The Eye Area

The eye area is a very sensitive part of the face. The skin here is thinner than elsewhere on the face and undergoes significant movement daily through expressions. There is also less structural support in this area compared to the rest of the face, and it contains a sensitive lymphatic system that helps drain fluid.

Because of these factors, the eye area is prone to wrinkles, crepey skin, redness, puffiness, and dark circles.

Dark Under-Eye Circles

Dark circles refer to the area under the eyes that often appears darker than the rest of the face. These circles can appear in various shades, including brown, blue, purple, or slightly red. Dark circles can affect anyone but are particularly common in people with darker skin types and tend to become more prevalent with age. While they aren't usually a cause for concern, they can be exacerbated by many factors such as lack of sleep, stress, or poor diet. Many people seek to lighten dark circles to help them look healthier and younger.

Are Dark Circles Under Eyes a Sign of Illness?

Generally no, but underlying factors such as persistent tiredness could indicate other issues. If you're concerned, consult your healthcare provider.

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

Hyperpigmentation: This term describes patches of pigmentation caused by overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin colour. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure or can appear during or after pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Genetics: Dark circles are often hereditary, which can make them more difficult to reduce through treatments.

Allergies: Allergies often cause us to rub the eye area. Excessive rubbing in this sensitive area can cause swelling and damage to blood vessels, resulting in darkness.

Dermatitis or Eczema: Both conditions can cause redness, itchiness, and swelling. This damage to the skin can lead to pigmentation changes and damaged blood vessels, making the skin appear darker.

Poor Sleep: Poor sleep can cause blood vessels to dilate. Because the under-eye skin is thin, dilated blood vessels can create the appearance of dark circles.

Dehydration: When dehydrated, our skin suffers too. The skin under eyes can appear dull and darker when lacking moisture. Dehydration also causes blood vessels to dilate, which becomes visible through the thinner skin.

Lifestyle Choices: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can contribute to dark circles by increasing dehydration, tiredness, blood vessel dilation, and contributing to cell damage and accelerated skin aging.

What Treatments Are Available for Dark Circles?

Polynucleotides: These are DNA fragments derived from fish. They repair damaged skin cells and help produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Depending on the cause, polynucleotides could help lighten dark circles by repairing the cells responsible for creating pigment.

Tear Trough Filler: Hyaluronic acid filler can be injected to add structure and support to the area and reduce hollowing.

Skin Boosters: In clinic, we use a product called NCTF. This skin booster contains a mix of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and nutrients. One of the ingredients, Glutathione, helps lighten pigment in the skin.

Obagi Medical-Grade Skincare: Obagi is a results-driven medical-grade skincare brand. We can create specific skincare regimens to treat pigmentation at home using a range of products that penetrate deep into the skin.

Crow's Feet

What Are Crow's Feet?

Crow's feet, also known as 'laugh lines,' are lines that form from the outer edge of the eyes spreading outward. They can vary in length and depth. These lines develop and deepen over time and are a natural part of the aging process. They affect all ethnicities and sexes and, while not harmful, are often considered aging and are one of the first areas people seek to have treated.

What Causes Crow's Feet?

These wrinkles primarily result from the contraction of the muscle around the eye (Orbicularis oculi) that moves every time we laugh, smile, or squint. Over time, the skin loses elasticity due to aging or cell damage, and the wrinkles become deeper and more permanent.

Sun Exposure: The sun plays a significant role in wrinkle formation. Its rays damage our cells, which over time become less elastic and less able to maintain skin structure and strength. To prevent damage, wear SPF (30 or higher), sunglasses, or a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun.

Facial Expressions: Every time facial muscles move, the skin moves with them. Laughing, smiling, and frowning all contribute to crow's feet formation.

Stress: Another contributor to skin damage is stress. Maintaining lower stress levels can help reduce cell damage.

How to Treat Crow's Feet

Crow's feet form due to a combination of muscle movement and skin degradation; therefore, a combination of treatments may be required to address each element. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity and main cause of the wrinkles.

Botox: The most popular treatment for crow's feet is Botox. It temporarily relaxes the muscle, which prevents the skin from moving. This relaxation also gives the skin time to recover, which, over time, helps reduce wrinkle formation and deepening.

Polynucleotides: These offer a natural way to reduce some wrinkles. When injected into the skin, these fish DNA fragments help the skin heal itself by repairing cellular damage caused by aging and environmental factors. The skin responds by producing more structural proteins such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid that help it function better and look younger. While polynucleotides can only address the skin rather than the muscle, they work best in combination with Botox for maximum results in treating crow's feet.