Is There a Cure for Dark Circles under the Eyes?

I wrote a few days ago about bags under the eyes. I explained that there were different types of bags. It is important to make a distinction between these, as both the cause and the treatment differs. Today more about dark circles.

The dark discolouration under the eyes;

The dark discolouration under the eyes, caused by blood vessels showing through the thin skin around the eyes, is the most difficult to treat. In theory, better circulation can improve this. But that is easier said than done. Cosmetic products cannot help with this as they generally cannot stimulate the blood flow.

BMTd or Vitamin K?

There are exceptions: a medical examination was carried out which showed that dark circles could be made temporarily less visible through use of a substance (BMTd) which is responsible for the production of Nitric Oxide (this chemical stimulates blood flow). As far as I know, cosmetic products which contain this substance are not sold in the Netherlands and furthermore, the effect is most likely very minimal and short lived. Also, a study of Vitamin K, showed that it improved the dark circles under the eyes slightly. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (April 2004) investigated the effects of an eye cream containing 2% Vitamin K, 0.1% Retinol, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. From the test subjects, 47% saw a slight improvement, 53% saw no change. Not very convincing, and there may well be a placebo effect. Furthermore, you won’t find cosmetic products containing 2% Vitamin K.

Injections or simply cosmetic products?

A reasonably new treatment available, is the filling of the skin under the eyes by way of injections, so that the blood vessels become less obvious. Some people can see an improvement, but the results are difficult to predict and also only temporary. The most simple and cheapest option in order to make the dark circles disappear is to use camouflage; in particular cosmetic products containing reflecting particles which can work wonders. Rub it in well and avoid using too light a colour and you won’t have to go through life looking like a panda bear!

Have a good weekend,

Jetske.

(Dr. Jetske ultee- Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)

Read here to see if a perfect eye cream exists.

Read my previous blog about bags under the eyes.