Why do dark circles become more pronounced with age?

Dark circles and ageing: rejuvenating the eyes

The dark circles Dark circles under the eyes are a major aesthetic concern for many people, and the phenomenon tends to become more pronounced with age. As we age, the skin undergoes a series of natural transformations that make dark circles more visible. Whether it's a loss of collagen, sagging skin or problems with blood circulation, these factors all contribute to the appearance of dark circles, making the face look tired and aged.

In this article, we'll explore why dark circles become more pronounced over time, the anti-ageing treatments available to alleviate this problem and solutions to delay the appearance of age-related dark circles.

Why do dark circles become more pronounced with age?

Ageing inevitably affects the structure and appearance of the skin, particularly in areas as fragile as the eye area. A number of factors contribute to the accentuation of dark circles over time.

  • Loss of collagen : Collagen is an essential protein that gives the skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, causing the skin to sag and become thinner. The area under the eyes, where the skin is very thin, becomes more susceptible to blood vessels showing through, accentuating bluish or purplish dark circles.
    Consequences of collagen loss: thinner skin under the eyes, blood vessels become more visible. Dark circles and wrinkles in this area become more pronounced.
  • Reduction in subcutaneous fat : Ageing also leads to a reduction in subcutaneous fat in the face, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. This loss of volume creates shadows under the eyes, amplifying the appearance of dark circles.
    Consequences of loss of volume: hollows under the eyes, ageing and tired-looking eyes
  • Slowing of blood circulation : Ageing also affects blood circulation, particularly around the eyes. Reduced blood flow can lead to blood stagnation in the small vessels under the skin, reinforcing the bluish or violet colour of dark circles. In addition, the natural lymphatic drainage process becomes less effective, contributing to the formation of bags under the eyes.
    The consequences of slowed circulation: stagnation of blood, giving dark circles a darker colour, and the appearance of puffiness due to poor lymphatic drainage.

Hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles

Injections ofhyaluronic acid are one of the most popular treatments for filling hollow dark circles. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the body, capable of retaining water and adding volume. It fills in the hollows of dark circlessmoothes and moisturises the skin.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles 

  • Immediate results: dark circles are filled in and the eyes look more youthful.
  • Moisturising and plumping effect: skin has a firmer, smoother texture.
  • Natural results: hyaluronic acid integrates well with the tissues, producing subtle results.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for dark circles

Le GWP is a technique that is becoming increasingly popular in aesthetic medicine for its regenerative properties. This treatment involves using the patient's own blood, enriched with platelets and growth factors, to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. When applied to dark circles, PRP helps to firm the skin, improve texture and reduce pigmentation.

Benefits of PRP for dark circles

  • Cell regeneration: improves the quality of the skin under the eyes, making it firmer and denser.
  • Reduction in dark circles: reduces dark discolouration by stimulating tissue regeneration.

Laser treatment for dark circles

Laser treatments are often used for pigmented or vascular dark circles. They are used to treat pigmentation under the eyes by stimulating skin cell renewal and exfoliating the pigment responsible for the brownish discolouration, or by tightening the visible blood vessels.

The lasers used are :

  • Fractional laser: the ablative laser reduces pigmentation and stimulates collagen production.
  • Vascular laser: targets the blood vessels under the eyes, reducing vascular dark circles. Unfortunately, results are variable and only last a few months.

Benefits of laser treatment for dark circles

  • Brightens the eye contour area for fresher, younger-looking eyes.
  • Lasting results after several sessions.

How to delay the appearance of dark circles associated with ageing

It is possible to delay the appearance of dark circles linked to ageing by adopting preventive measures and appropriate skin care. Here are a few practical tips to keep your eyes looking young and radiant.

  • Keeping well hydrated: Hydration is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. It's important to drink enough water every day, but also to apply specific moisturising creams for the eye area, rich in hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
    The benefits of moisturising: preserving the elasticity and suppleness of the skin under the eyes, reducing visible signs of fatigue and delaying the appearance of dark circles.
  • Use appropriate care products: Using specific skin care products for the eye contour area helps to protect this fragile area against ageing. Creams containing ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C and peptides are particularly effective in stimulating collagen production and reducing dark circles.
    Retinol stimulates cell renewal and improves skin texture.
    Vitamin C brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of dark circles.
    Peptides stimulate collagen production to firm the skin.
  • Protecting your skin from the sun : The sun is one of the main factors that accelerate skin ageing and aggravate dark circles. It is therefore crucial to apply sunscreen around the eyes and wear sunglasses to protect this fragile area from UV rays.
    Benefits of sun protection: prevention of hyperpigmentation and dark circles. Prevention of premature skin ageing.
  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is essential to slow the appearance of dark circles and other signs of ageing. Sleep, diet and stress management play a crucial role in skin health.
    Getting enough sleep (7 to 8 hours a night) helps promote cell regeneration and reduce dark circles.
    A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (in particular A, C and E) and omega-3s to maintain healthy skin.
    Chronic stress can aggravate dark circles and accelerate skin ageing. So it's important to incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga into your routine.

Dark circles and ageing: conclusion

Dark circles associated with ageing are a common aesthetic concern, but there are now a multitude of solutions available to reduce their appearance and rejuvenate the eye contour area. Fillers, PRP and lasers are all effective treatments for dark circles.

At the same time, adopting preventive measures such as moisturising, sun protection and a healthy lifestyle can slow the appearance of dark circles and keep eyes looking fresh and youthful. For optimum results, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, who will be able to suggest a treatment tailored to your specific needs.