February 27, 2024
Discover how to treat tired skin and dark circles effectively
If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter or struggled through a bout of insomnia, you’ll know first-hand how quickly your skin can seem to betray you. Dark circles, puffiness, dullness, fine lines – it’s all in the mirror the morning after. But what many people don’t realise is that the connection between sleep and skin goes far deeper than appearance alone.
At the Anti Wrinkle Clinic, we understand that looking refreshed starts with feeling refreshed, and nothing supports that more than quality sleep combined with intentional skin health practices.
The term “beauty sleep” exists for good reason. During deep sleep, your body enters a state of necessary repair. Cellular turnover increases, collagen production rises, and blood flow to the skin improves – giving you that healthy, natural, refreshed appearance we all want to wake up with.
On the other hand – when you’re sleep-deprived – cortisol levels spike. Cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) breaks down collagen and elastin, two of the key proteins that keep your skin smooth, plump, and firm. High cortisol can also lead to inflammation which may worsen conditions like acne or eczema, and contributing to puffiness and pigmentation under the eyes.
Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can accelerate skin aging and disrupt your skin’s natural circadian rhythm. This means that your skin won’t be performing that all-important night-time recovery process optimally, even if you do get back to a normal sleep schedule.
While sleep repairs your skin from within, your skincare routine supports and enhances that process externally – and the two meet in the middle. Before bed, your skin should be thoroughly cleansed to remove pollution, sweat, and makeup, which can all contribute to oxidative stress and clogged pores if left on overnight. After cleansing, applying a nourishing night-time routine helps restore hydration and deliver active ingredients (if needed) when your skin is most receptive.
Then, in the morning, your skin needs protection. A well-designed morning routine – including antioxidants and SPF – helps guard against environmental aggressors and UV damage throughout the day.
At the Anti Wrinkle Clinic, we take skin health seriously. That’s why Dr Yiannis has personally curated collections of skincare products on our store website, Anti Wrinkle Skincare, featuring his seven most trusted medical-grade brands. There, you’ll find thoughtfully selected products designed to support your skin both day and night. These products have been handpicked to complement the skin’s natural rhythms and are perfect additions to your skincare routines, especially if you’re serious about supporting your skin while you sleep.
No matter how dedicated you are to your skincare and sleep habits, there may still be times when your eyes tell a different story. Genetics, lifestyle, age, and yes – sleep – can all contribute to persistent dark circles, under-eye hollows, puffiness, and fine lines.
That’s where medical aesthetic treatments may come in handy.
Before we get into it, we’d like to make it clear that at our clinic, we never jump straight to aesthetic enhancements. Our philosophy is to prioritise skin health first, and appearance a close second. We believe that when your skin is nourished and functioning at its best, the results will naturally follow – and this is particularly true for the delicate eye area.
Polynucleotides: These regenerative injectables are ideal for patients with dull, dehydrated under-eyes. Polynucleotides stimulate cell repair, improve skin elasticity, and deeply hydrate the area – all without altering your natural anatomy. For anyone showing signs of fatigue due to poor sleep or stress, this is a fantastic first step to restore vitality.
Sunekos: This powerful amino acid and hyaluronic acid blend works particularly well for patients with under-eye bags and dark circles. Sunekos helps rebuild the ECM (extracellular matrix), improving skin quality and gradually reducing the appearance of tiredness. It’s ideal for patients who want a natural result over time, while addressing more than just pigmentation.
Viscoderm Hydrobooster: A unique treatment that combines deep hydration with a gentle smoothing effect, Viscoderm Hydrobooster is a great option for patients with dark circles and fine lines. It’s especially suited for those with sagging skin or who notice their eyes looking hollow and shadowed after a bad night’s sleep.
Dermal Fillers: For more significant hollowness under the eyes, especially in patients with volume loss, carefully placed tear trough filler can be life-changing. Tear trough treatment restores lost volume, supports the skin, and reduces the dark “trough” that casts a shadow under the eye. This results in a more rested and vibrant appearance – without looking “done.”
For patients looking to refresh their entire face, our Smooth & Shape package offers the perfect synergy. This signature treatment combines Anti-Wrinkle Injections in the upper face to soften expression lines, with Profhilo in the lower face to hydrate, firm, and remodel the skin at a deeper level. It’s ideal for patients who want an all-over pick-me-up after long-term stress, poor sleep, or general fatigue – at a special price when booked together.
Sleep is one of the most underestimated pillars of skin health. It’s free, it’s powerful, and it’s downright essential. But when life gets in the way – whether it’s a newborn baby, a demanding job, or simply stress – your skin doesn’t have to suffer in silence.
Whether you’re struggling with tired eyes, dullness, or skin that just isn’t bouncing back, Dr Yiannis is here to support you with a skin-first approach that’ll have people saying, "You look like you've slept for 10 hours straight – every night this week!"
Learn more about our 5 Step Journey and book your Face-to-face hour with Dr Yiannis for a truly different consultation process.
5 Step Journey