How to Treat Dark Circles Under Eyes: Before and After Photos

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes are a common cosmetic concern for many people. They can make you look tired, exhausted, and older than your years. But what actually causes dark undereye circles?

Genetics and Aging

For some people, dark circles are inherited and run in their families. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more transparent, allowing the underlying blood vessels to show through more. The vessels can take on a darker, bluer appearance causing a dark tint under the eyes.

Sun Exposure

Too much sun exposure can also lead to darker circles forming. The sun's UV rays break down collagen and thin the skin. This allows more of the underlying blood vessels to be visible.

Allergies, Asthma, and Eczema

Seasonal allergies or skin conditions like eczema can cause inflammation around the eyes. This inflammation and swelling allows blood to pool and dark circles to form.

Anemia and Nutrient Deficiencies

A lack of nutrients, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin K or B12 deficiencies may also contribute to darker undereye circles. Without proper nutrition, blood circulation is impaired. Pooling blood becomes visible through the thin under eye skin.

Before and After Pictures of Dark Circle Treatments

If you're considering treatments for dark circles, before and after photos can give you an idea of potential results. Keep in mind that everyone's experience can vary based on their individual circumstances.

Topical Creams and Serums

Using topical eye creams containing vitamin C, vitamin K, retinol or hyaluronic acid can lighten dark undereye circles. These ingredients boost collagen production, even skin tone, reduce blood vessel visibility and deeply hydrate the delicate eye area over time with regular use.

This woman used an over-the-counter topical eye cream with vitamin C and vitamin K for 6 weeks. Her dark undereye circles are lighter and less noticeable in the after photo.

Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments

In-office procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments can lighten dark undereye circles. Chemical peels use acids like glycolic acid to remove the top layers of skin, promoting collagen growth and new skin turnover. Several treatments 1-2 months apart are usually needed. Mild redness, peeling and flaking can be expected as side effects.

This woman underwent a series of chemical peels to treat her dark undereye circles. The after photo shows noticeable lightening and improvement.

Laser treatments use focused light energy to stimulate collagen. The heat also causes mild inflammation under the skin, increasing blood flow. This allows new capillaries to form under the eyes to reduce blueness. Multiple treatments every 4-6 weeks may be necessary to see results. Swelling, bruising and redness can occur.

Fillers

Injectable fillers like Restylane can plump up hollows under the eyes that cast shadows and make dark circles more noticeable. Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume, refracting light away from the circles. Results are visible immediately but temporary, lasting 6-12 months. Repeat injections are necessary to maintain the effects. Bruising, swelling and tenderness can occur at the injection site.

This woman had Restylane filler injected under her eyes to reduce hollowness and shadows. The after photo shows a smoothing of the area with less noticeable dark circles.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Dark Circles

Beyond cosmetic procedures and products, lifestyle measures can also help minimize dark undereye circles over time.

Get Enough Sleep

Make sure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep often leads to eye fatigue. Blood circulation slows, allowing pooling under the eyes which contributes to darkening.

Use Sun Protection

Wear sunglasses when outdoors and use SPF daily to protect the thin skin around the eyes. Sun damage speeds up aging changes that worsen dark circles.

Reduce Salt Intake

A diet high in salty foods causes water retention, leading to periorbital puffiness under the eyes that makes dark circles more pronounced. Limit processed foods and salt to reduce bloating.

Take Antihistamines

If allergies worsen your under eye bags and discoloration, over-the-counter antihistamines like Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin can help. They reduce allergy symptoms like puffiness by blocking histamine reactions.

Use Cool Compresses

Applying something cool like refrigerated cucumber slices, cooling gel masks or chilled spoons to your eyes helps constrict blood vessels. This decreases pooling blood and puffiness to minimize dark circles.

When to See a Doctor

While most dark circles are harmless, seek medical advice if they seem to appear suddenly or get progressively worse. Rapidly worsening discoloration or swelling can signal a more serious health condition in rare cases.

See your doctor promptly if your undereye circles are accompanied by:

• Extreme puffiness and swelling
• Redness and tenderness
• Vision changes
• Headaches or eye pain
• Excess tearing or discharge

These symptoms may potentially indicate an eye infection, allergy, injury or other condition requiring further evaluation and treatment.

The Bottom Line

Dark undereye circles can be stubborn, but options exist to minimize their appearance. Topical creams, chemical peels, laser treatments, fillers and lifestyle measures can all help reduce dark under eye circles' visibility over time. Check with a dermatologist or cosmetic provider to discuss your options.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.