Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes
The causes of skin discoloration beneath the eyes are manifold. Having thin skin in this area can make underlying blood vessels more visible, giving, a dark bluish or purplish discoloration. Brown discoloration can be due to trauma such as rubbing the skin with your fingers. This causes irritation to pigment producing skin cells, causing an over-production of melanin. Failing to apply sunscreen consistently around the eyes can cause this delicate skin to hyperpigment. A lack of sleep and/or high levels of stress can cause capillaries to dilate and leak under the eyes, contributing to puffiness and darkening of the skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can also cause darkening of the skin under the eyes. In general, dark circles under the eyes are caused by a combination of these factors.
Dr. Wong has several undereye topical preparations to address these problems. Our UnderEye Peptide Brightening and Contouring Cream contains protein peptides to help firm the skin and caffeine to constrict blood vessels so they will be less visible. Our retinol complex cream helps thicken thin skin and lighten discoloration by gently exfoliating pigmented cells from the surface. As for a recommendation fro a broad spectrum sunscreen that is safe to use around the eyes. This will help protect the delicate undereye area from UV damaging rays that cause discoloration and wrinkles.