Do creams really work to relieve dark spots around the eyes? Should cosmetics be combined with other treatments? What could make the condition worse? Answer these and other questions
EINSTEIN AGENCY – What it really works for lighten the dark circles? The first step is to identify the specific type you have. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid rubbing your eyes and choose the best treatment strategy. The Einstein Agency interviewed experts and provides tips on the topic below.
Types of dark circles
They exist three categories of dark circles:
- Pigmented: appear due to the accumulation of melanin, resulting in a brownish color;
- Vascular: are triggered by changes in local circulation, leaving the tissue around the eyes with a bluish or reddish hue;
- Structural: They are the deepest, which become visible when the person has the area around the eyes sunken, creating the impression of a shadow.
Habits and genetic influence
Generally there is a genetic influence on the appearance of dark circles, but habits such as sleep deprivation and smoking tend to worsen the situation, compromising blood circulation, even in the eyelids.
“It is also inadvisable to rub your eyes vigorously, as it can cause trauma to the region, leaving it more pigmented,” warns Bárbara Miguel, dermatologist at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.
Additionally, the condition tends to be more noticeable in people with thinner skin. The same applies to subjects who have lost a lot of weight, with a consequent reduction in the fat pads that give volume to the face, as well as for those who have aged, experiencing bone resorption, reduction of the fat pads and sagging skin. These factors can contribute to the depth of the area around the eyes.
Treatments and best creams
As regards treatment, pigmented dark circles can be fought with laser and microneedling, using active ingredients with a whitening effect.
In case of vascular dark circles, laser treatments and intense pulsed light are recommended to improve the appearance of the blood vessels.
Hyaluronic acid is an effective option for structural ones, as it helps fill the region and project it forward, reducing the contrast between light and shadow and making dark circles less visible.
Often the doctor needs to combine more than one method, especially when dark circles are mixed, that is, with more than one type. Creams are welcome as a complement to the treatment in all cases and when choosing these products it is necessary to observe some precautions.
“The skin of the eyelids is thinner than that of the body and has particular characteristics. It therefore requires own products and its application must be done by gently sliding the fingers from inside to outside, from top to bottom, without making circles around the eyes, following the direction of lymphatic drainage”, recommends dermatologist Abdo Salomão Jr, full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, member of American Academy of Dermatologythe Brazilian Society of Laser in Medicine and Surgery and the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology.
Cosmetic label and doctor’s help
The cosmetic label must contain substances such as vitamin C and K, caffeine, peptides, niacinamide, retinol, hydroquinone, arbutin, passion fruit and sunflower oil, as well as hyaluronic, kojic, retinoic, thioglycolic or glycolic acid.
However, before choosing one to take home, the ideal is consult your dermatologistso that he can indicate the best options for your case, making sure that the formula offers the best possible result and does not make the situation worse: “Inappropriate cosmetics and procedures can further pigment the region,” warns Salomão Jr.
Some creams for dark circles are available in different packaging, ceramic or with balls at the tip to facilitate the application of the product. Experts believe that these packages can enhance the experience, provide relaxation and stimulate local circulation. However, they warn that the design and raw materials of these packaging do not have much influence on the effect of the product. Care must be taken to ensure that the material it is made from is not capable of damaging the skin of the eyelids, which could pigment the area, making dark circles even more noticeable.
In the end, what really makes the difference is follow a personalized protocol prescribed by your doctor and apply the cream every day, twice a day.
“It is important that it is the first step in the routine of skin careotherwise it is possible that the formula recommended for the rest of the face reaches the eyelids and, since it often has higher concentrations of acids, it can cause irritation around the eyes”, warns Bárbara Miguel, of Einstein.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
