What causes under-eye dark circles?

Under-eye dark circles can be caused by several factors, both permanent and temporary. Permanent causes include ageing, genetics, ethnicity, and excess pigmentation. As we age, we lose facial fat and tissue, which can make the under-eye area appear hollow, accentuating dark circles. Genetics can also play a role, as some individuals are more predisposed to developing dark circles. People with darker skin tones often have more noticeable circles due to increased pigmentation in the area. Temporary causes include stress, poor sleep, allergies, dehydration, and even smoking.

Can dark under-eye circles be treated?

Yes, dark under-eye circles can be treated effectively, depending on the underlying cause. Treatments may include dermal fillers (tear trough fillers) to restore volume in the under-eye area or fractional laser therapy like the Harmony XL Pro to boost collagen production and improve skin texture. Your treatment plan will be tailored to address your unique needs, so it's important to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

How do tear trough fillers work?

Tear trough fillers are dermal fillers that are injected into the hollow area under the eyes. These fillers, typically made of hyaluronic acid, help restore volume and reduce the appearance of dark circles by plumping up the skin and reducing the shadow effect. The result is a fresher, more youthful appearance with less pronounced circles.

How long do the results of dark circle treatments last?

The results of tear trough fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the individual’s metabolism and the type of filler used. For laser treatments with the Harmony XL Pro, results may become more noticeable after a few sessions, with improvements continuing for several months as collagen builds. Maintenance treatments may be required to keep the results.

Are the treatments for dark circles safe?

Yes, all treatments offered at The Doctors Laser Clinic are performed by qualified, experienced professionals using the latest technology and techniques. The clinic is CQC-approved, meaning it adheres to the highest standards of safety and hygiene. Each treatment is personalised to suit your specific needs, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the process.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for dark circle treatment?

A consultation with one of our experienced doctors is the best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for treatment. During the consultation, we will assess your skin, discuss the causes of your dark circles, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Whether your dark circles are due to volume loss, pigmentation, or other factors, we have tailored treatments to address your concerns.

Dark Under Eye Circles Treatment

Dark circles can have a nasty habit of making a person look tired and older than their actual age. It might well be the case that a sufferer has plenty of energy inside and feels well rested, but their appearance means they regularly get comments about how ‘tired’ they appear.

A marked reduction in the shade of their dark eye circles could make a dramatic difference in a person’s appearance. A lessening of the circles could well take years off a person’s perceived age and restore confidence in their appearance.

The main causes of permanent Dark Under Eye Circles

If, on the other hand, you have had persistent dark circles for a long while, then you most probably have lighter or thinner skin, darker eye area pigmentation, or it might just be a fact that your physical make up simply means that your circles are more prominent. The other reason could simply be the natural ageing process.

If you have reached a certain age and tissue loss has started to rear its head, the culprit for dark under eye circles will be due to an area called the nasojugal groove. This sits in a place below the eye at the top of the cheek. Another term for this area is the tear trough. Tissue loss in this area will make the tear troughs show more. Less tissue between the skin and the eye socket will mean that circles show more prominently.

Four key factors primarily cause dark under eye circles:

Factor	Description
Ageing	Loss of facial fat and tissue, thinning skin, collagen and elastin reduction in the eye area are all possible factors. Loss of fatty tissue and thinning of the skin around the eyes are part of the ageing process. Any of these can make circles more noticeable.
Genetics	There is a good possibility that your dark circles could be hereditary. The complaint is often shared by members of the same family.
Ethnicity	Dark circles are more prevalent in patients with darker skin tones. This might be due to the fact that circles simply appear to be darker. Greater levels of skin pigmentation may be to blame for this.
Excess pigmentation	A number of reasons could cause the skin to produce more melanin, anywhere on the body, including around the eye area. Excess melanin=excess pigmentation.

Understanding the Causes of Temporary Dark Circles

In contrast to the above more permanent reasons, there are many possible temporary causes for dark under eye circles to form. These include stress, diet, eye rubbing, allergic reactions, poor sleep, dermatitis, lack of sleep, and smoking.

If you have dark circles that are there one day and gone the next, obviously there is a temporary cause. Working out the cause from the list of possible causes would help you find a solution. Drinking more water, getting more sleep, or less time in front of a computer may all help. What we often see is a combination of factors. It might well be the case that a person would always have had dark circles to a degree, but the appearance of these circles worsens and becomes noticeable when a temporary factor is added into the equation.

Dark eye circle treatments

If you ascertain that your dark under eye circles are not temporary then you have different options open to you to treat them, but this will depend upon the underlying cause of the circles. In the case of excess pigmentation then we have multiple treatment options to reduce the excess pigmentation. In the case of lost volume, then volume inducing treatments will help. One of these options is dermal filler treatment. In this instance the dermal fillers come under the term ‘tear trough fillers’ This simple, but effective treatment acts to reduce the appearance of the dark under eye circles by filling the area below the eye and creating more volume. Dermal fillers contain the biocompatible substance hyaluronic acid.Another treatment option is the fantastic Harmony XL Pro. This fractional ablative laser device works to boost collagen production underneath the skin’s surface and can be very effective for dark eye circles.Depending on the cause and extent of your dark circles we will have more than one treatment option to help diminish them. A consultation will allow us to give you the best possible advice for the treatment of your particular case.

Why Choose Us for Your Eye Circles Treatment

At The Doctors Laser Clinic, we offer a truly unique and patient-focused experience, blending the pinnacle of medical expertise with cutting-edge technology. Our expert team, spearheaded by the highly accomplished Dr Malcolm Willis, Dr Kathy Kestin, and Dr Mini Nelson, bring a wealth of experience in laser and aesthetics treatments. We bring a compassionate and personalised approach to every consultation and procedure. Each doctor is deeply committed to understanding your individual needs and tailoring treatments to achieve the best possible results.

As a CQC-approved clinic, we are rigorously held to the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and clinical effectiveness. This prestigious recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to providing you with not only exceptional results but also peace of mind throughout your journey with us. From initial consultation to aftercare, you can be confident that you are receiving the safest and most effective laser treatments available.

The Harmony XL Pro

The Harmony XL PRO is revolutionising skin treatment with its advanced pixilated laser technology, designed to rejuvenate the skin from within.

This isn’t your average laser device; the XL PRO is a multi-faceted platform, equipped with close to 20 different lasers and light modalities. This impressive range allows us to customise treatments for over 65 diverse skin concerns, from acne and pigmentation issues to vascular lesions and overall skin ageing. Celebrated in Hollywood for its powerful yet gentle approach, the Harmony XL PRO is the go-to device advanced dermatological treatments.

Doctors and Nurses with a Special Interest in Skin

All of our team have a special interest in skin and are happy to discuss your problem with you. We use only the best equipment on the market.

Book A Dark Circles Consultation now!

01603 360360

All treatments start with an initial consultation with one of our team. During your consultation we learn about your areas of concern and treatment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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