Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes: how to defeat "eternal fatigue"?

Harper's Bazaar India editor Katie Intner shares her experience and the latest medical advice on how to deal with this aesthetic problem.

"Sleep is my main form of self-care," says Katie. But, as she admits, even after a quality sleep, her look still remains tired. The reason is not only lifestyle, but also genetics. "I'm genetically doomed to these circles - thanks, Dad," she jokes.

Why under-eye circles look bad even after sleeping

According to dermatologist Omer Ibrahim of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, the causes of dark circles and puffiness range from dehydration and allergies to heredity.

And plastic surgeon Jason Diamond explains, "The skin under the eyes is so thin that it's easy for blood vessels to show through. Facial structure and deep-set eyes also have an impact."

What really works

After years of 'masking' the problem with patches and concealer, Katie decided to take the issue more seriously and tried a number of professional methods.

PRP (plasma therapy)

"PRP is one of my favourite ways to stimulate collagen and restore volume," says Dr Diamond.

The procedure involves taking blood from the patient, isolating plasma and injecting it into the area under the eyes. This helps to reduce shadows, improve skin texture and make the look fresher. The result, according to Intner, is visible after just a couple of days: "The skin became brighter and tighter, and the effect persisted even after weeks."

Exosome injections
Exosomes are molecules that trigger cell regeneration. Diamond calls this method "bioactivation" and recommends it as an alternative to PRP: "They stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity."

Laser therapy
Effective treatments include Fotona 4D, IPL and Laser Genesis. They target blood vessels and pigmentation, minimising signs of fatigue. That said, some, like Laser Genesis, have virtually no recovery period.

"My colleague literally had a treatment on her lunch break and was already at an event in the evening," says Intner.

Cosmetics
Despite the scepticism, the author admits that quality care is an important part of the struggle. Light creams, serums and cooling masks, when used regularly, can produce noticeable results. The key is to find a product that works for you and will not cause miliums (small white rashes).

Fillers for the lacrimal sulcus area

Although Intner has not yet used this method, she recognises its effectiveness: "The shadows under the eyes are often caused by anatomical depressions. By filling them with fillers, you can visually brighten the area." Diamond confirms, "Fillers help to manage volume deficiencies and minimise shadows."

For Katie, the fight for a fresh look is a marathon, not a sprint. But a combination of sleep, sensible care, treatments and self-love gets results.

"It's not magic, it's a consistent approach. And it works," she believes.