Refreshed Eyes, Radiant Life: Banish Under Eye Circles

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), commonly referred to as dark eye circles, can affect individuals at various stages of life and can create an impression of sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation, and aging. It significantly influences how others perceive us. POH is characterised by bilateral, uniform dark patches and macules primarily located around the lower eyelids but sometimes extending to the upper eyelids, eyebrows, malar regions, temporal regions, and the lateral nasal root (Freitag F.M, 2007). Typically, it first appears during puberty or early adulthood, generally between the ages of 16 to 25.

So, what causes dark eye circles?

Numerous factors contribute to the development of POH. From an anatomical perspective, the skin around the eyes is thinner and less dense compared to other facial areas due to lower levels of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. Consequently, this delicate skin is more susceptible to injuries and damage, which can lead to the unsightly appearance of dark eye circles. According to a study conducted by Ranu. H et al, the vascular form of POH is the most prevalent type, as observed in a study conducted in Singapore. In individuals with darker skin tones, the constitutional type of POH is more common. Other contributing factors include constitutional factors, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the shadow effect, and various conditions such as skin laxity, dry skin, swollen eyelids, muscle or fat loss, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying chronic illnesses. Understanding the multifaceted nature of dark eye circles can help us address this cosmetic concern and present a refreshed and vibrant appearance.

Who is more susceptible to developing dark eye circles?

As previously mentioned, several factors contribute to the occurrence of POH. While some of

these causes can be prevented, others are not within our control. Certain environmental and

lifestyle habits, such as smoking, staying up all night, excessive use of cosmetics, and inadequate removal of makeup residue, can play a role. Additionally, medical conditions like

nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency, Vitamin A, D, E, K, and B12 deficiencies), the use of hormone replacement therapies, oral contraceptives, antipsychotic medications, autoimmune diseases, nevus of Hori, and strain on the periorbital muscles due to myopia can predispose individuals to POH (Kelly P.A et al, 2009).

How serious is my case of POH?

The severity of POH is typically assessed by comparing the skin around the eyes to the skin in other facial areas. It is often categorized using the following scale:

Score 0: The skin color is similar to that of other facial areas.

Score 1: There is some slight pigmentation in the infraorbital fold.

Score 2: The pigmentation is more noticeable.

Score 3: The pigmentation is quite dark, affecting all four eyelids.

Score 4: In addition to grade 2, the pigmentation extends beyond the infraorbital fold.

How can I prevent dark eye circles?

To prevent dark eye circles, the first step is identifying the underlying causes of your POH.

Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and managing your overall health is essential. You should address contributing factors such as habitual rubbing of the eyes, late-night activities, insufficient hydration, smoking, and alcohol consumption by avoiding or minimizing them. Identifying allergens that may lead to inflammation and hyperpigmentation is also crucial. Additionally, don't underestimate the importance of using sunscreen to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

Is there a cure for dark eye circles?

Much like prevention, improving dark eye circles involves identifying the root causes and implementing targeted treatments. It's important to consult with a certified healthcare practitioner for personalized guidance. However, here's a brief overview of some available treatment options.

● Topical Treatments:

When dealing with hyperpigmentation that accentuates dark eye circles, topical agents often come to the rescue. There's a variety of depigmentation, antioxidant, and bleaching agents available in the market, along with a range of skincare products designed to help with POH. These products commonly contain active ingredients like Vitamin A, hydroquinone, cysteamine, Kojic Acid, topical retinoic acid, and more (Michelle L et al, 2020). However, it's crucial to steer clear of brightening creams that contain mercury, as they can lead to a rebound effect and worsen the condition.

● Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels are typically used for vascular hyperpigmentation. They're applied across the entire face to avoid noticeable demarcation. Salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid are the primary choices for this treatment. Chemical peels are often recommended as part of combination treatment and are rarely used as the sole therapy (Gendler. E, 2005).

● Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF): PRF is a refined version of the well-known platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRF offers longer-lasting effects and a significantly higher concentration of growth factors, promoting a brighter complexion and improving skin elasticity, which can help with POH, periorbital wrinkles, and skin photoaging (Mehryan. P et al, 2014, Evans A.G. et al, 2021). You can expect to see improvements in as little as 2-3 weeks, with effects lasting from 6-12 months. For optimal results, repeated treatments at monthly intervals are recommended.

● Fotona PQX and Fotona SP Dynamis Lasers:

Laser treatments are well-suited for cases of POH involving skin laxity and vascular causes. The combination of Fotona PQX under-eye toning and SP Dynamis smooth eye/periorbital rejuvenation can help tone and tighten, restoring your radiant appearance. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness and therapeutic value of laser therapy for treating POH (Roohaninasab. M. et al., 2021, Ma, G. et al., 2012).

● Dermal Fillers or Biostimulators:

This treatment is ideal for individuals experiencing POH due to volume loss. In the past, hyaluronic acid fillers were the go-to option for under-eye volume loss. Nonetheless, recent studies suggest that polynucleotide-based injectables such as Plinest Fast and Rejuran i (eye) offer better collagen and fibroblast stimulation, resulting in remarkable outcomes (Park K.Y

et al., 2018). The choice of treatment varies among individuals and requires professional clinical judgment to tailor the best treatment plan. While you'll notice an immediate volume enhancement after dermal filler and biostimulator injections, collagen synthesis will take 1-3 months to fully occur.

● Autologous Fat Grafting and Blepharoplasty:

Surgical approaches yield more pronounced results for pseudoherniation of orbital fat and significant skin laxity. However, it's essential to note that these procedures come with higher risks, require anesthesia, and entail a longer recovery period.

Ready to look fresh and energized? Wait no more and drop by dream clinic for a personalized consultation and let us help you banish those concerns!

Reference

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