Overview

The eyes are a reflection of the face, and the lower part of the eyelid emphasizes our gaze. Dark circles under the eyes can create a shadowing effect around the eyes and have a visual impact on making people look unhealthy. For instance, dark circles and bags are typically cosmetic and skincare concerns, generally defined by areas of dark coloring under the eyes and noticeable swelling, which can damage the whole appearance of the face. They can provide the illusion of exhaustion or a lack of sleep.

Because the layer of skin around the eyes is 5 times thinner than the rest of the body, it is vulnerable to outside influences and is extremely fragile and sensitive. Dark circles can have a variety of forms and sources, but they all have a single characteristic in common: they age and tire the eyes significantly.

What are the different types of dark circles?

Dark circles can be divided into various categories that correspond to their underlying causes. Here are some of the most prevalent forms of dark circles:

Hereditary dark circles are caused by a hereditary tendency and can appear as early as childhood. Excessive pigmentation of the skin beneath the eyes can cause dark circles.

exhaustion circles: Symptoms of exhaustion/lack of sleep, chronic fatigue, stress, or a poor lifestyle. When you are tired, the skin around your eyes may look thinner and darker.

Vascular dark circles: These dark spots are generated by the dilatation of blood vessels beneath the skin. They can be caused by factors such as age, heredity, excessive sun exposure, allergies, or poor blood circulation.

Hollow dark circles: These are also known as under-eye circles and are distinguished by a hollow or depression beneath the eyes. They could be caused by peri-orbital volume loss, tissue sagging, or the natural aging process.

Dark circles are generated by an increase in the synthesis of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. They may resemble concentric rings, with a darker discoloration in the center and a little reduction in intensity toward the outside margins.

It should be noted that several types of dark circles might coexist in the same person.

Pigmented dark circles

We refer to numerous types of indications that correspond to pigmentation of the lower eyelid as "colored circles" or "dark circles". We should know that three types of dark circles can be distinguished by their color: blue, red, and brown circles. Several variables contribute to the appearance of these black circles.

Blue or purple dark-colored circles are the most common and are generated mostly by skin thinness linked with extensive vascularity in the lower eyelid. With an average thickness of 0.5 mm, the skin at the level of the lower eyelid is four times thinner than the skin on the rest of the body (2 mm). Because it is a highly vascularized area, the blood vessels appear transparent, giving rise to the circle's bluish hue.

The appearance of red circles is explained by the excessive dilatation of tiny blood vessels and dermal capillaries located in the skin's thickness. The thinness of the skin in this area of the face increases the visibility of the red hue emanating from these capillaries. The existence of red rings is explained in part by hereditary variables (genetic origin) connected with age (tissue aging) and, in some circumstances, by climatic factors.

The development of deep pigment spots on the lower part of the eyelid explains the existence of brown circles. Hereditary factors play a significant role in the development of brown circles. Brown circles are very prevalent in the Mediterranean basin. Brown circles can also be caused or exacerbated by excessive sun exposure or the use of unsuitable cosmetics. Unfortunately, some varieties of genetically colored dark circles cannot be treated with any method.

Laser treatment for pigmented circles

When laser treatments are used, they stimulate the production of extra collagen in the lower layers of the skin. As the laser energy is absorbed by the skin tissue, it is converted to heat. The heat, in return, causes the body to produce more collagen and restore fullness by making the blood vessels under the skin have less of an impact on the appearance. Lasers help reduce hyperpigmentation and stimulate the rejuvenation of skin tissues by forcing intense light and heat on the targeted area. 

In the process of getting rid of dark circles, a variety of lasers are used. The wavelength and pulse duration of a laser, along with how the tissue of the skin absorbs it, influence the therapy applications.

Lasers used to treat dark circles are divided into two types: ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. Both types of lasers function beneath the skin's surface, stimulating the underneath tissue, increasing collagen synthesis, and keeping the skin tight, smooth, and rejuvenated.

The primary difference between both of them is that ablative lasers remove the outermost layer of skin, which may contain extra melanin in some circumstances. Non-ablative lasers, additionally referred to as pigment-selective lasers, act beneath the skin to tackle excess melanin as well as circulation disorders without destroying the superficial skin.

The ideal candidate for laser treatment

Most people are good candidates for laser treatments treating dark eye circles since they have few side effects.  People with darker skin tones, on the other hand, may develop pigmentation-related complications, particularly when utilizing specific ablative lasers. High energies and a high level of laser treatment intensity can substantially diminish pigmentation, resulting in accidental skin discoloration.

In certain situations, patients with darker skin tones may also develop rebound hyperpigmentation, which is the rapid and dramatic return of dark pigment to the skin after it has been treated. While these negative outcomes may limit the sorts of lasers that are available to people with darker skin tones, an accredited dermatologist is ought to be able to operate around these restrictions. Consultation with a medical specialist before treatment will guarantee that a patient's sensitivities are handled and that the correct type and strength of the laser are chosen for the process to avoid any possible risks.

FAQ

Laser treatment for dark circles: how it looks like?

You should be given aftercare instructions following therapy. Follow these rules at all times to reduce your chance of problems.

In general, recuperating from laser treatments needs little downtime. However, recovery timeframes differ depending on the type of laser treatment. Following the treatment, the skin is more prone to UV damage. To reduce potential damage, consider avoiding direct sun exposure and using a high SPF sunscreen multiple times per day.

 How much does it cost to receive a laser treatment for dark circles?

The cost of treating dark undereye circles in Seoul, Korea is determined by the treatment you pick, the severity of your undereye circles, and the frequency of treatments required. Our partner experienced dermatologists will work with you to select the most appropriate type of treatment for your dark undereye circles and will be able to offer you a cost estimate.

What are the main causes leading to dark circles?

The likelihood of getting dark circles is determined by your genetic predisposition as well as your skin tone. Growing older age, the skin's flexibility reduces due to collagen loss, and the area around the eyes becomes thin and transparent. Darkening of the skin around the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including accumulation of fluid beneath the eyes, increased blood flow in the under-eye skin, or constitutional hollows behind the eyes. Dark circles are visible due to venous congestion or fluid buildup caused by the following factors:

- Aging

- Genetics

- Certain drugs

- Excess of vascularity in the skin beneath the eyes

- Excessive of exposure to the sun

- Rubbing the eyes harshly

- Hollows beneath eyes

- Some allergies to cosmetics

- Unhealthy lifestyle: lack of sleep, stress, smoking, ...etc

Is dark circle reduction/removal laser treatment safe?

Yes, dark circle reduction/removal laser treatment is considered a safe treatment choice for the majority of people. In addition, to ensure comfort during the process, your doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to the afflicted areas before treatment.

What is the best laser treatment to get rid of dark circles?

There are a variety of treatments available for dark circles beneath the eyes, ranging from home cures to over-the-counter medication and lotions. However, laser treatment, which is carefully conducted at our partner clinics utilizing cutting-edge equipment, is the most effective treatment for dark circles.

What types of lasers are recommended to get rid of dark circles in Korea?

By promoting collagen synthesis, improving skin texture, and eliminating aberrant pigmentation, laser therapy can reduce dark circles. Laser treatments come in a variety of forms in Korea.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing: this procedure uses a fractional laser to cause microscopic injuries in the skin, promoting the formation of elastin and collagen. It also treats hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Intense Pulsed Light – IPL: this therapy targets pigmentation in the skin with broad-spectrum light. This is especially beneficial for people who have dark circles under their eyes as a result of sun damage or melasma. IPL works by emitting wavelengths of light that are absorbed by melanin in the skin, assisting in the breakdown of pigmentation. It is non-invasive and needs no downtime, making it a popular alternative for individuals with a hectic schedule.

Q-Switched laser: this laser delivers high-intensity light pulses to the skin's melanin. This light helps to break down pigmentation induced by an increase in melanin production. This therapy is easily adaptable to different skin types and situations, although many sessions may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Related reading

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Other options to treat dark circles would be getting fillers, retinol, or a chemical peel. Choosing the method of using hyaluronic acid fillers helps by reducing the tired look. Retinol for dark circles is a potent topical ingredient that has been proven to increase collagen production and skin thickness. Chemical Peels can also reduce the darkness of under-eye skin as doctors apply glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and lactic acid.