Dark Circles: Learn About The Different Types And How To Care

Dark circles are mainly responsible for giving the face a tired appearance. But in many cases, even a good night's sleep may not be enough to get rid of dark circles around the eyes. This is because dark circles have several causes that go far beyond lack of sleep.

“People who have parents with dark circles under their eyes, for example, are more likely to have the problem during their lifetime. Furthermore, as the eye area is the thinnest and most sensitive region of the face, bad habits also contribute to the appearance of these changes, such as inadequate sleep, unbalanced diet and lack of skin hydration”, explains dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

So, before trying to sleep too much or opting for random procedures to get rid of dark circles, it is important to identify the cause of these changes in order to invest in the most effective treatment for each of them. Below, a team of experts listed the different types of dark circles that exist:

Pigmented dark circles are those that have a brownish color and are caused by the accumulation of melanin in the eye area, which is the pigment responsible for skin color.

“We can treat dark circles with peels that lighten the area under the eyes, carried out in weekly or fortnightly sessions”, says Dr. Paola. Another excellent option are picosecond lasers, such as the Pico Ultra 300. “The Pico Ultra 300 is an ultrafast laser that works with picosecond pulses, generating a mechanical effect capable of causing microfragmentation of melanin, which is then eliminated by the body. As the equipment works through photoacoustic reactions without conversion to a photothermal effect, it is possible to use very high energies to enhance results, but with reduced discomfort”, explains dermatologist Dr. Abdo Salomão, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

Whitening cosmetics are also an excellent option for treating pigmented dark circles. “It is also important to avoid the habit of rubbing your eyes excessively, whether due to allergies or when removing makeup. This is because this act, when carried out constantly, can lead to local inflammation with the consequent emergence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and darkening of the eye region”, says Dr. Cláudia Merlo, a doctor specializing in Dermatology and Cosmiatry at the BWS Institute.

Deep dark circles are caused by reasons such as genetics, disruption of the face or reduction in the orbicularis fat compartment due to excessive weight loss or aging. The result is the appearance of a depth below the eye that gives the face a tired appearance.

“When the cause is genetic or a reduction in the fat compartment, filling with hyaluronic acid is a solution, as it is capable of restore volume to the region, in addition to providing hydration”, says Dr. Claudia Merlo. “But, in the case of deep dark circles formed by the disruption of the face, it is important to first carry out all treatments to reposition the facial compartments before treating the dark circles. It is not uncommon that, after treating facial structures, filling dark circles is no longer necessary. If this assessment is neglected and the dark circles are filled first, the results may be unsatisfactory, including the appearance of local edema and visible fillers”, warns the doctor.

Vascular dark circles are those that have a purplish or bluish color, in addition to being accompanied by swelling in the eye area. “The main cause of this type of dark circles is tiredness and stress. So, to treat vascular dark circles, the best strategy is to opt for manual drainage or the use of cosmetics that activate blood circulation”, highlights Dr. Cláudia.

Another excellent option to revitalize the look in these cases is to perform procedures such as HydraFacial Perk Eyes. “The HydraFacial Perk Eyes experience uses exclusive roller-flex technology to gently remove impurities and dead skin cells from the eye area through vacuum suction while nourishing and hydrating the region with the HydraFacial Perk Eyes Serum, thus brightening , toning and revitalizing the skin of the eyes with immediate and lasting results in improving fine lines, puffiness and dark circles”, explains dermatologist Dr. Mônica Aribi, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery.

Also with a blue-purple color, dark circles under the eyes, according to Dr. Cláudia Merlo, are caused by the presence and accumulation of spider veins in the eye area. To eliminate these spider veins and, consequently, dark circles, the use of laser is an excellent option.

“The Nd Yag 1064 laser is the most specific laser available for solving spider veins on the face, offering greater treatment effectiveness. Laser shots are used that act on the blood inside the vessel, burning it from the inside, which leads to its closure. The treatment presents good results and has a high level of safety, as the pain is alleviated with the use of skin cooling devices”, explains vascular surgeon Dr. Aline Lamaita, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.

The bags of fat that appear under the eyes are related to sagging muscles and orbicularis ligaments. “For fat pockets, there is non-surgical treatment with microfocused ultrasound, which generates heat to promote restructuring of these flaccid tissues through retraction of old collagen and stimulation of the production of new fibers in deeper areas of the face, such as muscles”, highlights Dr. Cláudia.

Depending on the severity of the bags, plastic surgery known as blepharoplasty may be indicated, as It aims to remove excess skin and pockets of fat present in the lower and upper eyelids, with the possibility of repositioning these structures or filling grooves in the region when the doctor deems it necessary. “In some patients, fat grafting can also be performed to fill the loss of local tissue, as the result of the surgery becomes more natural when there is a certain volume of tissue around the eyes”, says plastic surgeon Dr. Paolo Rubez, full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS).

Mixed dark circles are the most common type of change and occur when there is a combination of different types of dark circles. So, to combat mixed dark circles, the best strategy is to combine different treatments according to the patient's needs. “But it is essential to consult a specialized doctor to carry out an assessment of mixed dark circles and draw up a treatment plan to avoid overlapping treatments and unwanted effects”, concludes Dr. Cláudia Merlo.