Concerns · Skin of colour
Under Eye Circles
Finding the cause, so we can treat it gently
Understanding your skin
Under eye circles in skin of colour
Under eye circles are one of the most common aesthetic concerns, and can make you look tired, stressed or older than you feel. Because several factors contribute to their development, successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.
At Dr Mélanin, we provide dermatologist-led assessment and treatment for under eye circles in Grays, with specialist expertise in treating melanin-rich skin safely and effectively.
There are many different causes for under eye circles, and treatment depends on the cause.
That is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We first find out what lies behind your circles, then build your plan around it.
Beneath the surface
What causes under eye circles?
Under eye circles are not caused by lack of sleep alone. Most fall into three types, each with its own cause, and each with its own approach to treatment.
Pigmentation
Increased melanin production beneath the eyes creates brown discolouration. It may be genetic, or triggered by inflammation, rubbing, allergies or eczema, and is more common in darker skin tones.
Often helped byMedical-grade skincare, gentle peels and strict SPF
Vascular
The skin beneath the eyes is thinner, so the blood vessels underneath become more visible. This may look more noticeable with tiredness or dehydration.
Often helped byTreatments that strengthen and thicken the skin
Tear trough hollows
An anatomical hollow beneath the eye casts a shadow, particularly in overhead lighting. Tear trough hollows are very common in skin of colour, and may deepen with age as volume is lost.
Often helped byA carefully considered, individual plan
Most of the time, under eye circles are a combination of one or more of these, which is why an accurate assessment is the most important first step.
Why our approach is different
In skin of colour, under eye circles are more common, and often more complex.
Melanin-rich skin is more prone to pigmentation-related dark circles. Even mild inflammation from rubbing, eczema or harsh skincare can trigger increased melanin production in this delicate area, and tear trough hollows are also very common.
Because the under eye skin is thin and sensitive, treatments must be selected carefully to avoid irritation or further pigmentation. At Dr Mélanin, we use tailored protocols designed specifically for skin of colour.
- Accurate diagnosis
- Gentle treatment
- Natural results
Your treatment
Treating the cause, not just the shadow
Treatment depends entirely on the cause, so a personalised consultation always comes first. From there, every plan begins with the same foundations.
Where we always begin
Sleep, stress & screen time
First, and most importantly, we address the external factors that make under eye circles more noticeable. Small, consistent changes here help every other treatment work better.
Hydration, allergy management and avoiding rubbing your eyes also play an important role in reducing flare-ups.
For pigmented circles
Medical-grade skincare & gentle peels
Pigmented dark circles are managed with medical-grade skincare designed to regulate melanin production and improve skin turnover. Gentle chemical peels may be considered in selected cases, but aggressive treatments are avoided to prevent further irritation.
Strict sun protection is essential, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation.
For vascular circles
Strengthening thin skin
Collagen-stimulating treatments such as polynucleotides may improve overall skin thickness and resilience, helping to reduce the visibility of underlying vessels and improve texture over time.
For tear trough hollows
A careful, honest conversation
Carefully placed dermal filler can soften hollowing in some clients. However, we do not generally recommend tear trough filler, because of the longer-term consequences that can often follow. Not all clients are suitable, and we talk through every option with you in detail at your consultation.
Because most under eye circles have more than one cause, combining treatments, guided by an accurate diagnosis, often gives the best results.
Signature Programmes
A structured journey for under eye circles
Two of our programmes are especially suited to under eye concerns, each bringing your assessment, treatments and maintenance together into one considered plan.
Clarité begins with a UV skin assessment, prepares your skin with the right skincare and SPF, then builds up gently with a tailored course of peels and microneedling to soften pigment and even your tone.
- UV skin assessment
- Chemical & retinol peels
- Microneedling
- Skincare & SPF
Genèse starts with the gentlest regenerative care, then builds up with polynucleotides and Profhilo® to strengthen and renew thin, delicate skin, so it looks and feels more resilient over time.
- Pink Korean Facial
- Polynucleotides
- Profhilo®
- Gentle skincare
Your assessment shows which programme is right for you, and some clients benefit from elements of both.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
01What is causing my under eye circles?
Accurate assessment is essential, because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Pigmented dark circles are usually brown in colour and more common in darker skin tones. They may be genetic, or related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from rubbing, allergies or dermatitis.
Vascular dark circles appear bluish or purple, and are caused by visible blood vessels beneath thin under eye skin. They may look worse with fatigue or dehydration.
Structural dark circles are caused by tear trough hollows or volume loss under the eyes. The hollow creates a shadow effect, particularly in overhead lighting.
Most of the time, under eye circles are a combination of one or more of these.
02Are under eye circles more common in skin of colour?
Melanin-rich skin is more prone to pigmentation-related dark circles, and tear trough hollows are also very common in skin of colour. Even mild inflammation from rubbing, eczema or harsh skincare can trigger increased melanin production in this delicate area.
Because the under eye skin is thin and sensitive, treatments must be selected carefully to avoid irritation or further pigmentation. At Dr Mélanin, we use tailored protocols designed specifically for skin of colour.
03What treatments are available for under eye circles?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause, and a personalised consultation is essential before proceeding.
External factors first. Most importantly, we begin by addressing sleep hygiene, stress and screen time. Hydration, allergy management and avoiding rubbing your eyes also play an important role in reducing flare-ups.
Pigmented circles are managed with medical-grade skincare designed to regulate melanin production and improve skin turnover. Gentle chemical peels may be considered in selected cases, but aggressive treatments are avoided to prevent further irritation. Strict sun protection is essential, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation.
Vascular circles may benefit from collagen-stimulating treatments such as polynucleotides, which can improve overall skin thickness and resilience, helping to reduce the visibility of underlying vessels and improve texture over time.
Structural hollowing can be softened with carefully placed dermal filler in some clients. However, we do not generally recommend tear trough filler, and not all clients are suitable candidates, so a detailed assessment is required.
04How long do results last?
Tear trough filler typically lasts between 6 and 12 months, depending on individual metabolism and the product used. Pigmentation treatments require ongoing maintenance and consistent skincare to sustain improvement. Because under eye concerns often involve multiple factors, combination treatment may provide the best results.
05Can under eye circles be completely removed?
Improvement is usually noticeable, but complete removal depends on the underlying cause. Realistic expectations are discussed during your consultation.
06Is tear trough filler safe?
When performed by a medically trained professional with detailed anatomical knowledge, tear trough filler can be safe and effective in the short term. However, we do not generally recommend tear trough treatments, because of the longer-term consequences that can often follow. We will discuss these with you during your consultation, as proper assessment is essential.
07How do I know which type of dark circle I have?
A professional assessment is the most reliable way to determine whether your concern is pigmented, vascular, structural, or a combination.
08Are treatments safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. However, pigmentation-prone skin requires careful selection of treatments to minimise irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Can't find your answer? Please reach out to us.
Disclaimer
Your results, side effects, treatment plans, downtime and recovery may vary, as all our clients are unique. The information provided on this page is based on the average client experience. If you would like more detail about how your experience may differ, please book an in-person consultation.
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