Dark circles under the eyes are not usually cause for concern but most people feel like dark circles make them look older, tired or unhealthy. If you notice dark circles suddenly appearing under your eyes even though you are getting enough sleep, a complete physical examination from your primary doctor is recommended to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the dark circles. Severe dehydration, malnutrition, anemia, liver disease and hypothyroidism are just a handful of potential health issues that may be causing dark circles and hollows under the eyes. By making simple changes to your diet, adding in vitamin supplements or adjusting your thyroid functioning with proper medication, your dark circles may disappear on their own. Once these are ruled out, or if you are still experiencing dark circles, your best course of action is to see a dermatologist. 

A dermatologist is experienced in diagnosing and treating a vast array of conditions that affect skin including dark circles. Natural aging affects the collagen and fat in the skin, especially the thin layer of skin near the eyes. What appear to be dark circles under your eyes may merely be shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging. Family history of dark circles, exhaustion, lack of sleep, allergies, eye rubbing or excessive sun exposure can also cause dark circles. 

Before your dermatologist can provide a treatment option, they will need to determine the cause of the dark circles. Often, there are 3 contributing factors: visible blood vessels, excess pigment and hollowness due to a deep tear trough. There is a simple way to determine which of these factors may be affecting you. If by applying pressure to the circle or shadow under the eye, the darkness disappears, the cause is likely due to visible blood vessels underneath the skin. If the darkness does not disappear, the cause is likely excess pigment. If a shadow forms at the inside corner of the eye, where tears would naturally flow, the cause may be due to a deep tear trough. 

Laser therapy is a common remedy for dark circles caused by visible blood vessels. The heated energy vaporizes damaged cells and helps produce new collagen formation. Skin-lightening creams and chemicals peels are popular options for dark circles caused by excess pigmentation. Light chemical peel treatments for this include glycolic acid, retinoic acid or hydroquinone. Your dermatologist might also suggest a Jessner peel which includes a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol. Filler options such as Restylane or Juvederm can provide noticeable results almost right away to take care of the deep tear trough. In extreme cases, a Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can be performed. Although typically a procedure used to treat droopy eyelids, this procedure can decrease the shadow cast by your eyelid, thus decreasing the appearance of dark circles. 

If you are concerned about the appearance of the skin under your eyes, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology to see what a dermatologist can do for dark circles. Appointment booking is made easy by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting WEBSITE for more information.