Medically Reviewed June 2023, by Dr Toni Phillips, Group Clinical Director, for sk:n. Next review due June 2024.

Tiredness is an inherent part of life and makes the most visible impact on our eye area. Tired looking eyes develop for a number of reasons where eye bags, under eye wrinkles and dark circles often contribute to an overall tired appearance.

We have researched everything there is to know about why the under eye area can look sleepier than usual as well as how to reduce and improve tired looking eyes. 

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Why do my eyes look tired and old?

Tired, aged eyes are characterised by dullness, dark shadowing and loose, creased skin around the eye area. The eyes are often the first area to age as the skin around them is delicate and much thinner than any other part of the body. 

Wrinkles develop in these areas quickly because of the repeated facial expressions made when smiling and squinting. These lines and creases made from facial expressions are called dynamic wrinkles but throughout the years, they become permanent – also known as static wrinkles. This is due to lower levels of elastin and collagen in the dermis, meaning the lines are unable to spring back and are noticeable even when the muscles are not contracted.

Dark circles underneath the eyes are not always a sign of fatigue, but can cause you to look paler and more tired than usual by worsening any existing dark circles pre-disposition. Under eye dark circles are the result of enlarged, dilated blood vessels and veins beneath the skin and are often an indicator of proneness to hyperpigmentation. This can usually develop because of age, genetics and repetitive eye strain.

Another cause of overly tired, aged eyes can be the appearance of sleep wrinkles. Sleep wrinkles form during the night when the face is pressed heavily against the pillow. This compression and friction can cause folds, creases and lines to develop. Normally, these lines disappear after waking, however, the repeated pressure on the face can cause more permanent lines to appear. 

How to reduce dark circles and sleep wrinkles

Sometimes, at home methods can help to reduce the appearance of tired eyes and bags under the eyes. Here are a few things you can do.

Sleep wrinkles can be prevented by:

• Sleeping on your back
• Switching to a silk pillowcase. Rough, cotton pillowcases can create more friction and also absorb more moisture which dries out your skin, leading to a dull appearance
• Ice face masks can also help to revive the eye area and reduce puffiness which can contribute to a more aged eye area
• Use retinol – one of the best ingredients to treat anti-ageing
• Increase water retention and promote anti-ageing with organic oils, such as rosehip seed oil, jojoba oil or hyaluronic acid

Tired, dark eyes can be prevented by:

• Getting adequate sleep
• Avoiding skin depleting habits, like smoking and drinking alcohol excessively
• Incorporating key skincare ingredients such as caffeine, vitamin C, kojic acid and alpha arbutin to help lighten dark pigmentation
• Eat a high vitamin K diet to encourage a brighter, healthier complexion
• Ice masks or jade eye massagers (jade rollers or Gua Sha). These tools are popular among celebrities and influencers, they work to increase lymphatic drainage, increase microcirculation and improve muscle tone for a tighter, uplifted eye area. 

How to get rid of tired looking eyes

To say goodbye to tired eyes for good, there are a range of professional treatments that are non-surgical and have different levels of invasiveness. 

HydraFacials and skin peels are the least invasive treatments at sk:n. These professional facials have skin renewing properties to help improve the pigmentation associated with undereye bags.

• HydraFacial works to brighten and nourish your skin in six steps. It uses various massage techniques, vacuum suction action and essential skincare ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid, to keep the skin achieve its best possible health. HydraFacials are recommended to help improve dehydration, which contributes to an overall tired complexion.
• Skin peels work like an advanced face mask that is more suited to treating pigmentation due to the blend of powerful active ingredients, natural acids and enzymes. Chemical peels stimulate new cell growth and collagen production to help improve wrinkles, lighten darkened skin, reduce puffiness and rejuvenate.

How to remove under eye bags and dark circles

Tear trough fillers are possibly the best option for immediately brighter under eyes. Compared to HydraFacial and skin peels, this is an injectable treatment. It involves injecting a small amount of filler between the lower eyelid and cheek to restore volume and reduce dark circles. Tear trough fillers require no recovery time, meaning you can enjoy the benefits from the off-set!

The brand of filler we use is called Juvéderm and it is a filler made from the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps to naturally firm and plump the skin and is essential in maintaining a younger complexion. Our under eye wrinkles before and after photos always show a more refreshed, lighter eye area in our clients. 

At sk:n we also offer a range of laser resurfacing treatments that are minimally painful and work to significantly correct pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. 

Our Co2re treatment is the most advanced laser technology and can dissolve visible blood vessels that contribute to a darkened under eye area. It can also target deeper lines and sleep lines to achieve younger, glowing skin.

This treatment is possibly the most invasive out of the three other treatments, however Co2re laser delivers significant results in enhancing your natural complexion and requires no downtime!

Key takeaways

• Tired looking eyes are annoying and can still occur even if you are living healthily and getting enough sleep
• Dark circles can develop due to eye strain, genetics and age
• Wrinkles can develop from sleep, these are due to the compression of the skin against the pillow
• Long-term diet and skincare habits can help improve tired, aged eyes
• Professional treatments can help to completely remove eye bags and significantly reduce a tired looking appearance 

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Speak to one of our dermatologists today to find out which treatment is most suitable for you and your eyes. Find your nearest clinic and book a free consultation today!