Dark Circles

This is a common concern amongst many individuals, which can have a number of different causes. Increased pigmentation (melanin), puffy/thin & translucent skin, shadowing due to the boney ageing of the eye, and bulging fat.

This can be a challenging concern to treat, and those more prone to dark circles can include elderly individuals, darker fitzpatrick skin types, as well as those with a genetic predisposition to dark circles under the eyes. Pigmentation under the eyes can often be associated with melanin in deeper layers of the skin, which can sometimes arise as part of an inflammatory response. This may be triggered or worsened by sun exposure, rubbing or scratching the eyes, as well as dermatitis. Bulging or puffiness around the eyes may be due to underlying health related conditions, such as thyroid disease, or even hay fever, whereas thin and translucent skin is often seen with age onset. Darkness and shadowing under the eyes may be more noticeable at times due to tiredness and lack of sleep, puffiness/water retention, as well as dehydration, which can sometimes make the eyes seem more sunken. A thorough medical assessment is recommended, often using a Wood’s Lamp, which allows the depth and presence of pigment to be visualised, as well as individuals medical/family history.