Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about plumping up under the eyes:
What causes under eye hollows?
Under eye hollows can be caused by thinning of the skin, loss of fat and collagen, and facial bone structure. As we age, skin loses elasticity and fat pads under the eyes shrink or shift, creating a hollow look.
How can I plump up my under eyes naturally?
To help plump up under eyes naturally, stay hydrated, use cold compresses, get enough sleep, massage the area, use tea bags, use skin creams with hyaluronic acid, and use an eye mask at night.
What ingredients should I look for in an eye cream?
Look for eye creams with hydrating and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, vitamin C, retinol, caffeine, and plant oils like avocado, jojoba, or rosehip oil.
When should I apply eye cream?
Apply eye cream morning and night after cleansing and toning but before heavier moisturizers. Gently pat a small amount around the entire eye area using your ring finger.
Can fillers plump up under eyes?
Yes, dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can effectively plump up hollow under eyes. Results are temporary though, lasting 6-12 months before repeat injections are needed.
Causes of Under Eye Hollows
If the area under your eyes looks somewhat sunken or hollow, you’re not alone. Under eye hollows are a common cosmetic concern for many people. So what causes this hollowed out appearance under the eyes?
Thinning Skin
As we age, the skin gradually loses some of its youthful fullness and elasticity. The skin under the eyes is particularly thin, making aging changes especially apparent in this delicate area. The skin under the eyes has fewer oil glands compared to other areas of the face. And constant eye movements can weaken and stretch the delicate skin over time.
Loss of Fat Pads
Underneath the thin skin under the eyes sit two fat pads, also called tear troughs. These fat pads act as cushions to support the eyes within the orbits. But as we age, these fat pads can start to shrink or sink lower, creating a hollow look under the eyes.
Loss of Collagen
Collagen provides structure and plumpness to the skin. But collagen production declines with age. The loss of collagen contributes to thinning of the dermis layer of the skin. This can make the skin under eyes appear more transparent, revealing underlying veins and hollows.
Facial Bone Structure
The facial bones around the eye sockets also contribute to the appearance of under eye hollows. Some people simply have bone structure that makes the eyes appear more deep set. And as facial tissues thin out with age, this anatomical structure becomes more apparent.
Genetics
Your genetics can play a role in the appearance of under eye hollows as well. Some people inherit facial bone structure that predisposes them to developing hollows under the eyes at an earlier age.
Volume Loss in Mid-Face
Volume loss in the middle of the face can contribute to an aged, sunken look around the eyes. As fat pads in the cheeks diminish with age, skin can sink down towards the area under eyes, causing added hollowing.
Best Treatments for Under Eye Hollows
If hollowness under the eyes is making you look tired or aged, take heart – there are a variety of effective treatments available. Which option is best for you depends on your individual concerns and budget. Here are some of the top treatments for reducing under eye hollows and bags.
Topical Eye Creams
Applying a high quality eye cream daily is one of the easiest ways to keep the under eye area looking smooth, hydrated and youthful. Look for creams containing peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, caffeine, avocado oil, and antioxidants. Use gentle patting and massaging motions when applying cream under the eyes.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers are a popular nonsurgical option for plumping up hollow under eyes. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvederm are frequently used to add volume. After numbing and cleansing, the doctor will inject small amounts of gel underneath the eyes. Results are not permanent, lasting 6-12 months on average before a touchup is needed.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer under the eyes involves taking fat from another part of your body by liposuction, then injecting the processed fat under the eyes to fill hollows. This method produces longer lasting results than hyaluronic fillers, but there is a recovery period after the liposuction procedure. The transfused fat cells can last several years before touchups are needed.
TeAR Trough Implants
For those looking for a permanent solution, TeAR trough implants are an option. These customized solid implants are placed through an incision inside the lower eyelids to reinforce the bony eye sockets. The implants remain in place permanently, eliminating the need for repeat injections over time.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing treatments can help reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and thinning of the skin through controlled injury to the skin. Popular options like fractional CO2 lasers work by directing columns of light at the skin. This stimulates collagen production and promotes tighter, thicker skin for a more youthful appearance.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the damaged outer layers of skin. This promotes regeneration of smoother, healthier skin and increased collagen. Chemical peels can reduce the thin, crepey appearance of aging skin under the eyes to create a more youthful plumpness.
Natural Remedies for Under Eye Hollows
Before considering cosmetic procedures, there are some natural ways you can help plump up the sensitive skin under the eyes. Here are some tips for minimizing dark circles and hollows using simple home remedies:
Cold Compresses
Applying something cold to the under eye area constricts blood vessels, helping to reduce puffiness and darkness. Try cucumber slices, chilled eye masks, cold metal spoons or chilled green tea bags. Use for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Tea Bags
Caffeine in black or green tea can have a mild tightening effect and help reduce fluid buildup. Lay back with cooled tea bags over your closed eyes for 15-20 minutes to see if it makes a difference.
Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep causes fluid to pool under eyes, exacerbating hollowness and dark circles. Sleeping on your back can also help minimize eye puffiness.
Sunscreen
Protect your delicate eye area skin from further sun damage by wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen daily. UV rays break down collagen and promote thinning of the skin over time.
Moisturize
Keep the area hydrated by applying an eye cream morning and night. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Dehydration can make hollows more noticeable.
Massage
Gently massage around the eye area to stimulate blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage. Use your ring fingers to lightly tap and smooth eye cream around the entire orbital bone.
Elevate Your Head
Sleeping on an extra pillow can help minimize fluid pooling during the night, preventing puffiness and exaggerated hollows upon waking.
Watch Salt Intake
A diet high in sodium can cause fluid retention and swelling under the eyes. Limiting salt intake can help minimize this puffy effect.
Drink Water
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration leads to dry, sunken looking skin.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and inflammation, making dark circles look worse. Limit intake to avoid exacerbating under eye hollows.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Minor hollowing or dark circles under the eyes may be treated effectively with over-the-counter eye creams and home remedies. But there are some situations when it is a good idea to see your dermatologist or plastic surgeon for evaluation, including:
- Hollows under eyes are severe or getting progressively worse
- Discoloration fails to improve with topical creams
- You are bothered by a tired, aged appearance
- Hollowness is accompanied by puffy eye bags
- You are considering cosmetic procedures like fillers or surgery
A doctor can assess whether your particular anatomy is contributing to the concern. They can also determine if procedures like dermal fillers, laser resurfacing or surgery may help restore a refreshed, youthful appearance.
Conclusion
Hollowness or dark circles under the eyes can be an early sign of aging. But there are many effective treatments available to help plump and brighten the delicate skin around the eyes. Start with topical eye creams containing collagen-stimulating and hydrating ingredients. Home remedies like cool compresses can provide additional relief.
For more permanent improvement of hollowness under eyes, consult a cosmetic dermatologist. Soft tissue fillers or longer lasting options like fat transfer and implants can add volume to sunken tear troughs. Resurfacing treatments like laser or peels can also improve thinning of the skin. With the right approach, it is possible to visibly reduce aged looking hollows under the eyes for a revitalized appearance.