I’m well-rested. So why do I look so tired?
There is a common misconception among many people that dark circles or puffiness under the eye are the result of sleepless nights, stress or a little too much partying (pre-COVID, of course). There are three primary causes for under-eye issues -
genetics affecting the underlying structure
age-related volume loss resulting in under-eye hollowing
dark pigmentation under the eye
a combination of the three
The good news is, there are ways to treat this
-Let’s break it down
1. Eye serums with Peptides
Eye serums are tricky. We find that they are either highly effective or not at all - it depends entirely on the ingredients.
The best advice is to ensure that the company you are purchasing from is medical-based and that they are using adequate concentrations of active ingredients. Active ingredients such as peptides and plant stem cells bring about cellular change in the dermis.
Talk to your dermatologist or skincare professional about what will work best for you.
2. Pigment fading skin serums
In some cases, the under-eye area is pigmented in addition to being sunken. Once again, medically active skincare is your best friend. These serums contain tyrosinase inhibitors, vitamin C and peptides. Licorice root extract is also a powerful brightener of the skin.
3. Dermal fillers
Having a quality hyaluronic acid-based filler injected into what is called the tear-trough can lift the area under the eye, in addition to creating a slight light-reflecting surface which further assists in reducing darkness.
For this particular procedure, ensure you see a skilled clinician with a good artistic eye to achieve option results.
4. Laser treatments
Lasers treatments work by emitting one wavelength, a single small part of the light spectrum, which targets a specific colour in the skin. The target absorbs the light energy from the laser and converts it to heat. This result is lighter and brighter coloured skin, with less pigmentation and visible redness.
5. Lower blepharoplasty
With age, lower eyelid skin loosens and sags and the fat that supports and surrounds the eye shifts forwards. In this instance, this is what produces the eye bags and puffiness. The lower lid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the lower eye region, where excess can be removed.
A lower lid blepharoplasty is usually only explored if the first four options have been deemed unsuitable for you by your medical practitioner. Note too that it does incur some significant costs comparatively.
So, let's sort it out
During the Stage 4 Lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne, DIV is unfortunately not offering Cosmetic Dermatology, including both dermal filler and laser treatments.
We can however offer Online Dermatology Consultations to assess the undereye area and recommend the best approach for helping you moving forward. In addition, our sister company Script Skincare is offering phone consultations with our Dermal Therapists, with free delivery of their broad range of medically active skincare.
The good news is that DIV is still open five days per week and can be reached on (03) 9826 4966 or else by email at dermatology@div.net.au