Dark circles are a common cosmetic concern for many people, often leading to a tired or aged appearance. Caused by factors like genetics, lifestyle, and natural aging, dark circles are notoriously difficult to treat effectively, especially given the delicate skin around the under-eye area.
One promising solution for addressing dark circles is microneedling. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure uses tiny needles to stimulate the skin’s natural repair process, leading many to wonder, “Does microneedling work for dark circles?”
This blog will explore how microneedling works on dark circles, its effectiveness in reducing dark circles, and how it compares to other treatment options.
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles can be attributed to several factors, each influencing how noticeable they appear. Here are some common causes:
- Genetics: For many, dark circles are hereditary. Thinner skin around the eyes and deeper-set eyes, both genetic traits, can make blood vessels more visible, contributing to darker tones.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can cause pigmentation irregularities, making dark circles appear more prominent over time.
- Thin Skin Around the Eyes: The skin under the eyes is one of the thinnest on the body. With age, this skin becomes even thinner, making the blood vessels underneath more visible, which can lead to a shadowed or darkened look.
- Poor Blood Circulation: Reduced blood flow can lead to a bluish or purplish tint under the eyes, further enhancing dark circles.
These factors, along with the natural skin structure and how it changes with age, contribute to the formation of dark circles. While lifestyle factors like lack of sleep can also exacerbate the appearance, the underlying causes are often structural.
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling treatment is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These controlled punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing process, triggering collagen production and elastin formation. This process, known as collagen induction therapy, helps improve the skin’s texture, firmness, and elasticity.
By promoting skin rejuvenation through collagen and elastin growth, microneedling can help to restore lost volume and smooth out fine lines, making it an effective option for treating various skin concerns. For dark circles, microneedling can firm up the delicate under-eye area and improve overall skin texture, creating a more refreshed and youthful appearance.
Microneedling for dark circles: How effective is it?
Microneedling has shown promise as a treatment for dark circles, particularly for those caused by thin skin or loss of volume in the under-eye bags. By creating micro-injuries with tiny needles, microneedling stimulates the body’s collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and firmness.
How it works for dark circles:
- Improves Skin Texture: Microneedling helps smooth and firm the delicate skin under the eyes, creating a more even surface that better reflects light, reducing shadowing and the appearance of dark circles.
- Stimulates Collagen for Firmer Skin: The increased collagen can add volume to the under-eye area with regular treatments, minimising the hollow or sunken look often associated with dark circles.
- Enhances Radiance: As collagen rebuilds, it contributes to healthier, more radiant skin, making the under-eye area appear brighter and rejuvenated.
While microneedling may not fully eliminate dark circles, especially those caused by pigmentation, it can significantly improve the overall appearance of under-eye bags, giving it a firmer, refreshed look.
Microneedling vs. other treatments for dark circles
When it comes to treating dark circles, several options are available, each with unique benefits. Here’s a comparison of microneedling and other common treatments, such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, and eye creams:
Each treatment targets dark circles differently. Microneedling offers a longer-term solution for improving skin texture and firmness, while dermal fillers provide instant volume to reduce hollowness. Chemical peels are best for pigmentation, and eye creams are effective for hydration but generally offer milder results.
What to expect during a microneedling session for dark circles
A microneedling session for dark circles is relatively quick and minimally invasive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect:
- Preparation: The area under the eyes is carefully cleansed to remove any impurities.
- Topical Anesthetic: A topical anesthetic is applied to the under-eye area to minimise minor discomfort. It takes about 15-20 minutes to numb the skin.
- Microneedling Procedure: Using a microneedling device equipped with tiny needles, the practitioner gently glides over the under-eye area to create micro-injuries, which stimulate collagen production.
- Post-Treatment Application: A soothing serum or hyaluronic acid may be applied to enhance hydration and calm the treated area.
Post-treatment care
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the delicate skin under your eyes by wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight for at least 24 hours.
- Gentle Moisturiser: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to hydrate the area.
- No Makeup: It’s best to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours after the session to allow the skin to heal.
Most people experience only mild redness and swelling, which usually subsides within a day or two. Following these aftercare tips can help ensure a smooth recovery and enhance the treatment's benefits.
How many microneedling sessions are needed for dark circles?
The number of microneedling sessions required to reduce dark circles depends on factors like skin type, the severity of the dark circles, and individual response to treatment. Typically, multiple sessions are recommended to achieve noticeable results, as collagen production and skin rejuvenation occur gradually.
Most professionals suggest starting with 3-6 sessions, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, to allow the skin to heal and produce new collagen between treatments.
While some improvement may be visible after the first session, the full effects of collagen induction therapy build up over multiple treatments, with each session contributing to enhanced skin texture and reduced dark circle appearance.
Complementary treatments to enhance results
To maximise the effects of microneedling for dark circles, combining it with other treatments can provide added benefits for the under-eye area:
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and promote healing. When used after microneedling, it can further reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and encourage collagen production, resulting in a brighter, firmer under-eye.
Vitamin C Serums
Applying a vitamin C serum post-treatment can help brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin rejuvenation and enhances microneedling results by reducing oxidative stress in the delicate skin under the eyes. These complementary treatments can improve skin elasticity, reduce pigmentation, and support longer-lasting, radiant results.
Potential side effects and risks
Microneedling for dark circles is generally safe, but as with any cosmetic procedure, there are some potential side effects:
- Temporary Redness and Swelling: After a microneedling session, the under-eye area may appear red or slightly swollen. This is normal and typically subsides within a day or two as the skin begins to heal.
- Minor Discomfort: Some individuals may experience mild discomfort during or after treatment, especially if a topical anesthetic is applied before the procedure.
- Skin Sensitivity: In the days following the procedure, the under-eye area may feel more sensitive, requiring gentle handling and a pause in makeup application.
To minimise these risks, working with a qualified professional who understands the delicacy of the under eyes and can tailor the treatment to your skin type is crucial. Following aftercare guidelines, such as avoiding direct sun exposure and moisturising the area, also helps ensure a safe and effective healing process.
Achieve brighter eyes: Your next steps with microneedling
Microneedling is a promising option for reducing the appearance of dark circles by stimulating collagen production and rejuvenating the delicate skin under the eyes.
While microneedling can be effective for certain types of dark circles, results may vary based on individual factors, including skin cells’ ability to renew and repair. Consulting with a professional is the best way to determine if microneedling is the right treatment for your unique needs.
Contact Victorian Dermal Group for personalised advice and a tailored treatment plan. Our team can guide you through the most effective options to address dark circles and other skin concerns for optimal results.
