Many people experience dark circles or bags under their eyes. This can be the result of genetics or lifestyle factors like lack of sleep. Regardless of the cause, skin care treatments and remedies are available to lessen their visibility. Here are some options to consider.

At-Home Remedies

Living a healthy lifestyle can sometimes limit the appearance of dark circles or prevent them in the first place. Try to drink a lot of water, as dehydration can cause the sink to skin toward the facial bones and make blood vessels appear more prominently.

Additionally, try to get at least eight hours of sleep per night. Sleep with your head propped up to reduce swelling.

Finally, limit high-sodium foods, as these can cause under-eye swelling.

For those who already experience dark circles and want to minimize their appearance, try cold compresses like ice packs or frozen produce to shrink the blood vessels. You can also apply green tea bags since the caffeine increases blood flow to that skin. There are collagen and retinol creams designed to smooth the complexion as well.

Professional Treatments

If you want a more dramatic transformation, consider a professional skin care treatment like microneedling. Rolling a microneedling tool creates microscopic holes in the skin, which increases collagen production and smooths the area under the eye. It usually takes several sessions, but many patients notice lasting results.

Fillers involve injecting materials like hyaluronic acid into the skin under the eyes. This substance is naturally present in the body but sometimes dissipates as people age. Filling in any gaps smooths out the skin and reduces the appearance of underlying blood vessels.

If you’re interested in professional skin care treatments, contact David K. Hiranaka, MD, DMD. Based in Kailua-Kona, HI, Dr. Hiranaka serves patients throughout Waimea, Hilo, Pahoa, Puapuaa, and Ahupua'a with a range of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, from face-lifts to microdermabrasion. Visit the website to see current specials, or call (808) 326-2040 to make an appointment.