Pigment spots under the eyes: reasons, how to remove, ways to whiten at home, reader reviews

Consultation Services Doctors Results Reviews

Expert tested

Natalya Borisovna Zhmurina Director, Chief Physician of “A Clinic” Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist

Publication date: September 22, 2022

Review date: November 09, 2022

It is a common belief that dark shadows under the eyes are a sign of overwork and lack of sleep. And you just have to bring your lifestyle back to normal, everything will pass. In fact, this is just a common misconception. Dark circles can appear due to poor lifestyle, lack of sleep and overwork, but these are not the main reasons.

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.

Do you have freckles?

Of course there is! No and there is no need!

The appearance of spots is caused by the uneven functioning of cells, some of them begin to intensively produce pigment, and some work in a “slow” mode. As a result, the skin will darken in certain areas.

Why on the skin around the eyes?

Skin pigmentation appears under the influence of various factors. One reason is that the epidermis in this area of the face is thinner and has a minimal number of sweat and sebaceous glands. This makes the skin more vulnerable to various influences.

Many people note that pigment spots appear under the eyes with age. This process is associated with the death of melanocytes. This process begins quite early - after 30 years. But the active appearance of pigmentation, as a rule, appears after 50-60 years.

Bruises under the eyes due to illness, pigmentation.

Any pathological processes in the body have a bad effect on appearance. It is interesting that such aesthetic defects are the easiest to correct, but the problem is not solved at a global level. And a good cosmetologist (and a cosmetologist is a doctor) is obliged to warn the patient about this.

Increased skin pigmentation often occurs due to impaired functioning of melanocytes.

A simple example: due to liver disease, a patient develops so-called “liver spots”. “Suppressing” the activity of abnormally active melanocytes (cells that produce the pigment melanin) is an easy task for a cosmetologist. This can be done by the IPL method, vitamin meso-cocktails, additionally leveling the relief of the lower eyelid area with fillers. But will this make the liver healthier? No! This means that the problem will soon return, which will cause distrust in the cosmetologist and kill his authority in the eyes of a person. The same applies to heart, endocrine and other diseases.

Before dealing with external signs of illness, check and get your health in order. This will guarantee a successful and “long-lasting” facial transformation.

The list includes some of the diseases that cause dark circles under the eyes:

Heart and kidney failure;
Hypothyroidism;
Adrenal dysfunction;
Parasitic infestations;
Cholelithiasis;
Cholecystitis;
Anemia;
Vascular pathologies (circulatory disorders);
Hepatitis and other liver diseases;
Chronic intoxication;
Hypovitaminosis.

Bruises under the eyes, caused by pathological processes in the body, usually do not appear spontaneously and are “chronic”.

Correction of the regime, rationalization of nutrition and other tricks are powerless against them. If you notice a similar problem along with specific symptoms, you should contact not only a cosmetologist, but also a therapist, and if you discover a disease, undergo appropriate treatment.

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.

Advantages of hardware pigmentation removal

To combat pigmentation, Dr. Korchagina’s clinic successfully uses hardware removal.

The procedure has a number of advantages:

effective removal of pigmented areas;
skin rejuvenation with increased turgor;
painlessness and protection from skin infection;
minimal risk of side effects;
duration of saving the result.

For hardware treatment on deeply pigmented skin, anesthetics are used at the client’s request.

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.

Hereditary causes of dark circles under the eyes

Heredity is a key player in the list of causes of dark circles under the eyes. But the concept of “heredity” itself is very broad.

Hereditary factors that provoke the formation of bruises under the eyes include:

Specific facial anatomy (deep-set or slightly bulging eyes);
Thin skin;
Close location of blood vessels to the skin in the eyelid area;
Constitutional features – excessively thin physique, in which there is a general deficiency of subcutaneous fat;
Less commonly, chronic genetic diseases (for example, heart or liver).

Dark circles under the eyes associated with hereditary causes appear early - sometimes even in childhood. Indirectly, those bruises that arose in youth - before 20-25 years old (normally this does not happen) can be attributed to “heredity”. If parents develop dark circles at a young age, it is possible that the same fate will befall their child. And pathological “components” are not necessary for this.

Hereditary reasons can also include the properties of the skin : if the skin is thin, then the vascular network of the periorbital region “shines through” through it. This is usually the case for those with fair skin - dark circles can form as early as the age of 20, when fat packets begin to thin out.

It happens that hereditary factors are combined - a person has thin skin in the periorbital area and problems with blood circulation. The approach to such problems must also be comprehensive . Fortunately, in modern cosmetology there are fillers and other drugs that act at different levels: for example, the American MesoEyeC17 has a positive effect on the processes of blood and lymph microcirculation.

How to deal with hereditary causes?

As you understand, heredity can hardly be cured, so there is only one correction option - correcting the lower eyelid area with fillers (contour plastic methods). Even surgery won't change the situation much.

The cost of such a correction is from 15,000 rubles, the duration of the effect is up to 10-14 months.

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.

Recommendations before treatment

It is possible to determine the true cause of darkening of the skin by contacting a qualified cosmetologist or dermatologist. It is quite difficult to independently identify the provoking factor.

Self-medication is dangerous with complications!

Attention

Despite the fact that our articles are based on trusted sources and have been tested by practicing doctors, the same symptoms can be signs of different diseases, and the disease may not proceed according to the textbook.

Pros of seeing a doctor:

Only a specialist will prescribe suitable medications.

Recovery will be easier and faster.

The doctor will monitor the course of the disease and help avoid complications.

find a doctor

Do not try to treat yourself - consult a specialist.

Pigmentation is a seasonal phenomenon. The skin always darkens in summer and takes on a natural shade in winter. During the warm season, it is recommended to regularly treat sensitive skin areas with sunscreen.

Why can our articles be trusted?

We make health information clear, accessible and relevant.

All articles are checked by practicing doctors.

We take scientific literature and the latest research as a basis.

We publish detailed articles that answer all questions.

Whitening creams based on retinol or arbutin should be used with caution to remove age spots. Manufacturers of these products sometimes include mercury in their composition.

Creams with such contents should not be used on a regular basis and, in extreme cases, should not be used on the skin around the eyes. They have a toxic effect on the body, which is fraught with irreversible consequences.

Whitening cosmetics should only be applied to dry skin. You cannot steam it before the next procedure.

How to whiten your face from age spots

Pigment spots on the skin vary in type, shape and reasons for formation.

It is recommended to supplement the following methods for eliminating a cosmetic problem with a special diet. To nourish the skin and eliminate internal factors that negatively affect its condition, you should include in your daily diet:

eggs;
fatty fish;
green tea;
avocado.

This diet has a positive effect on the entire body and provides it with the necessary nutrients.

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.

Other types of procedures

To lighten pigmentation under the eyes, other salon procedures may be recommended. This:

Microdermabrasion. This is essentially a mechanical peeling performed using diamond tips or aluminum oxide crystals. The procedure in the area under the eyes should be carried out as delicately as possible.

Mesotherapy. Introduction of microdoses of preparations containing hyaluronic acid into the middle layer of the skin. This version of the procedure is recommended if the appearance of pigmentation is associated with age-related changes in the skin.
Light treatment. The procedure uses high-frequency infrared radiation on the pigmented area. This leads to the destruction of melanin.

How to prevent age spots on the eyelids

If the cause of pigmentation does not lie in a genetic or hereditary factor, then this problem can be avoided with the help of some preventive measures:

Monitor the health of internal organs, including the state of the hormonal system.
Do not sunbathe in the sun or in a solarium.
In winter and summer, apply products containing SPF of at least 50 to the skin.
Choose skincare products carefully.
Maintain your water balance - drink enough water.
Prevent the formation of acne and treat it correctly if it occurs.

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.

How is the procedure performed?

The manipulation includes several stages:

consultation with a dermatocosmetologist;
make-up remover and antiseptic skin treatment;
putting protective equipment on the eyes of the doctor and the patient;
applying a product that improves the penetration of rays into the dermis;
hardware treatment of the pigmented area;
repeated antiseptic treatment of the skin;
applying moisturizing and regenerating cream.

The average duration of the procedure does not exceed 20-45 minutes, depending on the area of skin treated. The number of sessions is selected individually, taking into account the severity of pigmentation.

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.

Chloasma

The term is a generalized name for changes in the color of the skin of the eyelids or face, which mainly occurs in pregnant women, as well as with pathologies of the uterus and appendages, diseases of the liver or biliary tract, and helminthiasis. In this case, the color of the skin changes not only on the eyelids and face, but also on other parts of the body - along the white line on the stomach, on the nipples, etc.

According to the condition in which chloasma develops, they are divided into pregnancy chloasma, uterine chloasma, helminthiasis masks or hepatic chloasma.

Such pigmentation is more often observed on the lower eyelids, less often on the upper. Moreover, it tends to continue continuously from the eyelid to the cheek area. To some extent, the appearance of these spots is stimulated by exposure to sunlight. After delivery, chloasma of pregnant women disappears and reappears during a new pregnancy. In liver patients, pigmentation is one of the earliest signs of the disease.

Histologically, in the pigment spots of the chloasma listed above, an excess content of melanin is detected, which is located in the deep epithelium and in the Malpighian layer. The immediate cause of the appearance of chloasma is a variety of toxins that are formed in the body as a result of pregnancy, diseases of the liver, genitourinary organs, as well as the gastrointestinal tract, etc. True, autonomic-endocrine, as well as hormonal disorders play an equally important role in the occurrence of chloasma. In addition, increased pigmentation of the eyelid skin is an early sign of pigment metabolism disorders (with Addison's disease and hyperthyroidism).

In Addison's disease, which is adrenocortical insufficiency of the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland is disinhibited, which leads to increased production of the melanoform hormone. This is expressed in greater deposition of melanin in the epidermis and dermis. Clinically, abnormal pigmentation of the skin of the eyelids is reduced to the appearance of a bronze uniform color.

Changes in the color of the lower, and especially the upper eyelids, can be observed (not often) in the case of Graves' disease. At the same time, it is the change in pigmentation of the skin of the eyelids that should be regarded as one of the early symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. The color of the skin of the eyelids, in this case brownish, is uniform. On the upper eyelid, the area of hyperpigmentation ends at the eyebrow, on the lower eyelid, at the lower edge of the orbit. Pigmentation of the skin of the eyelids with hyperthyroidism is sometimes combined with changes in eyelashes - their loss or graying. It was believed that the change in the color of the skin of the eyelids was associated in this case not with the deposition of melanin, but with hematogenous pigments. This assumption is not true. A significantly large role in the appearance of this symptom belongs to the disruption of the normal relationship in Graves' disease between the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands.

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.

What are pigment spots, causes and types

Pigment spots are an aesthetic defect of the skin in the form of dark spots of different shades of brown. They arise due to the deposition of excess melanin in tissues. They usually form on prominent parts of the face such as the cheeks, cheekbones, chin and forehead. Around the eyes, pigment spots occur quite rarely, but cause the greatest discomfort.

There are many reasons that cause pigmentation. Why do pigment spots appear on the face and under the eyes:

First of all, this is a hereditary predisposition;
Pathology of the sebaceous glands;
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation provokes the activity of melanocytes, which appear in the form of spots;
Disruption of internal organs;
Skin injuries - the body’s natural response to injury leads to the formation of persistent pigmentation, which will require a lot of effort to get rid of;
Hormonal changes – the skin actively reacts to any changes in hormones;
Age-related changes - a lack of metabolic processes in the skin, its thinning and an increase in melanocytes;
Side effects from certain medications.

There are two types of skin disorders associated with pigmentation. The first is damage to the upper layers of the skin and the second to the deeper layers.

Types of pigmentation:

Freckles. Such stains are harmless and are not considered a disadvantage, but if desired, they can be effectively and quickly removed using cosmetic procedures, such as peelings.
Moles, they are also nevi. This is a benign skin growth that requires examination and, in some cases, removal. A surgeon will help you get rid of them.
Chloasma occurs due to hormonal changes. They can practically blend in with the skin color and often disappear after hormonal problems resolve.
Melasma. They also occur due to hormonal imbalances. They appear in the form of symmetrical grayish or dark brown spots, which increase under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. They can also disappear in women, and turn white in men.
Lentigo is senile pigmentation. It occurs as a result of a natural slowdown in metabolism associated with aging and the first age-related changes in the body.
Vitiligo - the appearance of white spots, is associated with the destruction of cells that produce melanin.

Pigmentation accelerates the aging process of the skin by increasing dryness, wrinkles and dilated blood vessels, so in most cases, blemish removal treatments are necessary.

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.

Regime and dark circles under the eyes

In adults, bruises under the eyes sometimes appear due to the most banal reason - violation of the regime.

Overwork, lack of sleep, stress - all this makes the skin of the eyelids thin and dull, and the face pale and haggard. Metabolism is disrupted, the blood vessels of the eyelids appear more prominently, creating characteristic purple or bluish shadows under the eyes. A similar problem arises due to persistent dehydration, when a person constantly stays in rooms with dry air and drinks little water (as well as smokes and abuses alcohol).

A healthy lifestyle is the best friend of cosmetic procedures. In tandem it works flawlessly!

Try a double tactic: sleep 8 hours a day, eat right, spend time in the fresh air more often, and at the same time visit a competent cosmetologist. And you won’t give dark circles under your eyes a single chance.

A consultation with our specialists is the answer to your remaining questions.

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