Flying from fashion week to fashion week can take it’s toll. But are you eyes always puffy or discolored? Do your eyes have the bags? Have you tried everything? Some aesthetic treatments may work for some but others according to Oculopastic Surgeon Dr. Parsa of Beverly Hills you may have to either stop rubbing or hit an office. Beverly Hills Oculopastic Surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa explains the 5 most common reasons why you might have dark undereye circles, and how to treat them – from surgery to makeup and everything in between.
Reason #1 – Anatomical Issues
Anatomical issues such as puffy eye bags or hollow undereyes can cause a shadow to form, creating the appearance of dark undereye circles. Interestingly, many patients incorrectly identify whether they’re puffy or hollow, so it’s best to get a doctor’s feedback before committing to a treatment, which can vary from surgery to volume replacement depending on your anatomy.
Reason #2 – Chronic Inflammation
“Inflammation leads to deposition of pigment on skin,” explains Dr. Parsa. This can be caused by chronic low grade inflammation from allergies, which may see patients frequently rubbing their eyes and bringing on this unwanted pigmentation. The best treatment sounds simple but definitely requires “training” – refrain from rubbing your eyes! If you are beset with itchy, allergic eyes, try patting them with a tissue or warm washcloth vs. rubbing.
Reason #3 – Thin Skin
“There are some patients with skin so thin that you can actually see the muscle underneath, giving an appearance of a dark circle,” Dr. Parsa explains. Treatments may include specific topicals, microneedling and lasers, or even nanofat injections under the skin around the eyes. “The stem cells from the nanofat are a great way to help thicken skin and build collagen, and can reduce the appearance of dark circles caused by thin skin.”
Reason #4 – Venous Congestion
Patients with venous congestion – aka undereye veins – have very blue discoloration. If you look closely, you can see that the veins in this area are engorged. Treatment may include surgery or lasers.
Reason #5 – Genetic Pigmentation
“There are some patients who are genetically born with darker pigmentation around their eyes – and that’s just the way it is,” Dr. Parsa explains. How do you know if this is you? If others in your family also have dark undereye pigmentation, it’s likely to be genetic. Makeup and certain brightening creams may help cover the circles, but genetic pigmentation is stubbornly resistant to aesthetic treatments.
Expert input above provided by samanthaslaven.com
BISOUS BEAUTY PRODUCT ROUNDUP
We rounded up some products if making it to the office isn’t in your routine. These are some of our favorites that actually helped decrease the look of being haggard and improved our skin tone, puffiness and wrinkles while on the road to the next collections. And of course when all else fails might we suggest just a really sweet pair of sunglasses.
UBEAUTY Resurfacing Compound
Brighten, resurface, renew, tighten, equalize, and defend with one complexion-boosting compound. A clean, high-performance formula designed to optimize your daily beauty regimen without sacrificing results. Smoother, brighter and revitalized-looking skin begins to emerge within only 3-6 days. Pores look diminished, skin appears to brighten as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles visibly fade. $228 ubeauty.com
ERNO LASZLO Transphuse Night Serum $235
While you sleep, this revolutionary formula restores skin’s natural balance inside and out, tightening, toning and bolstering skin’s defenses against the stresses of tomorrow. A Pro-Biobalance complex, the brand’s own probiotic skin nourisher, restores balance and strengthens skin’s immune system; palmitoyl peptides amp up collagen production; acmella oleracea, a tropical plant extract, relaxes contraction in the facial muscles so skin looks instantly smoother; and lavender oil, a medicinal botanical and mood balancer, soothes and stimulates as it encourages a good night’s sleep. $235
OSEA Ocean Eyes Hydrating Gel Eye Serum
Hydrating gel serum addresses all signs of aging around eyes. Seaweed, hyaluronic acid and peptides smooth the look of fine lines and crow’s feet. This lightweight formula reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Delivered with a cooling roller ball applicator that awakens the entire eye area. Clinically and dermatologist tested. $58 oseamalibu.com
SUNDAY RILEY Autocorrect
Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract rapidly reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, energizing tired-looking eyes, while concentrated horse chestnut and acmella oleracea extracts smooth the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines while giving an instantly lifted look. Antioxidant-rich lutein provides a radiant glow to the fragile skin around the eye. Cocoa and shea butters plump the skin with moisture, while watermelon rind extract and sodium PCA infuse hydration into the skin. Eyes look fresher, younger, de-puffed and more rested for immediate and noticeable results. $65 sundayriley.com
