If dark circles and crepey skin around the eyes have you feeling less confident in your appearance, the good news is dermatologists can help you turn back the clock. According to Dr. Jennifer Sawaya of U.S. Dermatology Partners Scottsdale, “Age takes its toll on all areas of skin, but those areas that thinner tend to show age more quickly. That is especially evident in the skin around the eyes. It’s important to develop healthy skin habits to slow the signs of aging around the eyes, and there are also dermatologic treatment options available when you need to hit the reset button.” If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading to explore effective treatments for under eye darkness and crepey skin that will get you back to looking and feeling your very best.
Understanding Under Eye Darkness and Crepey Skin
Darkening of the skin under the eyes and developing crepey skin around the eyes occurs for a multitude of reasons. According to Dr. Sawaya, “these reasons can be broken down into intrinsic and extrinsic causes.” Intrinsic causes include genetic predisposition and the natural aging process. External causes include things such as cumulative sun damage, environmental pollution, and poor health and lifestyle choices. “While we cannot change our genetics or slow the aging process, we can do things to help mitigate the external causes of aging”, said Sawaya. We know that UV radiation and environmental toxins damage the cells in our skin and increase risks for medical conditions such as skin cancer, as well as accelerate the aging process cosmetically. It is also imperative we treat our bodies well from a hydration and nutrition standpoint. The skin is the largest organ in our body and reflects what is happening internally. That means it’s important to ensure we’re leading a healthy lifestyle, so our whole body and skin looks and feels its best.”
Common Causes of Dark Circles & Crepey Skin Under the Eyes
Dark circles may appear blue, brown, black, or other colors, depending on your skin tone. People of all ages, genders, skin types, and skin tones can develop dark circles under the eyes. While dark circles may make people look tired or older, they are usually not linked to any serious skin or whole-body health concerns.
Skin beneath the eyes is thin, has less supportive fats and fewer collagen and elastin proteins to retain shape, fewer oil glands, and it’s more sensitive. This combination means that skin under the eyes is much more prone to becoming crepey. This term was developed as a reference to crepe paper. That’s the crinkly paper they use to make streamers. Crepey skin has the same loose, wrinkled texture.
Some common causes of dark circles and crepey skin under the eyes include:
- Age – as we grow older, the skin beneath the eyes, which is already thinner than other areas, can become thinner and loosen. This makes blood vessels around the eyes more visible, leading to the appearance of skin darkening. The loosening of skin beneath the eyes with age may cause hollows under the eyes that leads to shadows that darken skin coloring. Increased skin laxity may also cause crepey appearance.
- Genetics – if other members of your family have dark circles or crepey skin around the eyes, you are much more likely to notice this as well.
- Chronic skin conditions – poorly managed chronic skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis may damage or dilate blood vessels around the eyes. Acne scarring or untreated acne breakouts can cause darkening of skin. Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis damage the supportive structures of skin leading to loosening and skin laxity.
- Lack of sleep – failing to get adequate sleep impacts the body’s ability to heal and regenerate cells. Dead and damaged skin cells can lead to accelerated skin aging like wrinkles and crepey skin, and it can make crepey skin more noticeable.
- Sun exposure – damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays contributes to the production of excess melanin, which is the pigment-producing part of skin. This causes hyperpigmentation, darkening of the skin, including the skin around the eyes. Sun damage also causes accelerated skin aging by damaging collagen fibers causing wrinkles and skin laxity.
- Lifestyle factors – rubbing eyes, tobacco, alcohol, or substance use, dehydration, stress, and poor diet can all contribute to darkening of skin around the eyes or crepey appearance.
At-Home Treatments for Under Eye Darkness
To develop the ideal at-home regimen to prevent dark circles beneath the eyes and keep skin healthy, Dr. Sawaya says, “Talk to your dermatologist. In most cases, boosting your at-home skincare routine will dramatically improve the appearance of under eye skin. Dermatologists provide insight into exactly what products and steps you can take.” While a dermatologist’s advice is always best, some skincare steps you can take daily to improve skin health include:
- Vitamin C – antioxidants like vitamin C prevent short and long-term sun and environmental damage. It also reduces melanin synthesis, preventing hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
- Sunscreen – UVA and UVB rays can cause skin tanning and burns. Over time, increased melanin production from UV exposure can lead to skin darkening and collagen degradation. It’s essential to apply sunscreen to any area of skin exposed to the sun every day to maintain an even skin tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid – thinner skin around the eyes becomes dry more easily. This damage can lead to flaky skin and irritation that darkens under eye skin. Hyaluronic acid offers an immediate boost in hydration and continues to attract moisture to skin throughout the day.
- Retinol – these vitamin A derived skincare ingredients help to remove dead and damaged skin cells at the surface level and promote collagen and elastin production to soften fine lines. It can also help improve skin pigmentation.
- Skin lightening treatments – it’s difficult to find skin lightening products that are safe for use around the eyes, but there are some great options that brighten skin without causing unnecessary irritation. Sente Illumine Eye Cream is an effective treatment option to lighten dark circles under eyes, hydrate, and improve the overall appearance of skin under the eyes.
- Cosmetics – while concealer and other cosmetics don’t correct darkening of skin under the eyes, they will mask under eye circles temporarily as you implement new skincare products and other treatments to improve the appearance of your skin long-term.
At-Home Treatments for Crepey Skin
For addressing crepey skin at home, Dr. Sawaya recommends starting with moisture. “Dry skin not only develops wrinkles more readily, but it also causes wrinkles to be more noticeable. Implementing a good moisturizing morning and evening skincare routine for the eyes is essential. You should also look for products that are specifically formulated for the sensitive skin around the eyes.” Follow your dermatologist’s recommendations for at-home treatments to address crepey skin, but some of the common solutions Dr. Sawaya recommends include:
- Hydrate skin – crepey skin is often more noticeable when skin is dry. Improving hydration can make skin look smoother and more supple.
- Anti-aging – look for anti-aging ingredients like retinols, peptides, and alpha-hydroxy acids that smooth, tighten, and strengthen skin.
- Sun protection – avoid sun damage that can increase the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin around the eyes by applying sun protection.
Professional Treatments for Dark Circles & Crepey Skin
When crepey skin and dark circles aren’t responsive to at-home treatment options, Dr. Sawaya says, “There are numerous dermatologic treatments available that improve the appearance and texture of skin under the eyes. A dermatologist can provide treatments like:
- Laser therapy – lasers may be used around the eye area for a multitude of purposes. Lasers can be used to resurface the skin, softening fine lines and promoting collagen and elastin for tightening. Lasers can also be used to reduce the appearance of vasculature around the eye area as well as to reduce pigmentation. These treatments can be very effective but are not without risk. It is imperative to have these treatments performed by a licensed professional well-trained in eye safety.
- Chemical peels – chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin. This is beneficial for improving both dark circles and crepey skin. When the outer layers of damaged skin cells are dissolved away by chemical peels, healthy skin is revealed.
- Microneedling – very small needles are used to create microscopic wounds in skin that jumpstart healing and promote collagen and elastin production. This helps to smooth crepey skin and brighten skin under the eyes. This is generally a milder treatment than laser resurfacing.
- Fillers – soft tissue fillers may be recommended to fill the hollows that can develop beneath the eyes often called tear troughs. These tear troughs can cause shadows that make skin under the eyes look darker. Sunken parts of crepey skin under the eyes can also be smoothed out with fillers.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – this injectable treatment uses your own blood plasma to jump start healing, strengthen collagen, and improve skin elasticity.
- Blepharoplasty – better known as an undereye lift, this surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat around the eyes to tighten and smooth skin. It’s a great solution to improve the appearance of crepey skin.
Preventive Measures for Healthy Under Eye Skin
When it comes to prevention Dr. Sawaya says, “The best thing you can do to prevent under eye skin darkening or sagging is understanding the cause. For instance, if the issue is lack of sleep, getting more sleep may minimize concerns. Your dermatologist can help you determine the cause and work to develop a preventive skincare plan to minimize health and aesthetic issues that impact under eye skin.” Some simple preventive steps everyone can take to improve their overall skin health and appearance include:
- Maintain a consistent skincare routine – follow your dermatologist-recommended skincare routine in the morning and evening. Make sure to remove eye makeup before going to sleep.
- Use sunscreen – sun damage negatively effects skin around the eyes just like it does skin on the rest of the body. Look for an eye-friendly sunscreen product and apply daily. You can also wear sunglasses to protect sensitive skin around the eyes from sun damage.
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water to ensure the whole body and skin receive adequate hydration.
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet – our skin and whole body need adequate nutrition to function properly. Eating a nutrient-rich diet ensures all of our body systems have the fuel they need to function well.
- Apply cold therapy – using cooling compresses in the morning or evening can reduce puffiness and darkness by soothing skin and shrinking blood vessels. Dr. Sawaya recommends ice or jade rollers for my patients. I also recommend keeping your eye cream in the fridge.
- Sleep in – there is some truth to that whole “beauty sleep” thing. As we sleep, our cells are healed or replaced as needed. It’s probably no surprise that cellular regeneration starts with more essential organs than the skin. In order to ensure skin cells are healed or replaced during sleep, we need to make sure we’re getting plenty of rest.
- Sleep elevated – for some, dark circles and puffiness occur because fluid collects beneath the eyes during sleep. Propping up a few extra pillows and sleeping with your head slightly inclined stops fluid from pooling.
- Alleviate stress – stress causes the hormone cortisol to be released into the body. This stress hormone leads to swelling, inflammation, and fluid retention that contribute to poor cosmetic appearance of the skin around the eyes.
- Address lifestyle factors – drinking and smoking are both shown to accelerate the aging process. Alcohol consumption is dehydrating, and it reduces circulation both factors negatively impact skin’s appearance and health. Smoking damages skin cells by reducing circulation and decreasing collagen and elastin production, leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
In most cases, proper at-home treatments and consistent skincare routines keep skin looking great for many years. However, skin laxity and darkening may still occur over time, or you may not be able to achieve your desired results with at-home treatment options. There are numerous ways a dermatologist can support you in achieving your skin health and beauty goals. They provide personalized treatment recommendations to turn back the clock and restore youthful, healthy skin.
In addition to receiving more advanced dermatologic treatment options and a personalized skincare plan, you should also consult with a dermatologist if you notice any warning signs of more serious health concerns. If you have new or changing spots around the eyes, you notice skin tightening, knots under skin, swelling that may interfere with vision, or signs of infection, consult a dermatologist right away.
Keep Your Eyes Bright & Beautiful
According to Dr. Sawaya, “A consistent skincare routine that includes products specifically formulated to keep the sensitive skin beneath the eyes healthy and hydrated is essential to keep your eyes looking bright, smooth, and youthful through the years. When you start to notice signs of aging, reach out to your dermatologist. They will help you develop a personalized skincare routine to address dark or crepey skin around the eyes. They can also walk you through professional treatments to improve the appearance of skin under the eyes.”
Consult with a Dermatologist
If you’ve noticed darkness, crepey skin, or other issues with the appearance of skin around the eyes, a dermatologist can help you find a treatment that brightens and smooths skin around the eyes. To get started working with U.S. Dermatology Partners, just take a few moments to complete our online scheduling form. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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