, eliminating the sagging, hooded look and reducing the shadows below your eyes.
Go for flow
If you have circulatory issues, one of the first places this may be evident is under your eyes, especially if you have thin, fair skin. A great way to prevent blood from pooling under your eyes is to sleep with an extra pillow under your head. And, yes, you still may have to resort to cold water in the mornings to quickly restrict your blood vessels.
If dark circles under your eyes are sending the wrong message, call Skinzone Laser & Cosmetic Surgery to find out how you can best tackle them. You also can use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment at one of our two locations: Alhambra and Santa Ana, California.