Teen DS worried about under eye circles

[UsainDolt]

Hi
DS has always had shadows under his eyes. As he's got older they've turned more purple, and as he gets less sleep they get more prominent. And as he's turned more teen he's more concerned about them. He is paler skinned and on the slight side.
We've addressed more sleep and more hydration.
It's the first time he's shared an appearance problem with me and I'd love to be able to help him find a solution. Can you wise people please help?
Thanks.

[FortunesFave]

It's largely down to genetics OP...the skin under the eye is thinner and shows up what's underneath. In some people, the anatomy of the face also makes them more apparent...so if there's more of a 'dip' in the area, then it's easier to see it.

Topical retinoids can help. They thicken the skin and increase cell turnover. Another possible is using a serum with hyaluronic acid, in it.

That stimulates collagen and elastin and plumps the skin up a bit.

You can use both together.

[FortunesFave]

But mainly, try to build up his self confidence. Teens get so bogged down in what others think of them...when in reality, everyone else is thinking of their own issues!

What might help him grow more confident? How old is he and what does he enjoy or excel at?

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I struggled with this. Cut out salt. Good pillow.

I was a girl so used cover up. He can do this but will need EXCELLENT make up and a very honest advice. And try it during holidays, not school. Only if he's OK with it.

Looking back at pictures, it was obvious to me but not actually. So confidence is important. If you can very very subtly get a candid photo and see if they are actually an issue, and show him they're not, it might help.

[Catsup]

If its athestic vs medical have a look at 'War Paint', it's a male based range of makeup (featured on Dragons Den). He might feel more inclined to use it vs a female branded product. Tbh I think young men are often more confident to access enhancing products than ever before? Dd's partner works in construction and has his brows threaded as part of his Turkish barbers visit, no one takes the piss because half his mates get it done too 😁

[Userzzz]

Hi OP, bags under eyes could indicate a thyroid issue. My sister had this as a teen.

[Aquamarine1029]

You say he's slight, is he getting proper nutrition? How is his diet? Low iron can cause dark circles under the eyes. Does he have allergies?

[LiveintheNow]

I would check for coeliac disease and thyroid problems. Any family history of autoimmune diseases?

[PinkyPinkerton]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

In terms of his build, he's very sporty so muscly and fit but no body fat.
He eats a good and varied diet.
No family history of any autoimmune issues.
Will explore the thyroid thing a bit further.
Will also look into the makeup.

[MellowMelly]

I know how he feels. My dark circles are mainly genetic and worse with lack of sleep and before my period. Firstly I did see my GP to rule out any underlying health issues and I was slightly low in zinc so taking some zinc tablets has helped.

In regards to the make up if he chooses that route,
I learnt recently that you need to look at the veins on the underside of your forearm. If they look blue/purple, you're cool-toned. If green, you're warm-toned. If you have trouble telling, you probably lean towards neutral. Using this key and a little help from google I worked out I had cool tones so needed a concealer with pink tones in it.
This is really helpful because if you pick the right colour concealer you need less of it on which will be immensely helpful to your son if he doesn’t want anyone to know he is wearing makeup.
Anyway, I now use a beautiful little lightweight serum from The Ordinary which I’ve matched with my skin tone using the above advice. You wouldn’t even know I had it on!

[H1978]

Genetics definitely play a huge part. I’m of indian origin so my dark circles are very pronounced. My dad and sister have them too. They are both anaemic but my iron levels always come out okay. I am, however, an insomniac so that probably contributes to it. It does affect your confidence but

I’ve learnt to accept them as when I’ve tried to cover them with makeup in the past it’s just made them grey and ashy. I’m pretty rubbish at makeup despite looking at hundreds of tutorials

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

Once you have ruled out the medical reasons highlighted by pp try the ordinary caffiene stuff, seems to work for me.

[WeAllHaveWings]

Ds used to have horrendous black circles under his eyes which used to concern us and him as an early teen, we tried multivits etc but nothing seemed to make a difference.

He is nearly 17 now and they have gone, not sure if it is just because his skin has changed or if he is eating /sleeping/exercising/outdoors better. Can't actually remember when they disappeared, probably in the last year or so.

[PinkyPinkerton]

Thanks again for the replies.