Dark circles under the eyes can affect people of all ages, genders and skin types. While often attributed simply to lack of sleep, the reality of dark under eye circles is more nuanced, and effective treatment requires identifying the specific causes of your concerns rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
How We Can Help
Treatment Options
Skin Needling
Mesotherapy
Hydrafacial
Volume Loss Treatments
Rejuran
Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment
Korean Glass Skin Facial
Aqua Gold
A Note From Dr Aleks
The under eye area represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding regions to treat in facial aesthetics. It is amazing that an area so small can have such a profound impact on our appearance.
Our under eyes contain some of the thinnest skin found anywhere on our bodies, and they are frequently exposed to the sun and environmental stressors. This is why they are so vulnerable to both internal and external factors. We develop dark under eye circles due to complex interactions between the thickness of our skin, pigmentation, blood vessels and our facial structure.
Common Characteristics
- Visible darkness or shadowing beneath the eyes
- Appearance of hollows or depressions under the eyes
- Thin skin texture showing underlying vessels
- Puffiness or bags that create shadows
- Visible fine lines or crepiness
- Variation in appearance based on lighting, fatigue and hydration
Contributing Factors
- Genetics and hereditary factors
- Age-related volume loss and skin changes
- Environmental factors (sun exposure, pollution)
- Lifestyle contributors (sleep patterns, hydration, diet)
- Medical conditions, such as allergies or asthma
- Stress and fatigue
Understanding Under Eye Dark Circles
Dark circles have several possible causes that may occur alone or in combination.
Pigmentary Dark Circles
Some individuals develop actual pigmentation changes in the under eye area. Hyperpigmentation can result from genetics, sun exposure or inflammatory skin conditions. The darker skin tone is visible through the thin eyelid skin, creating the appearance of dark circles.
Structural Dark Circles
We naturally lose facial fat as we age, including in the under eye area. Volume loss can create hollows or depressions (known as tear troughs) that cast shadows beneath our eyes. The positioning of our facial bones, particularly the orbital rim, also influences how pronounced these shadows appear.
Vascular Dark Circles
The thin skin beneath our eyes allows blood vessels to show through more prominently than in other facial areas. If these blood vessels dilate—for reasons such as fatigue, allergies or alcohol consumption—they can become more visible and create a blue-purple appearance.
Textural Changes
Fine lines and thinning of the skin due to ageing or environmental damage can contribute to the appearance of dark circles by creating uneven light reflection in the under eye area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Eye Circles
Request Your Private
Consultation at OLA Aesthetics
To explore your options for refreshing the under eye area, we invite you to schedule a consultation at OLA Aesthetics in West Perth.
