As a dermatologist, one of the questions I'm frequently asked revolves around treating dark circles under the eyes. This seems to be universally problematic and bothersome to people, so let's talk about under-eye darkening: why it occurs and how we can treat it!

First things first: not all under-eye darkness stems from the same issue. It's important to determine the cause of your under-eye darkening and then how to treat it. I categorize under-eye darkening into three main factors: increased pigment under the eyes, increased blood vessels under the eyes, and increased shadows and valleys. So, let's break it down!

1)  Increased pigmentation under the eyes

Some people tend to have more pigmentation under their eyes and this can vary based on genetics and ethnicity. This can even be present in childhood! While it can be very difficult to treat, a sunscreen is a must. Bleaching creams and gentle peels can also help lighten the pigmentation, but it's important to go low and slow so as not to get rebound pigmentation. You can also try using a retinol mixed with lotion or slug with petrolatum like Vaseline. But be careful not to irritate your skin, as harsh treatments and even rubbing your eyes can make the darkness worse. So, try not to scratch or rub your eyes to break the cycle. 

2) Increased vasculature aka blood vessels under the eyes

Darkening of the skin around certain areas, such as under the eyes, can sometimes be genetic, particularly in individuals with lighter skin tones where the skin can appear almost translucent. A laser that specifically targets blood vessels can be a game-changer, but make sure you see a professional for this area.

Caffeine products can temporarily help constrict the blood vessels.Try using a regular black tea bag – chill it in the fridge for extra coolness, or just use ice or a cold spoon from the fridge. Easy peasy and feels nice! Arnica cream can also be a helpful remedy for reducing darkening under the eyes due to blood vessels, just dab on a little daily and watch the discoloration fade! But, steer clear of hemorrhoid creams—they might make things worse by thinning your skin and making blood vessels more noticeable!

3) Increased valleys and shadows!

Feeling like you're seeing more valleys and shadows under your eyes lately? There could be a few reasons for that. Puffiness in the lower eye area can be caused by various things like not getting enough sleep, drinking too much alcohol, not drinking enough water, eating salty foods late at night, smoking, or dealing with allergies—whether it's seasonal sniffles or skin reactions. Aging plays a role too, with collagen and elasticity loss, changes in bone structure, and fat shifting leading to puffiness and shadows. So, what can you do? First off, prioritize sleep, ditch the excess alcohol, and cut out salty snacks before bed. If you smoke, it might be time to consider quitting. Remember, when it comes to your eyes, taking care of yourself inside and out can make a real difference.

If these at home remedies just aren't doing the trick, see a board-certified dermatologist for some in office procedures.

In-Office Procedures

- Chemical Peels

If at-home brightening products aren’t helping, talk to your dermatologist about getting a chemical peel around the eyes. These peels use acids like glycolic acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid, and mandelic acid to clear away dark spots and dead skin cells, leaving your under-eyes brighter, smoother, and a bit tighter.

- Tear Trough Fillers

Tear trough fillers help with dark circles by restoring lost volume under the eyes. This reduces the appearance of shadows caused by hollowing, making the under-eye area look brighter.

- PRP

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections can help with dark circles under the eyes by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. The platelets in PRP contain growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.

- Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Puffiness of the lower eyelids can be surgically removed with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Removing the puffy fat also improves the appearance of dark circles by reducing the “shadow” effect.

- Laser Treatments

Several lasers can help combat dark discoloration under the eyes depending if the cause is more pigment vs blood vessels. It's important to see a specialist in lasers for this area as damage to the delicate eyelid skin can occur, as well as vision changes without proper eye protection.

When it comes to tackling those pesky under-eye dark circles, it's all about understanding what's causing them. Whether it's extra pigment, visible blood vessels, or shadows and valleys from puffiness and aging, there are ways to deal with each one. Just remember, it's not just about what you put on your skin to help tackle under eye discoloration. How you take care of your body with diet, sleep, exercise, and hydration is just as important in brightening up your under-eye area!

Check out this week's podcast episode! I'm talking all about what causes dark circles and how to deal with them.

A new podcast episode drops every Monday!

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