Sunken Eyes: Causes and Treatment Options

The skin under the eyes is very delicate, and because of this, signs of aging or poor health often show up here first. Sunken eyes result from this area losing volume, so it looks as though the eyes have recessed in the face. The skin looks thin and discolored, giving the face an aged, tired appearance. 

Unfortunately, reversing the appearance of sunken eyes requires more than a little eye cream or concealer. At Luminescence Aesthetic Medicine, we’ve helped many people regain the rested and refreshed look they were missing. Here’s what you need to know about sunken eyes and what you can do about them. 

Common Causes of Sunken Eyes

Eyes appear sunken because of a loss of volume in the undereye area. A handful of different things can cause this. Here are some of the most common causes.

Genetics and Aging

As we lose collagen in the skin over time, the undereye area becomes slack and thin. If the structure of this area doesn’t support the aging skin, it causes a hollow look.

Weight Loss

Part of what gives skin a pillowy look is the fat underneath. Weight loss can strip away this fat, leaving nothing to support the skin.

Sun Damage

UV rays not only damage collagen, but they also darken the skin, adding to the shadowed look. People often fail to apply sunscreen close to the eyes because chemical sunblock ingredients can irritate sensitive skin.

Dehydration

Any time the skin is robbed of the hydration it craves, it can look thin, sallow, and crêpey. The skin is so thin in the undereye area that these changes immediately appear.

Treatments for Sunken Eyes

It’s not easy to repair the appearance of sunken eyes, but some procedures can help. Here are our top three treatments to improve the look of sunken eyes.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments not only help restore collagen to support this area, but they also help smooth the skin for a youthful look. This requires a little more recovery time but is also a longer-lasting option. 

Microneedling

Microneedling harnesses the body’s healing processes to help restore collagen in the skin. It can help tighten the skin and restore some of that lost bounciness when used under the eyes.

How Can I Prevent Sunken Eyes?

Of course, the best thing you can do is prevent the look of sunken eyes in the first place. A few key steps will help protect your delicate undereye skin and keep your eyes looking fresh and bright.

First, protect your skin from the sun. If sunscreen irritates this sensitive area, try a gentle mineral formulation. Many effective mineral sunscreens feel comfortable on the skin, so try different brands until you find one that works. 

It’s also very important to take care of your health in other ways because stress will appear first in your eyes. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated. If you are pursuing weight loss, try not to lose weight too quickly, making your skin sag more. 

Treatment for Sunken Eyes in Chandler

At Luminescence, we love to help our clients look and feel their best. If you’d like more information on how to reverse the look of sunken eyes, please contact us for a reservation today. You can recapture that bright-eyed look you used to have, and we would love to help you get there.

Image source: Bhatakta Manav via Shutterstock