The skin around the eyes is one of the first areas of the face to show signs of tiredness and ageing. Its structure differs markedly from the rest of the face: the dermis under the eye is up to five times thinner than facial skin and has very little underlying fat, elastin or collagen¹. There are also fewer sebaceous glands, which makes this delicate area prone to dryness and dehydration². Combined with constant blinking (around 10,000 times per day) and expressive muscle movements³, it is no wonder the under‑eye area develops fine lines, dark circles and hollows more quickly than other parts of the face. This guide examines why under‑eye issues develop and explores the full spectrum of rejuvenation options — from home care and skincare to advanced injectables and surgery.

Why do dark circles and hollows appear?

Structural changes: As we age, bony support around the eye recedes and the fat pads that once plumped the cheeks and lower lids descend. In the tear trough — a depression along the medial lower lid just lateral to the lacrimal crest — resorption of bone, thinning of skin over the orbital rim ligaments and descent of the cheek create a noticeable hollow⁴. Orbital fat above and sub‑orbicularis oculi fat below border this hollow, so loss of volume accentuates the shadow⁵. Physicians call this the under‑eye hollow or tear‑trough deformity, and it is often accompanied by dark circles. Dark circles have multiple causes. Loss of soft tissue and bone creates a sunken appearance even when a person is well‑rested⁶. Thin under‑eye skin reveals the network of blood vessels beneath, casting a blue‑grey tint. Ageing, sun exposure and genetics can also lead to hyperpigmentation. https://mesglolondon.co.uk/?p=4286