Circles under your eyes aren’t a cute look and many of us try to mask the appearance of dark circles with makeup concealers. But cosmetics can sit heavily on the delicate skin beneath the eye and make under eye circles look even more prominent. So, what can you do to reduce your dark circles? You may want to try under eye fillers at Indian Lake Medical Weight Loss & Wellness in Hendersonville, TN, particularly if your under eye circles are caused by aging or genetics.
How Effective Is Under Eye Filler?
Under eye fillers are exceptionally effective treatments to reduce the appearance of under eye circles, dark circles, thin tear troughs, and also visible signs of aging around the eyes. These fillers are generally formulated with hyaluronic acid, which works to subtly increase skin volume and erase the appearance of dark circles.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin as a sugar molecule that holds several times its weight in water. When artificial hyaluronic acid is placed in hollow areas of the face, it attracts water to the sub-dermal layers of the skin and helps the skin retain more moisture to increase skin volume. Because hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin, it’s generally considered well-tolerated and hypoallergenic, even when placed in delicate areas such as beneath the eyes.
Longevity
One key reason why this treatment is so effective is the longevity of the results. Depending on which dermal filler you are using, you can expect the results of this treatment to last for six to 18 months. This means you can achieve consistent, long-lasting results and feel more confident day to day instead of constantly worrying about applying cosmetics. The longevity of these results also makes it easier to schedule your treatments.
Compatibility
Most people are compatible with this treatment if there is a goal to reduce the appearance of dark circles or hollow tear troughs. Candidates for this treatment include those who are over the age of 21, who do not have any allergies to the ingredients in dermal fillers, and who want to restore volume beneath the eyes for a youthful, healthier appearance. These dermal fillers are generally compatible with all genders, skin types, and skin tones.
What Fillers Are Used?
In general, the two most commonly used fillers to treat under eye circles are Juvederm and Restylane, both of which are formulated with hyaluronic acid. The main difference between these under eye fillers is the texture of the filler. We will make the best recommendation for your skin type and your needs. A thicker filler may be used to treat moderate to severe hollowness beneath the eyes.
What Causes Under Eye Circles and Hollows?
The tear trough is the area just below the eyes and can appear like hollow, dark circles. There are many causes for under eye circles ranging from medical causes to your diet and even genetics. Understanding the cause of your dark circles can help you select the best filler so you can achieve optimal results. Furthermore, knowing the cause of your hollow tear troughs can also help you make changes that may improve your filler results. Some common causes of dark circles include:
Aging
By far the most common cause of under eye circles is the natural aging process. As we age, our skin produces and stores less collagen and elastin, which makes the skin beneath the eyes thinner over time. We also lose fat and volume in the face as we age, and the general effects of gravity can also “drag” the skin beneath the eyes down. In addition to hollowness under the eyes, you may also notice fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes associated with aging.
Genetics
Your genetics may also be to blame for your dark circles. If you notice your parents have hollow tear troughs or you’ve always had thin skin beneath your eyes even in your youth, then your genetics (such as your facial structure) are likely partially to blame for your aesthetic concerns. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to change genetic factors, but using aesthetic treatments can be helpful.
Allergies and Other Conditions
Allergies are known to cause significant changes to the eyes, particularly during peak allergy season. You may notice that your tear troughs are more prominent when you’re sneezing during the spring and summer months. Of course, there may be other medical conditions that can contribute to the appearance of dark circles, including iron deficiency anemia, autoimmune disorders, and more.
Fatigue
Lack of sleep and chronic fatigue can also have a detrimental effect on the appearance of your tear troughs. For one thing, fatigue puts a strain on the body’s resources, and stress caused by chronic fatigue will eventually wear down collagen reserves. Getting enough sleep will ensure that the blood vessels beneath your eyes are less apparent and your skin is in overall better condition. Getting enough sleep can also help your skin distribute water more effectively.
Lifestyle Factors
You may drink coffee for its ability to perk you up in the morning and mid-afternoon, but excessive caffeine intake can actually contribute to your dark circle problem. Similarly, other lifestyle factors such as having a high-sodium diet or smoking tobacco are also sometimes known to cause the appearance of hollow tear troughs. High alcohol consumption may also be a contributing factor to the formation of dark circles.
Can You Reduce Dark Circles At Home?
Yes and no. Depending on the type of dark circles you have and what causes unwanted circles beneath your eyes, there may be some things you can do at home to make these circles appear less prominent. For example, if your under eye circles are caused by a lack of sleep, then using an under eye filler may not be necessary since getting adequate rest may be able to solve your aesthetic concern. Some things you can do to reduce dark circles at home include:
Fluids and Salt
Water plays a very important role in your skin, particularly in the appearance of your skin. If you have a high-sodium diet, then it’s likely your body is retaining water, and that can contribute to the appearance of dark circles. By cutting back on salt and drinking more water, you may be able to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Treat Allergies
If allergies are the cause of your dark circles, then it may be in your best interest to seek treatment for your allergies. You can visit your primary care physician for advice or use over-the-counter allergy medicine to see if reducing your allergies will help reduce dark circles.
Cucumbers
It may seem like an old wives’ tale, but applying cucumbers to the eyes may also help get rid of dark circles and this method can even be a special at-home treat to help you relax after a long day. Cucumbers are naturally rich in antioxidants and silica, which can temporarily reduce the appearance of some dark circles. However, this method may only be used for dark circles caused by puffiness or discoloration.
Lightening Creams
Some dermatologists will prescribe skin-lightening creams to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Usually, a skin-lightening cream will only be used if the dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation. It may not be appropriate to use a skin-lightening cream for dark circles that are caused by fluid retention or loss of skin volume associated with aging.
All that said, for many people, the cause of dark circles beneath the eyes can be mixed. For example, your dark circles may be caused by a combination of aging and your diet, so while you can modify your diet to reduce dark circles, this method won’t fully correct the appearance of under eye circles. For that reason, it may be a good idea to combine an under eye filler with at-home methods so you can get the best results.
Reduce Under Eye Hollows and Dark Circles
Hollowness beneath the eyes and dark circles are difficult to contend with. Depending on the type of dark circle you have, using an under eye filler can be an effective way to increase skin volume and restore a more youthful appearance. For the treatment of discolored dark circles, other treatments may be explored or used in combination with fillers to achieve your desired results. Contact us at Indian Lake Medical Weight Loss & Wellness in Hendersonville, TN to schedule your consultation today.