Black spots under the eyes: why they appear and how to remove them

Many women have noticed dark spots under their eyes more than once. Such formations give an unhealthy and tired appearance and if they do not disappear, they may indicate a serious pathology in the body. Visually identifying such a defect is not difficult, since the skin of the lower eyelid darkens several tones: from grayish-pink to blue-violet or yellow-brown. If dark spots are caused by internal problems in the body, immediate medical attention is required.

General information

The color of human skin is determined by the presence of a pigment - melanin. This substance is a biological filter that protects our body from harmful ultraviolet radiation. People living in areas with active sun produce a lot of melanin, which is why their skin is dark.

It is thanks to the production of melanin that the skin becomes tanned after a person has sunbathed on the beach or gone to the solarium. There are several types of melanin that are “responsible” for skin color:

• black or brown pigment (eumalanin) – its main function is to protect the skin from harmful radiation;
• red or yellow pigment (pheomelanin) gives the characteristic color to the lips and nipples. There is a lot of pheomelanin in the hair and skin of red-haired people; their skin is usually light and turns red when exposed to the sun. It is pheomelanin that contributes to the appearance of freckles and age spots.

The appearance of pigmentation is caused by disruption of the functioning of special skin cells – melanocytes.

Under the influence of certain factors, they either begin to produce an excess amount of pigment or stop producing it altogether. This leads to a change in skin color.

Factors contributing to the appearance of pigmentation

Various factors contribute to the appearance of age spots on the skin of the eyelids. Most often, the appearance of spots is caused by the following reasons:

• heredity;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases especially often contribute to the appearance of pigmentation;
• hormonal imbalances;
• age-related degenerative skin changes;
• allergic reactions;
• avitaminosis;
• using creams or ointments containing hormones for a long time;
• use of cosmetics containing harmful components;
• after excessive sun exposure.

What are the causes of pigmentation?

The pigment melanin protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and is actively produced in the summer. It is he who gives the skin a beautiful tan and is responsible for color. If it is produced too much or too little, spots of different colors and shapes begin to appear on the skin.

A cosmetic defect can be removed only after eliminating the main factor that causes brown spots on the skin around the eyes.

Violation of melanin synthesis can occur under the influence of such factors:

1. Heredity;
2. Smoking;
3. Hormonal changes;
4. Avitaminosis;
5. Kidney and liver diseases;
6. Lack of sleep;
7. Frequent visits to the solarium;
8. Stress;
9. Diabetes;
10. Long-term use of medications.

If the reason for the appearance of age spots around the eyes is lack of sleep or a nervous disorder, it will be enough to normalize your daily routine and avoid stress. In addition, spots can appear on the skin under the influence of sunlight if you do not wear sunglasses and do not use a protective cream.

In some cases, a cosmetic product with a rejuvenating effect can provoke the appearance of age spots under the eyes. In all other cases, when brown spots under the eyes appear against the background of a certain disease or disorder of the body, treatment with special medications will be required.

Types of age spots

The appearance of pigmentation is possible in a person of any gender and age. Let's figure out what types of age spots can appear under the eyes.

Freckles

Small spots that appear in the spring and fade in the cold season are often observed in fair-skinned and, especially, red-haired people. Freckles are rarely located exclusively under the eyes. As a rule, spots appear on the nose and cheeks. But freckles can cover almost the entire surface of the face. Freckles are small, round in shape, and their color can vary from light red to dark chocolate.

Do you like your freckles?

Oh yeah! Of course! No, nightmare!

The appearance of freckles is noted in childhood (2-6 years), and with age they fade. After 40 years, there are practically no freckles.

This type of pigmentation is not a disease, it is simply a feature of appearance. But if you wish, you can try to get rid of freckles in a salon or at home. But in any case, it will not be possible to remove freckles quickly; you will have to carry out the procedures regularly.

The most important component of success is protecting your skin from the sun.

Lentigo

This name is given to pigment spots that are 1-2 cm in diameter. This formation is benign, the risk of degeneration into melanoma is extremely low. The likelihood of malignancy increases if the area where the pigment spot is located is often injured.

Most often, lentigo appears at the age of 60-70 years, in women somewhat more often than in men. The following types of lentigo are distinguished:

• Youthful. Caused by hereditary factors, appears before the age of 10 years.
• Senile. Appears due to age-related metabolic disorders.
• Sunny. The formation of pigmentation is caused by excess solar radiation.
• Associated with Touraine's disease. This is a hereditary syndrome, which is characterized by the appearance of more and more pigment spots throughout life.

Chloasma

This name is given to dark pigment spots that appear as a result of endocrine disorders.

Chloasma can be a single spot; the size and configuration of the spot can be any.

Mole

Birthmarks appear on the body during the first few years of a child's life, and some birthmarks may be congenital. Moles are most often flat, do not protrude above the skin, and are brown in color. But sometimes there are other varieties, so some moles protrude above the skin. And vascular birthmarks are not brown, but red.

Secondary pigmentation

Dark spots under the eyes can appear after an injury , for example, after a bruise, burn, cut, or inflammatory process. In addition, pigmentation may be a consequence of a previous skin disease.

Bags under the eyes

Another phenomenon where dark circles are more noticeable is swelling in the area under the eyes. At a young age, they can be triggered by allergies, various diseases and unwanted accumulation of fluid in the body. With age, other causes of swelling under the eyes appear. The effect of gravity on skin tissue, which steadily loses collagen and elasticity, leads to sagging. This also applies to fat tissue under the eyes. Fat deposits around the eyes protect these important organs. Over the years, fat leaves the membrane where it is present, and as a result, the fat seems to fall out under the eyes, causing the appearance of unaesthetic bags. The specific mechanism of fatty deposits under the eyes has not been fully studied, but experts confirm that the likelihood of bags under the eyes increases over the years. Lack of sleep also aggravates puffiness under the eyes, especially in the morning.

Diagnostics

Before removing pigment spots under the eyes, you need to determine their type, as well as identify the causes of excess pigmentation . Therefore, you should not be surprised if the dermatologist whom a person consulted about the formation of age spots refers the patient to an endocrinologist and gastroenterologist. Women may need to consult a gynecologist.

After the diagnosis has been carried out, it will be possible to decide what to do with age spots located under the eyes. For example, you don’t have to touch freckles; now, this appearance feature is not considered a defect. On the contrary, many girls consider the presence of freckles to be their highlight.

If you are categorically unsatisfied with the presence of pigmentation, then treatment may be offered. So, if a convex mole appears under the eye, which is in the way or is often injured, then perhaps the best solution would be to remove it surgically.

You can try to bleach common age spots (freckles, chloasma, lentigo caused by sunburn) at home or in a beauty salon.

Thin skin and the color of blood

The factors behind dark circles are different, but they are all based primarily on differences in the thickness of the skin in the area around the eyes (periorbital area).
On average, the thickness of the skin is 2-3 mm. Under the eyes, its thickness is only 0.5 mm. Thin skin means that the vessels underneath are more visible and give different shades to the skin. The skin and tissues under the outer layer of skin (subcutaneous tissue) transmit wavelengths exclusively of blue and violet. Veins appear blue to us because only blue light is reflected. This is the first reason for the appearance of circles under the eyes. With age, such manifestations become more obvious.

Salon methods

To whiten a pigment spot, you should go to a beauty salon. Experts will help you choose the most optimal way to get rid of pigmentation.

Peelings

One of the whitening options is peeling. The skin around the eyes is especially sensitive and thin, so the procedure in this delicate area of ​​the face can only be entrusted to a specialist.

Peels for the skin around the eyes are different:

• Daily procedures. To carry out this peeling, you will need products containing a small amount of fruit acids. A cosmetologist will be able to select such a product. Apply the cream every evening, leaving the composition overnight. In the morning, you need to wash your face and apply an intense moisturizer.
• Light peeling. To eliminate pigmentation under the eyes, a light peeling can be performed. This procedure is carried out in the salon, the concentration of fruit acids in the compositions is 7-8%. Whitening pigmentation may require 5-10 procedures performed once a week.
• Middle peeling. This procedure has a deeper effect on the skin. Such peeling should only be carried out in a salon; the composition should be selected and applied by a qualified specialist. Mistakes in performing this type of peeling can result in burns.

A good whitening effect is achieved by using glycolic peeling. For the skin under the eyes, formulations with a low acid content are used.

Laser removal

One of the most effective ways to remove pigmentation, including under the eyes, is a technique using a laser. The main advantage of this procedure is that the very cause of pigmentation is eliminated - melanocyte cells that produce excess pigment are coagulated.

The disadvantage of this method of struggle is the high price, as well as the inability to predict the long-term consequences of the procedure. Some cosmetologists believe that after a few years, new age spots may form on other areas of the skin.

In addition, it must be taken into account that there are a number of contraindications to the use of laser techniques, especially if you plan to eliminate pigmentation under the eyes. Therefore, before deciding to undergo the procedure, you will need to visit not only a therapist and a dermatologist, but also an ophthalmologist.

Laser whitening procedures can only be performed in trusted salons with an impeccable reputation. A highly qualified specialist must work with the laser. The procedure itself does not last long (10-30 minutes) depending on the size of the spot. The sensations when using a laser can be assessed as mild discomfort, tingling and tingling. After completing the first session, it takes some time for the skin to recover (about 10 days). Then the session will need to be repeated. To completely eliminate pigmentation, 2 to 10 sessions are required. During the treatment process, you will need to carefully protect your skin from exposure to the sun.

Ways to get rid of age spots

There are different ways to remove pigment spots that appear on the skin around the eyes:

1. Cosmetic procedures;
2. Drug treatment;
3. Bleaching agents;
4. Ethnoscience.

The method of treatment is selected depending on the type of age spots, their number and the condition of the skin.

If necessary, a dermatologist can prescribe a consultation with other specialists and additional examinations:

1. Scraping the surface of the stain;
2. Blood analysis;
3. Ultrasonography;
4. Gastrointestinal examination.

Cosmetic procedures help effectively and safely get rid of many types of pigmentation and various skin defects.

Pigmentation that appears under the eyes can be removed using:

1. Laser resurfacing;
2. Microdermabrasion;
3. Mesotherapy;
4. Chemical peeling;
5. Phototherapy.

The cosmetologist will recommend which procedure to choose and tell you how to properly prepare for it.

Laser resurfacing is considered the most effective and efficient, during which the pigment spot around the eyes is removed layer by layer. The laser acts selectively and does not affect healthy tissue. You can completely remove a skin defect in several sessions, which are carried out at a certain interval.

The rehabilitation period takes from one week.

The microdermabrasion procedure helps to gently polish the top layer of skin along with the pigment spot. During the session, aluminum oxide microcrystals are used.

After microdermabrasion, blood circulation in tissues improves, normal skin color is restored, and various defects disappear:

• scarring;
• pigmentation;
• acne marks and other aesthetic imperfections.

During the mesotherapy procedure, a minimal amount of a medicinal substance or a special cocktail is injected into the middle layer of the skin, which has a direct effect. Mesotherapy promotes active renewal of skin cells and the disappearance of pigmentation in the eye area. To completely lighten the spots, you will need several sessions, which are carried out at intervals of several weeks.

Phototherapy involves the action of infrared radiation on pigmented areas, with the help of which it is possible to get rid of pigmentation. During the session, you need to provide good eye protection from flash light. A special gel is applied to the affected area, which protects against burns and creates conditions for uniform distribution and absorption of rays.

You can avoid the re-development of pigmentation after procedures if you behave correctly during the rehabilitation period. At this time, the skin may be very sensitive to the action of various factors and therefore it is not recommended to do facial massage, peeling or visit the sauna and bathhouse. In addition, for a certain time you should stop visiting the solarium, drinking alcohol and smoking, and strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

Complete lightening of age spots after cosmetic procedures usually occurs within 1-3 months. It is recommended to remove pigmentation located too close to the eyes using other methods.

Whitening cream

As an alternative to salon procedures, you can use bleaching agents to get rid of age spots in the eye area. Despite the fact that there are many creams and ointments with a brightening effect on the market, you need to choose a cosmetic product with caution. The skin around the eyes is too thin and sensitive, so you should not use products with harmful ingredients.

Whitening cream against age spots may contain the following chemical or herbal ingredients:

• mercury;
• hydroquinone;
• azelaic acid;
• glycolic acid;
• retinol;
• melanozyme.

For the skin in the eye area, it is not recommended to purchase creams with mercury and hydroquinone. Before using a bleaching agent, you need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction, for which you need to apply a little cream to the crook of your elbow. If the skin remains clean without redness or irritation, then you can safely use the cosmetic product.

A cream with retinol or arbutin will help get rid of pigmentation in the eye area. You can safely whiten the skin under your eyes using products from the Israeli Elure line. The series includes cream, lotion and cleanser. The cosmetics contain the enzyme melanozyme of animal origin, which has successfully passed clinical trials.

It is forbidden to use a cream with a lightening effect for women during pregnancy and lactation, or with problems with the kidneys and liver. Apply the cream only to the area of ​​pigmentation in a thin, even layer. The skin of the face must be cleaned of makeup and dried in advance.

The following also have a whitening effect:

• salicylic alcohol;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• lemon acid;
• lactic acid.

When choosing a treatment method, you need to remember that a lightening cream or pharmaceutical product helps to get rid of only minor pigmentation in the eye area. To treat deep age spots, it is recommended to give preference to salon procedures or other effective methods.

ethnoscience

You can remove age spots or bags under the eyes using traditional medicine.

Many foods and plants have a brightening effect:

• cucumber;
• lemon;
• parsley;
• starch;
• curdled milk;
• grapefruit.

Here are some recipes:

1. To get rid of pigmentation in the eye area, cosmetic clay is often used, which is selected taking into account the skin type. White clay is recommended for use by women with dry and sensitive skin. Blue clay is suitable for those with combination or oily skin.
2. Parsley and yogurt will help lighten pigmented areas. To do this, parsley needs to be finely chopped and mixed with one glass of yogurt. After the product has been infused for a couple of hours, you can wipe your face with it.
3. Instead of parsley, you can apply napkins soaked in sauerkraut juice to areas of pigmentation.
4. The following whitening agent works well against age spots under the eyes: a tablespoon of clay and one tablespoon of juice from parsley, cucumber and lemon. First, the clay must be diluted with warm water to obtain a fairly thick mass and then add a mixture of juices. After mixing, you need to add 4 drops of lemon phytoessence. The prepared product is applied to the areas of pigmentation under the eyes for 10 minutes.
5. A mask made from egg yolk, honey and parsley decoction has a whitening effect. The product is applied to the face and skin in the eye area for 20 minutes, then washed off with water.
6. Grated radish, which is applied to the skin as a mask, will help lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes. You can make compresses from the juice of this vegetable or simply rub it into areas of pigmentation.
7. Another effective folk remedy against age spots that appear in the eye area is a curd mask. It is prepared from one teaspoon of sour cream and two teaspoons of cottage cheese. After mixing, add 10 drops of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. You can wash off the mask after 20-30 minutes.
8. To get rid of pigmentation, lemon juice mixed with hydrogen peroxide in equal quantities helps. It is recommended to apply the resulting product onto a gauze pad and apply it to the skin in the eye area. You need to remove the napkin after 10-15 minutes.

Drug therapy

If age spots appear on the skin under the eyes as a result of hormonal disorders, treatment will consist of taking hormonal medications. Only after normalization of hormonal levels will it be possible to get rid of pigmentation and get the maximum effect from salon procedures or cosmetics.

Skin pigmentation, which occurs as a result of an allergic reaction, is relieved with antihistamines. In addition, a diet is prescribed that excludes foods that provoke allergies.

These include:

• eggs;
• chocolate;
• nuts;
• citrus.

Of the pharmaceutical products that have a good effect against age spots:

• salicylic acid;
• freshwater;
• zinc ointment;
• Sulfuric ointment.

Proper nutrition and consumption of healthy foods will help prevent the appearance of pigmentation.

It is recommended to include in the diet:

• fatty fish rich in acids;
• green tea;
• avocado;
• eggs.

It is also advisable to eat more greens, berries and vegetables.

Home methods

Visiting salons is not accessible to everyone. Some people do not have enough time, others do not consider it necessary to spend significant sums on visits to cosmetologists. Therefore, many people plan to fight pigmentation at home. To do this, it is recommended to use a whitening cream (it is better to buy it at a pharmacy), as well as proven folk remedies.

Whitening cream

If you plan to deal with pigmentation on your own, then you need to purchase a whitening cream. Please note that the product should be intended specifically for the skin of the eyelids, since the skin in this area of ​​the face needs special care.

Basic Rules:

• Before applying the cream for the first time, do not forget to do an allergy test, this will help to avoid big troubles;
• carefully read the instructions; some creams are recommended to be applied exclusively to areas of pigmentation, without smearing them on the skin of the eyelids;
• You can use whitening cream every day, but only in the evening. It is not recommended to use the cream before going outside. Do not use cream under makeup;
• Please pay attention to the duration of the course of use recommended in the instructions, many products cannot be used for a long time, the maximum duration of the course is 15-20 days.

Folk remedies

There are many folk remedies that can whiten pigmentation. When choosing recipes, you need to give preference to those that act gently. The skin around the eyes lacks sebaceous glands, so it is dry and prone to wrinkles. Therefore, the use of drying agents such as pure lemon juice should be avoided. For use under the eyes, it is recommended to mix lemon juice with emollients, such as vegetable oil.

It is recommended to make homemade whitening masks twice a week. The best time for procedures is evening. After removing the cosmetic composition, do not forget to apply a moisturizing eye cream.

Here are a few recipes that can be used for the skin under the eyes:

• Parsley whitening mask. This is a universal recipe that can be used for any area of ​​the face and body. You need to finely chop a bunch of parsley. You can chop it with a knife and grind it, but it is much more convenient to beat it in a blender. It is recommended to mix the resulting green pulp with a small amount of thick sour cream. Instead of sour cream, you can use heavy cream. Apply to the eyelid area for half an hour.

• Fresh cucumber juice works well against pigmentation To prepare the composition, you need to grate the cucumber, squeeze out the excess juice and mix the pulp with eyelid cream or hypoallergenic baby cream. Add a little cream “for binding”. Apply the resulting product to the skin of the eyelids for half an hour. It is recommended to mix the squeezed cucumber juice with an equal amount of fresh milk. Pour the resulting liquid into molds and freeze. In the morning, wipe the skin of your eyelids with ice cubes (you can wipe your entire face). Allow the skin to dry naturally. Then you should wash your face and apply your usual cream.
• the apple-almond bleaching composition as follows: grind 2-3 almonds (without skins), mix nut flour with an equal amount of dry milk, dilute until a very thick paste is obtained. Then add a spoonful of finely grated apple. Apply the composition to the skin of the eyelids for twenty minutes. This composition will whiten the skin and saturate it with nutrients.

Skin hyperpigmentation

The next type of circles is caused by the so-called hyperpigmentation of the skin of the specified area (brown color is most often observed).
This increase in skin pigment occurs when more melanin is produced in the skin under the eyes. Possible causes of periorbital hyperpigmentation include: Exposure to solar radiation Genetic factor Melanocytosis Some types of dermatitis Swelling Medicines Biological aging Hormonal factor Dark circles in the area under the eyes can occur due to oxidation of the blood flowing from the vessels near the eyes. Micro-effusion of blood and oxidation provokes the appearance of dark circles and swelling (so-called “bags”) under the eyes. This phenomenon is, in principle, safe for health, but can become a problem. It is possible to stop blood leakage by resorting to surgical and medical procedures, but it is preferable to start with changing your lifestyle and diet.

Prevention

Prevention plays an important role in combating the appearance of pigmentation under the eyes and other areas of the face. You need to adhere to the above measures even after removing or lightening spots, since exposure to the sun can provoke the appearance of new pigmentation.

Necessary:

• regularly use creams with filters that protect against ultraviolet radiation; in summer you need to use cosmetics with a high level of protection;
• in sunny weather it is recommended to wear high-quality sunglasses, not only in summer, but also in winter;
• If you have chronic diseases that can cause pigmentation, they must be treated persistently. You need to undergo regular examinations and follow all doctor’s recommendations;
• it is very important to properly care for the skin around the eyes, choosing only high-quality cosmetics;
• When pigmentation appears, it is better not to delay a visit to a dermatologist; the sooner treatment is started, the easier it will be to achieve results.

Why do dark spots and puffiness appear under the eyes?

Atypical puffiness under the eyes, usually combined with dark circles around the eyes, is the result of a genetic predisposition, coupled with a not entirely healthy lifestyle. Amy Phan sums it up: "They can become more noticeable after a week spent in the office, or several nights in a row that you ended up at the bar, or sometimes due to the sun or an allergic reaction to something."

Blueish circles under the eyes are most likely a sign of physical fatigue. A body that lacks rest increases its production of cortisol, a stress hormone that breaks down collagen. In parallel with this, there is a process of replenishing the necessary energy for human life. As a result of these interconnected processes, the blood vessels swell and dark circles appear around the eyes.

It is worse if the reason for the formation of such dark circles around the eyes lies in the genetic predisposition of the body. Excluding all the above-mentioned causes of physical fatigue associated with incorrect lifestyle, some people are sadly forced to observe such dark circles without having an accurate idea of ​​their nature.

Makeup

It will not be possible to quickly whiten stains, but, if desired, you can mask the pigmentation using cosmetics. The main assistant in this matter will be concealer. This product can be used to hide dark spots under the eyes. Colored concealers are used for concealment. Pink concealer can successfully cope with brownish formations; yellow and light brown spots are masked with lilac concealer. To disguise spots of uneven color, you have to mix several shades of the correcting agent. It is convenient to use concealers in pencil form.

The product is applied pointwise to problem areas, then a dense cream-powder or other foundation with a high content of mineral additives is applied to the face. The tone is chosen according to the complexion of the face; you should not use a dark product, trying to disguise age spots. The last stage is dusting the skin with mineral powder. It is important not to apply too much powder as this can highlight fine lines under the eyes. It is enough to go through the puff once, after shaking off any excess.

Proper makeup - disguising dark circles under the eyes

If dark circles of the first type, indicating physical overload, can be eliminated by correcting sleep, work and rest patterns in combination with healthy food, then dark circles of the second type, genetically predetermined, need to be masked with the help of high-quality and effective cosmetics, the use of which you consult You can get it from a cosmetologist.

Most likely, we are talking about a high-quality concealer that can hide the flaw that bothers you. Its correct and periodic use will help achieve the desired result.

• due to the fact that the concealer should accompany you in your cosmetic bag, since you will have to resort to it quite often, it should have a tight-fitting lid;
• for oily skin, light-textured options in brushes are more suitable, and for dry or normal-oily skin, thick concealers with a creamy texture are recommended;
• At the same time as concealer, it is advisable to use a highlighter, highlighting the bridge of the nose, the corners of the eyes, cheekbones and the “tick” above the upper lip, so that as a result the face looks rested and fresh.

Cosmetologists' opinion

Currently, there are many effective methods for removing pigmentation. However, before going to a cosmetologist or trying to remove spots under the eyes on your own, you should consult a therapist and gastroenterologist. Often, pigmentation is the result of problems with the liver and other gastrointestinal organs. Therefore, to eliminate stains, you need to treat existing diseases. After recovery, the pigmentation will go away on its own, or it can be removed in a beauty salon.

If the root cause is not eliminated, then, despite all efforts, pigment spots will appear again, even if the most modern and effective techniques are used.

Quit smoking

A bad habit like smoking activates the loss of collagen, increasing the bags under the eyes.
Minimize indoor air pollution Unwanted impurities in the air (both outdoors and indoors) irritate the eyes. Since we spend the lion's share of our time indoors, it is necessary to minimize air pollution at home and at work.

Women's opinion

Women who have tried to eliminate pigmentation under the eyes often share their experiences, leaving reviews of various procedures.

Yana, 29 years old:

I developed dark spots under my eyes during pregnancy. At first, I reassured myself with the thought that after giving birth, the skin would lighten and become the same. But my daughter is almost two years old, and the spots have not gone away. After much thought, I decided to undergo laser whitening. The procedure is not cheap, but it is worth it. I have only completed two sessions of fractional thermolysis, and I am very pleased. The spots have become very light, I see them, but other people