The Eyes.  Probably the number one thing people ask about and justifiably so.  Let’s face it the first thing people focus on when speaking to you are your eyes!  It is also probably the most misunderstood area of aesthetics.  Understanding the root cause will allow your skin care professional to better resolve your concern.  So what could be some of the issues?

LET’S DIVE IN:

Genetics: A major factor in determining whether or you will have dark circles or not is just plain ole genetics.  If your parents or grandparents have or had dark circles, then you are more likely to have them too!

Thinning Skin:  The skin under the eyes is the thinnest skin on the body.  As we age, the skin under the eyes thins out, causing blood vessels beneath the skin to become more noticeable that leads to the appearance of dark circles. The underlying facial fat can change shape and position. Upon aging the fat can change shape, shift or redistribute to another area and or shrink in size.  If it shifts, this will create what some experience as under-eye bags or under-eye puffiness.

Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system in the body ages as well and becomes less efficient at removing toxic fluids from the body.  Having a routine using massage techniques and cupping methods can greatly increase circulation and activate the lymphatic system. Allergies also fall under this category.

Loss of Collagen and Elastin:  When this area begins to breakdown is when we experience lines and wrinkles.  It’s important to know that specific peptides (ones that turn on collagen sensors 1 and 3) can greatly maintain and build new collagen and elastin for a reduction in the eye area.

Pigmentation:  Some people have increased pigmentation in the skin around their eyes.  It’s important to know that this root cause has to be treated from a melanin issue and make sure that the product is dosed high enough to gain a result.   So if this is you and you haven’t been getting results from anything that you have tried, it could be that you have melanin banding.

Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can prompt the body to product more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, including around the eyes.

Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can result in pale skin, which makes the blood vessels more visible under the skin.  While some days it is difficult to get an adequate amount of sleep, you should always aim for no less than 7.  Like most, having someone say “you look tired” is not a concern we want to hear someone say!

It’s worth noting that often it is a combination of the above factors.  If you are having difficulty self-diagnosing, it will definitely save you time and money to consult to sift through your genetic and lifestyle information.