Dark circles appear because of the accumulation of blood, fluids and toxins in the very thin skin under the eye. Acute ones (from lack of sleep or stress) improve with rest, hydration and diet; chronic or hollowing-related ones usually need a medical approach. When the cause is volume loss, dark circle treatment corrects the groove, disguises the bags and hydrates the area with immediate results. The first step is always to rule out a health cause and assess the type of dark circle.
Dark circles are nothing unusual: they are the quintessential sign of tiredness. It is common to think they are more marked in people who do not rest well or have had a bad night. There is some truth in that, but it is not the only cause. Dark circles can appear at any age, are more frequent in adults —men and women— and can have different tones: brown, bluish, grey or purple. When they become a nuisance and do not improve on their own, the treatment of dark circles in Girona makes it possible to correct the hollowing of the lower eyelid and restore a more rested look.
What are dark circles and why do they appear?
Dark circles are the visible effect produced when blood vessels darken due to insufficient oxygenation or hydration. They form from the accumulation of fat, water and toxins, and they are so visible because the skin under the eyes is very thin: it has hardly any fatty tissue and contains a large number of blood vessels.
When the body does not receive the oxygen or fluids it needs, blood flows more slowly and takes on a darker tone, which immediately shows through in this area. Depending on skin tone, dark circles can appear in different colours.
Types of dark circles: acute and chronic
Before talking about treatments, it is worth distinguishing two types, because the approach is different:
- Acute: they appear briefly and disappear. Their main causes are lack of sleep, tiredness and stress. When the situation improves, so do the dark circles.
- Crónicas: son más permanentes y tienen varias causas posibles:
- Poor diet: a nutrient deficit also affects the blood vessels. Iron-deficiency anaemia is one of the main causes of dark circles.
- Circulation problems: when the blood darkens and the vessels dilate, dark circles appear. In this case a medical consultation is advisable.
- Fluid retention: when the body swells and retains fluid, it favours their appearance.
- Hormonal imbalance: it may be associated with inflammation or fluid retention, especially in women.
- Genetic causes: there is a natural predisposition for this area to be more pronounced, without any health problem.
With age, another type is added to these: dark circles from hollowing: the loss of volume under the eye creates a shadow and a groove that make the eyes look older. It is the type that responds best to medical filler treatment.
Tips to prevent dark circles
Once an underlying illness has been ruled out, these habits help prevent or minimise them:
- Longer rests and a less stressful lifestyle when the cause is tiredness.
- Appropriate diet: fewer ultra-processed foods and more fruit, vegetables and protein. You can discuss it with our Nutritionist in Girona.
- Less alcohol and tobacco: both affect cardiovascular health and accentuate the dilation of the vessels.
- More fluids: drinking more water improves hydration and the appearance of the skin.
- Aesthetic alternatives: lymphatic drainage, peelings and other treatments can help reduce or conceal dark circles.
How to get rid of dark circles at home
Some home remedies can help relieve dark circles or swelling, although their effect is temporary:
- Cold therapy: chilling two teaspoons in the freezer for about 10 minutes and applying them to the area reduces swelling.
- Sliced cucumber: cold, about 30 minutes in the fridge, applied over the eyes for half an hour.
- Almond oil: rich in vitamins and quickly absorbed; a few drops with gentle massage, preferably at night.
- Tea bags (chamomile or black tea): caffeine has antioxidant properties and stimulates circulation, helping to reduce puffiness.
Medical treatment of dark circles at the clinic
When dark circles are caused by sunken eyes and lack of volume, the hollowing of the lower eyelid makes the gaze look much older. In our Aesthetic Medicine Unit in Girona, Dr Claudia Vera performs this treatment, which corrects the hollowing, conceals the bags, deeply hydrates and offers an immediate result. It is suitable for both men and women, with different levels of severity. This table summarises what is worth knowing:
| Appearance | Indicative information |
|---|---|
| What does it correct | Hollowness and shadow from lack of volume under the eye; it conceals bags and hydrates the area |
| Who it is for | Men and women with a tired look due to hollowing, with different levels of severity |
| Result | Immediate; the area looks more rested and radiant |
| What it does NOT treat | Pure hyperpigmentation (dark circles without hollowing) requires a different approach |
| Prior consultation | Essential to identify the type of dark circle and rule out contraindications |
The price and the specific plan are confirmed at the consultation, depending on the type of dark circles and each person's needs. See the information on dark circle treatment.
Am I a candidate for dark circle treatment?
The medical treatment of dark circles is designed mainly for hollow-type dark circles. As a general guide, it is usually considered for those who:
- You have hollowing or shadows under the eyes and a tired look, even after a good rest.
- Shows a lack of volume in the area, without a significant excess of loose skin.
- Has already ruled out, with their doctor, health causes (anaemia, circulation problems, etc.).
It is not usually indicated in the case of purely dark circles caused by pigmentation, infection or active inflammation in the area, known allergies to the products, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The definitive indication is established by the medical team. More about dark circle treatment →
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Frequently asked questions
Why do dark circles appear?
Can dark circles be eliminated completely?
Do home remedies work?
Does the dark circle treatment work for men?
Does the treatment eliminate dark circles?
When should I see a doctor about my dark circles?
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We serve patients from all over the province of Girona
Our clinic is located in the centre of Girona (Plaça Poeta Marquina, 3) and we regularly see patients from the city and the entire surrounding area and the Costa Brava. If you are coming from further afield, we coordinate appointments to group assessments and tests on the same day.
Plaça Poeta Marquina, 3, 17002 Girona · easy access from the AP-7 and N-II · How to get there and opening times