How to Decrease Dark Spots and Under Eye Circles
The aging process includes all types of troubling changes in our skin like wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and more. Two of the most common issues are dark spots and under eye circles. If you’re finding that these two issues are becoming increasingly noticeable, here’s how to solve them.
What to Know About Decreasing Dark Spots
What Causes Dark Spots?
Dark spots anywhere on the body, but particularly on the face, typically result from hyperpigmentation. This skin condition occurs when too much melanin is produced. This hyperpigmentation can be an effect of many factors, including excess sun exposure, scarring from acne, side effects from medications, hormonal changes, or just the aging process.
While the majority of dark spots are harmless, it’s always important to have a dermatologist double check them to ensure that they’re not skin cancer spots. Skin cancer usually starts in the form of a mole or lesion, but occasionally it can present on the skin as a dark or discolored spot that resembles hyperpigmentation. Having a dermatologist perform a simple skin cancer screening can help keep you safe and detect any potential issues early on in order to treat them quickly.
What Causes Under Eye Circles?
Dark circles under the eyes are most commonly associated with lack of sleep, and certainly that is one of the primary causes of this condition. But there are many others, including thinning skin and reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes, anemia, excess exposure to the sun, and allergies (often hay fever causes “allergic shiners,” dark rings below the eyes).
Dark circles can also be a sign of hyperpigmentation, when excess melanin is produced and clusters in a concentrated area. While dark circles are usually nothing to worry about, they can be embarrassing, especially when they’re noticeable even through layers of makeup. Also, they can possibly indicate a sign of more serious issues, so it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist if your dark circles aren’t going away — no matter how much sleep you’re getting.
Treatments for Dark Spots and Under Eye Circles
These two issues, when caused by hyperpigmentation, can usually be treated very effectively through the use of a laser. Dermatology laser specialists can use laser treatments like the elōs Plus, which employs optical, radio frequency, and infrared energies to diffuse areas of hyperpigmentation. Not only do the pulsed infrared laser light and radio frequency energies pulsed into the skin eliminate dark hyperpigmented areas, but the laser treatment also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, substances that boost skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Each elōs Plus laser treatment takes about 30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. While most patients notice immediate results after just one treatment, the skin will keep improving for as long as six months post-treatment.
This type of laser treatment, conducted by a board-certified dermatologist, is your best bet to remove dark spots and under eye circles, but you can also look into over-the-counter options. Just be careful not to use any ingredients that could harm your skin. Other lifestyle changes include wearing sunscreen to prevent excess sun exposure and darkening of spots, reducing salt in your diet, getting enough sleep to combat under eye circles, and using non-comedogenic foundation and concealer on a day-to-day basis.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
Need help treating your dark spots or under eye circles? If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.