Tuesday – Friday
By Appointment only.
Tuesday – Friday
By Appointment only.
Tuesday – Friday
By Appointment only.
Tuesday – Friday
By Appointment only.
Dark circles under the eyes also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation are a common concern amongst the Marr Clinic clients. These can make the individual appear tired, aged, or unhealthy.
There are many factors that can cause dark circles. Although it can be a sign of illness, this is unlikely. Dark circles are most often caused by the aging process, inflammation, sun exposure, other environmental exposures like vaping and smoking, and genetics.
Illness, Allergy, and Inflammation: Inflammation can activate melanocytes causing hyperpigmentation. Nasal allergies, hay fever, and environmental irritants can lead to repetitive rubbing and irritation of the thin skin around the eyes, causing blood vessels to become more engorged with blood due to the vasodilation effect of histamine. This leads to the leakage of bilirubin and hemosiderin pigments into the tissues surrounding the eyes, exacerbating the darkness. Topical weak steroid creams may help, as does the removal of allergens, reducing rubbing of this area, and improving the skin barrier with moisturizers and sunscreens.
Sun Exposure and Other Environmental Exposures: UV radiation increases melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen must be used to prevent the recurrence of under-eye pigmentation.
Skin Aging: Aging and sun-damaged skin lose collagen and elasticity, leading to thinning skin. This allows the underlying orbicularis muscle, superficial fat pads, and vessels to show through the thinned skin, contributing to dark shadows. The orbital rim and ligaments create tear trough hollows, while volume loss in the midface causes additional shadowing due to dense attachments between skin and facial ligaments.
Genetics: There is a genetic predisposition to dark circles under the eyes.
It is helpful to classify dark circles under the eyes based on their causes, as successful treatment(s) are based on addressing the underlying cause(s). The different classifications and treatments are as follows:
Dark circles under the eyes, or periorbital hyperpigmentation, are a common concern that can make individuals appear tired and aged. Effective treatment requires understanding the underlying causes, which can include wrinkles, pigmentation, vascular issues, structural deficits, and medical conditions. The Marr Clinic provides a range of non-surgical procedures such as chemical peels, vascular lasers and PRP injections. Each of these treatments targets specific issues, from reducing pigmentation and vascularity to replenishing volume and tightening skin, providing our clients with a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. The surgical option (not available at the Marr Clinic) of an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) can remove and reposition tissue for a smoother transition between the eyes and cheeks. For those struggling with dark circles, consulting with a specialist can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual needs, ensuring effective and lasting improvements.
In-clinic procedures can improve the appearance of dark under-eye circles. The treatment depends on the underlying cause, with most cases involving multiple causes. Some of the in-clinic treatments to consider include:
Treatments not available at the Marr Clinic – Blepharoplasty Surgery: If extra fat, loose muscle, or excess skin causes shadowing due to anatomical issues, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) can remove and reposition tissue for a smoother transition between the eyes and cheeks.
Skin is a beautiful thing, wear it well.
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