Eyes are often called the windows of a person's soul and the eyes of women, in particular, are often seen as an important aspect of their beauty. Shadows beneath eyes or rings are, therefore, an unwelcome blemish on one's appearance and are a sign of stress, fatigue and lack of sleep. Women have traditionally tried to solve this problem by using natural resources like slices of cucumber and potato on their eyes or applying a face pack or mask consisting of rose essence and natural oils – both of which help but do not eliminate these shadows. However, a relatively new and painless medical procedure offers an immediate solution. Carboxytherapy is based on the idea of injecting the area around the eyes with carbon dioxide gas. It aims to kill fat cells, stimulate blood flow, improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The treatment is a new and simple technique that claims it can dramatically improve the appearance of dark color under eye circles. Though it requires no anesthesia, the treatment takes four to six meetings lasting only half an hour. Dr. Modar Al-Kaiem, a dermatology and cosmetic consultant told Saudi Gazette that the injection of carbon dioxide gas beneath the skin's surface works to increase the flow of oxygen in the tissues and thus improve blood circulation, which can improve the skin's tone and flexibility. “Because the process is done with a tiny, 30g needle, the procedure is considered non-surgical,” he remarked, adding that the procedure is painless but some patients can experience a light tingling sensation near the focus of injection, which “disappears within seconds.” As a result, the site may feel a bit warm for 10 to 20 minutes after the procedure. Hanadi Hussain, a 31-year-old Saudi woman, has been suffering from dark shadows underneath her eyes and claims that she has used a number of cosmetic creams, but to no avail. She started carboxytherapy and claims that she started noticing improvements from the third session. “I used to use concealer or wear sunglasses before leaving the house to hide these shadows but I have become more confident now and my face looks brighter – even people around me have noticed the difference!” she said. “The improvement will start showing from the second or third session depending on the patient's age. If the patient is less that 25 years old, the response is much quicker and more apparent,” remarked Dr. Al-Kaiem. Why do dark shadows appear? Dr. Al-Kaiem explained the factors that cause these dark shadows: The cause may be genetic. In such cases, treatment is trickier and the patient requires more sessions. Hormonal fluctuations. Environmental pollutants such as smoke and dust which make the skin around the eyes a more sensitive area. Malnutrition. Staying up late at night. Excessive exposure to the sun. Watching too much TV or sitting for too long in front of the computer, particularly in darkness or semi-darkness. Fatigue and stress. Dr. A-Kaiem mentioned that there are several simple steps which help prevent shadows under the eyes: Adequate and deep sleep. Stop smoking. Nicotine causes the “arrest” of blood vessels that leads to dark skin. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time. Avoid nervous strain and start specific exercises that relax facial muscles. Stay away from stimulants like tea and coffee and drink plenty of water.
