Introduction

Dark circles under the eyes can be a frustrating cosmetic concern for many people in New York City. These circles can make one look tired, older, and less vibrant. In this article, we'll explore how the expertise of provincial traditional Chinese medicine hospitals and the approach of Gulou Hospital, along with the use of collagen, can play a role in removing dark circles under the eyes. But first, it's important to understand the causes of these dark circles.

Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Gulou Hospital for Collagen to Remove Dark Circles under the Eyes in New York City!

Causes of Dark Circles under the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes can stem from a variety of factors. According to top Google search results, there are both internal and external causes. Let's delve into them:

Internal Causes

Qi Deficiency in Kidneys: In traditional Chinese medicine, qi deficiency in kidneys is a common pattern related to dark circles. People with this condition may experience fatigue and adrenal exhaustion. The symptoms of qi deficiency in kidneys include dark circles under the eyes, as stated in research from Traditional Chinese Medicine for Dark Circles - TCM Simple. The body's energy and vitality are affected, which can manifest as these dark circles.
Blood Stagnation: Blood stagnation can be caused by liver problems. When the liver is not functioning properly, blood may not move smoothly in some parts of the body. Since the skin around the eyes is fairly transparent, blood stagnation in this area becomes more easily visible, resulting in dark circles. As detailed in the same TCM Simple article, this is an important internal factor to consider.

External Causes

Lack of Sleep: One of the most common external causes is lack of sleep. When we don't get enough rest, body fluids can build underneath the eyes. The thin skin tissues around the eyes make these changes in fluid circulation more noticeable, leading to dark circles. As explained in How to Treat Dark Circles Under Your Eyes - Dr. Michele Green M.D., this is a prevalent issue.
Stress: Stress can also cause similar fluid - related problems under the eyes. High levels of stress can disrupt the normal physiological functions of the body, including fluid balance and blood circulation, contributing to the appearance of dark circles.
Sun Overexposure: Excessive sun exposure can lead to excess melanin production in the body. This excess melanin can darken the pigment of the skin under the eyes, as mentioned in Dr. Michele Green's article. Protecting the eyes from the sun is crucial to prevent this type of darkening.
Poor Diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can affect the health of the skin. For example, a deficiency in vitamins like vitamin C, which helps with collagen production and reducing pigmentation, can contribute to dark circles. Also, high - salt diets can cause fluid retention under the eyes.
Aging: As we age, the skin tissues around the eyes become thinner and more transparent. The dark blood vessels underneath the skin become more visible, causing the area below the eyes to darken. This natural aging process is a significant factor in the development of dark circles, as discussed in various sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions, such as itchy eyes and scratching, can damage the already delicate skin around the eyes. This makes the blood vessels in the area more visible, leading to dark circles. OTC anti - histamines can sometimes help limit the allergic reaction in the eye area, according to Dr. Michele Green.
Hereditary Trait: For some people, dark circles are simply an inherited trait. It can develop in early childhood and may be difficult to completely eliminate. If parents or other family members have dark circles, there is a higher chance that the individual will also experience them.

Traditional Chinese Medicine's Approach to Dark Circles

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective and various treatments for dark circles under the eyes. Here are some of the key aspects:

Diagnosis in TCM

TCM practitioners believe that dark circles are a sign of imbalance in the body. For instance, as per Traditional Chinese Medicine's Approach to Cataracts and Dark Circles Under the Eyes - Natural Eye Care Blog, dark circles can be related to imbalances in the kidneys, which are the organs that provide vitality. They also consider other factors such as qi and blood deficiency, and qi and blood stagnation. An acupuncturist will determine the patient's unique pattern to prescribe tailored treatments.

Herbal Treatments

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: This herbal formula is often used for dark circles caused by qi deficiency in kidneys. It contains herbs like shu di huang, shan zhu yu, shan yao, ze xie, mu dan pi, and fu ling. As described in the TCM Simple article, it has been traditionally used to nourish the energy of the kidneys, which can be helpful for dark circles related to kidney dysfunction. It can be taken in the form of pills.
Yang Gan Ju (Chamomile): Chamomile has been used for centuries as an anti - inflammatory and antioxidant. Instead of drinking chamomile tea, two bags of chamomile tea can be placed in boiling water for 2 minutes, then taken out and placed under the eyes for 5 minutes after they cool down. This can help decrease the dark circles and also reduce the redness and irritation on eye bags, according to TCM Simple.

Acupuncture

TCM practitioners believe that acupuncture can improve circulation around the eyes and blood flow. Some acupuncture points for dark circles are located on the face, which is also known as facial acupuncture or cosmetic acupuncture. Some studies indicate that acupuncture may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, although not all studies agree. As mentioned in Sick Of Those Dark Circles Under Your Eyes? Eastern Medicine Can Help - welleum, acupuncture can lift the skin, restore elasticity, and reduce saggy lip layers to fix dark, puffy bags. However, if someone is hesitant about having needles inserted into their face, they can try using only Chinese herbal formulas first.

Role of Collagen in Removing Dark Circles

Collagen is an important protein in the body that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's structure and elasticity. Here's how it can help with dark circles:

Counteracting Skin Thinning

As we age, the natural loss of collagen in the face causes the skin to lose its fullness and sag. The skin under the lower eyelid becomes thin or translucent, which can make the dark circles more prominent. By boosting collagen production, the skin can regain some of its thickness and firmness. For example, dermal fillers that are designed to restore collagen production and volume can be injected into the tear trough area (under the eyes) to help reduce the appearance of dark circles, as explained in Dr. Michele Green's article. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Restylane or Belotero Balance, which aid in collagen production, are commonly used for this purpose.

Improving Skin Health

Collagen is also essential for overall skin health. It can help improve the texture and tone of the skin around the eyes. Foods rich in collagen, such as duck wings, the feet, skin, and tendons of pork, fish skin, and sea cucumber, can be beneficial. According to 4 Simple and Effective Tips to Improve Dark Circles Around the Eyes | The Epoch Times, collagen fights sagging eye bags. People worried about high cholesterol can choose fish, meat, eggs, milk, and beans, combined with vitamin C, which can help collagen hyperplasia.

Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Gulou Hospital's Role

Provincial traditional Chinese medicine hospitals and Gulou Hospital can offer specialized treatments for dark circles under the eyes:

Expert TCM Diagnosis and Treatment

These hospitals have experienced TCM practitioners who can accurately diagnose the underlying causes of dark circles according to TCM principles. They can then prescribe personalized herbal formulas, recommend acupuncture treatments, or suggest other TCM therapies such as facial gua sha massages or jade rolling treatments. For example, they can determine if a patient has qi deficiency in kidneys, blood stagnation, or other imbalances and develop a comprehensive treatment plan accordingly.

Integrated Approach

They may also take an integrated approach, combining TCM treatments with modern methods that involve collagen. For instance, they might use herbal treatments to address internal imbalances while using collagen - based dermal fillers or topical collagen products to improve the appearance of the skin under the eyes. This integrated approach can provide more comprehensive and effective results for patients.

Patient Care and Education

In these hospitals, patients can receive not only treatment but also education about lifestyle changes that can help prevent and reduce dark circles. They can be advised on proper diet, sleep, and stress management. For example, they can be recommended to eat more collagen - rich and vitamin - C - rich foods, get enough sleep, and manage stress through relaxation techniques. This holistic approach to patient care can contribute to long - term improvement in the appearance of dark circles.

Other Modern Treatment Options for Dark Circles

In addition to TCM and collagen - related treatments, there are other modern options available in New York City:

Dermal Fillers

As mentioned earlier, dermal fillers like Juvederm Ultra can be used to treat dark under - eye circles. In the hands of an experienced physician, the procedure takes only a few minutes with little to no downtime, and the results can be a significant reduction in dark under - eye circles. Dr. Michele Green typically recommends the use of Restylane or Belotero Balance dermal fillers for under - eye treatment, as they can restore lost volume and help reduce the appearance of darker pigment under the eyes.

Mesopeels

A mesopeel is a light chemical peel designed to rejuvenate the skin under the eyes. The mesopeel periocular, which is composed of azelaic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, physic acid, resorcinol, and salicylic acid, can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration under the eyes. It is a non - invasive treatment with no downtime and is safe for all skin tones, as described in Dr. Michele Green's article.

Vbeam Laser Treatment

The Vbeam laser is an innovative skin resurfacing laser. It can reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation of the skin by targeting the hemoglobin in the blood vessels. When applied to the under - eye area, it can reduce the size of enlarged blood vessels, helping to reduce the appearance of dark pigment under the surface of the skin. Dr. Green uses the newest V - beam laser technology, the V - beam perfecta, which is more effective in reducing sun spots and discoloration due to sun exposure.

Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non - invasive treatment option. It uses tiny pinpricks to activate the body's natural wound - healing processes, leading to increased collagen production and rejuvenated skin. It can be combined with platelet - rich plasma (PRP) to further nourish and revitalize the skin. The Vivace RF microneedling device, which incorporates radiofrequency energy, can boost collagen and elastin within the dermis, resulting in a brightening effect on the skin and a reduction of fine lines and puffiness around the eyes over multiple treatments, as per Dr. Michele Green's insights.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

There are also several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help in reducing dark circles:

Topical Treatments

Cold Compress: Using a cold compress, such as a gentle washcloth or dedicated cold eye bags, can help constrict blood vessels. Cold cucumber slices can also work well as they contain ascorbic and caffeic acid, which help reduce water retention. As mentioned in 7 tips to get rid of dark eye circles, & what Chinese medicine says about them, cold has a vasoconstrictor effect, similar to caffeine.
Tea Bags: Some patients have found success using tea bags on the eyes. The caffeine in tea can perk up the look of the eye area, and the antioxidants in black and green tea can improve blood flow to the area under the eyes. However, when using tea bags, it's important to cover the eyes with gauze first and ensure the temperature is not too hot, as warned in The Epoch Times article.
Eye Creams: Eye creams with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, licorice, kojic acid, and hydroquinones can be beneficial. Hyaluronic acid and retinol help boost cell turnover, licorice soothes the skin and reduces puffiness, and kojic acid and hydroquinones brighten the skin. Dr. Michele Green's MG SkinLab's Intensive Eye Repair, which relies on retinol, is an example of such a product.

Lifestyle Changes

Sleep: Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night is crucial to avoid adrenal fatigue and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lack of sleep is a major cause of dark circles, so maintaining a regular sleep schedule is essential.
Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, collagen, and other essential nutrients can help improve the appearance of dark circles. Foods like sweet peppers, cauliflower, guava, duck wings, fish skin, and other collagen - rich foods can be included in the diet, as recommended in The Epoch Times article.
Sun Protection: Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis can prevent sun - induced darkening of the skin under the eyes. This is important as sun overexposure is a common cause of dark circles, as noted in multiple sources.
Stress Management: High levels of stress can contribute to dark circles. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and improve overall well - being, which in turn can reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Conclusion

Dark circles under the eyes can be a persistent and bothersome issue, but there are numerous ways to address them. Provincial traditional Chinese medicine hospitals and Gulou Hospital can play a significant role by offering TCM - based diagnoses and treatments, as well as an integrated approach that combines traditional and modern methods. Collagen is an important element in improving the appearance of the skin under the eyes, whether through diet or medical treatments. Additionally, modern treatment options like dermal fillers, mesopeels, Vbeam laser treatment, and microneedling provide effective solutions. Home remedies and lifestyle changes also contribute to reducing dark circles.

If you're frustrated by the appearance of dark under - eye circles, consider seeking the expertise of professionals at provincial traditional Chinese medicine hospitals or Gulou Hospital. You can also try some of the home remedies and lifestyle changes discussed in this article. Take action today to reduce the appearance of dark circles and regain a more youthful and vibrant look. Share this article with others who may be struggling with dark circles to help them find solutions.