Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common aesthetic concerns — and one of the most difficult to treat effectively with products alone. The reason? Dark circles aren't a single condition. They have several distinct causes, each requiring a different clinical approach.
At Skin Health Practice, we assess the specific cause of your dark circles before recommending treatment, ensuring you get the right solution rather than a generic one.
Why Dark Circles Form
Understanding the cause is the first step to effective treatment. There are four main types of under-eye darkness:
**Pigmented dark circles:** Excess melanin in the periorbital skin causes brownish discolouration. This type is particularly common in those with South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African skin tones. It is driven by sun exposure, chronic rubbing, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or genetics.
**Vascular dark circles:** Thin under-eye skin allows the purplish-blue colour of the blood vessels beneath to show through. Fatigue worsens this as blood vessels dilate and sluggish circulation creates a bluish tinge. This type is particularly common in lighter skin tones.
**Structural dark circles (volume loss):** As we age, fat pads in the under-eye area diminish and the cheek descends, creating a hollow — the tear trough. This hollow casts a shadow that creates the appearance of darkness even when the skin itself has no pigmentation issues.
**Skin texture and thinning:** The under-eye skin is the thinnest on the face. As collagen declines with age, this skin becomes more transparent and more prone to showing underlying structures.
Many people have a combination of these factors, which is why a thorough assessment is essential.
Treatment Options at Skin Health Practice
### PDRN Under-Eye Treatment For dark circles caused by pigmentation and skin thinning, PDRN (polynucleotide) injections into the periorbital area stimulate collagen production, thicken the delicate under-eye skin, and support melanin regulation. This is a highly effective approach for pigmented and thin-skin dark circles, with results that improve progressively over 3–6 months.
### Tranexamic Acid Microneedling Tranexamic acid is one of the most evidence-based ingredients for periorbital pigmentation. When delivered via microneedling directly into the under-eye area, it inhibits melanin synthesis — reducing brownish pigmentation at its source. We often combine this with Niacinamide for enhanced brightening.
### Laser Pigmentation Treatment For distinct pigmented areas, targeted laser treatment breaks down melanin deposits. This is particularly effective for post-inflammatory pigmentation and sun-driven marks around the eye.
### Tear Trough Filler For dark circles primarily driven by volume loss — the structural hollow that creates a shadow — hyaluronic acid filler placed in the tear trough restores the lost volume, eliminating the shadow effect. Results are immediate and last 12–18 months.
### LED Therapy Red LED light reduces inflammation and supports collagen production in the periorbital area, making it a valuable adjunct to other under-eye treatments.
Combination Approaches
Most clients benefit from a combination of treatments — for example, PDRN to thicken the skin and reduce pigmentation alongside tear trough filler to address volume loss. At your consultation, we will identify which factors are driving your dark circles and recommend the most appropriate approach.
Managing Expectations
While significant improvement is achievable with professional treatment, some factors — such as genetic bone structure or extreme skin thinness — cannot be fully resolved. We provide honest, realistic guidance at consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
We currently offer **up to 30% off** under-eye treatment packages. Book your free consultation at Skin Health Practice — call **020 3886 1313** or visit 65-73 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3HW.