Dark shadows under eyes are a big drag. They make us look tired, vitamin deficient, negligent in the self care department. Under eye circles are further accentuated when wearing masks because eyes become basically the sole focus. (Can’t help thinking of lemurs, meerkats, pandas, raccoons, Uncle Fester.)

What WE can do to lighten dark circles:

1. At the recent AAD zoom conference, as published in MDedgde, microneedling + TCA peels significantly beat CO2 laser for infraorbital dark circles in all skin types.

The micro-channels created by microneedling (we use the FDA-approved, medical-only device, SkinPen) work as pathways for any topically applied product, such as TCA. This process using TCA stimulates circulation and revascularization, amps production of subcutaneous collagen and elastin, in turn thickening and smoothing skin.

After 3 monthly treatments, under eye darkness remained lightened and brightened for 180+ days post treatments.

2. If darkness is caused by shadowing from volume loss, dermal fillers can be used to plump the depressed areas, and Botox can be used to soften etched lines.

3. If darkness is caused by depressions below little bulging pillows, these herniated fat pads are best + permanently treated with a lower blepharoplasty via an oculoplastic surgeon.

What YOU can do to lighten dark circles:

1. Sleep 7-8 hours.
2. Don’t smoke – for so many reasons.
3. Take antihistamines if you have allergies.
4. Don’t rub eyes – the thinnest area of skin needs as little tugging + pulling as possible. Think of what happens when you continuously stretch a rubber band. As a matter of fact, put the rubber band around your wrist and snap it everytime you touch your eyes. (Snap twice during a pandemic.)
5. Wear sunglasses + hats to protect eyes from sun damage.
6. Use retinoids or Epionce Lytics with eye cream to increase dermal density, cell turnover and barrier strength. (See post on cell turnover)
7. Call us for a consultation regarding your options.