No more looking tired – these are the best treatments for bright, radiant eyes

Eyes don’t lie – at least mine certainly don’t. They clearly reveal when I haven’t slept enough or indulged in overly salty food the night before. The natural ageing process also becomes noticeable in the eye area first.

It’s no wonder – this is probably the most delicate zone of the face. The skin here is four times thinner than on the cheeks, contains hardly any sebaceous glands and very little fatty tissue, and is constantly in motion. Even the slightest fluid shifts or a weakened microcirculation are enough to cause shadows, fine lines, and puffiness. For the same reasons, the area is also particularly demanding to treat.

“Ageing around the eyes is multifactorial – ranging from skin quality and pigmentation changes to volume loss or oedema, it has very different causes,” explains dermatologist Dr. Juliane Habig. “This always has to be considered on an individual basis.”

That’s also why there is no single best method for everyone – instead, the trend is toward personalised, combined treatments.

Classic hyaluronic acid injections remain a cornerstone. Even though there is currently some restraint toward them, they are still an important tool. Their plumping effect is based on hyaluronic acid’s ability to bind water. For this reason, patients’ fears of the so-called “overfilled face syndrome” are not entirely unfounded. But, says plastic surgeon Dr. Stefan Hacker, “In most cases, too much hyaluronic acid or the wrong product was used. The result is a swollen, unnatural appearance. Less is often more.”

When used correctly, fillers such as Teosyal Puresense Redensity 2 by Teoxane can very precisely restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin quality. The treatment is carried out in a controlled manner, and results are visible after a short time.

“Around the eyes, especially light fillers that distribute well within the tissue are suitable. So-called skin boosters, a combination of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid with vitamins, amino …”

Injectable hyaluronic acid remains an important tool for softening fine lines and filling the tear trough.

acids, and antioxidants, improve skin quality,” adds Dr. Hacker. A new development is a hyaluronic acid
filler specifically designed for the eye area that is already pre-saturated with moisture and therefore
does not draw in additional water afterward. Injection materials that primarily focus on skin regeneration are also becoming increasingly popular. These include polynucleotides – tiny DNA fragments, usually derived from salmon. “They promote circulation, improve moisture retention, and stimulate the skin’s ability to repair itself,” explains dermatologist Dr. Ute Gleichmann. Especially for tired, thin, or crêpey skin around the eyes, they deliver impressive results. Unlike fillers, which create volume, or botulinum toxin, which relaxes muscles, polynucleotides such as PolyPhil Eye by Croma activate the skin from within. They strengthen microcirculation, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity, softening dark shadows, and leaving tissue firmer and more even.

DR. JULIANE HABIG, DERMATOLOGIST

The Munich-based specialist in aesthetic treatments is a MADAME expert and shares tips for beautiful skin on her YouTube channel Doktor Julie. She also supports healthy
skin with her streamlined and effective skincare line, Sensapur.

DR. STEFAN HACKER, PLASTIC SURGEON
The specialist physician focuses on facial and eyelid surgery, and practices in Wieselburg and Vienna. He
regularly participates in international conferences, completed his studies at the Medical University of Vienna, and is an expert on Teoxane.

DR. UTE GLEICHMANN, DERMATOLOGIST
The specialist in dermatology and venereology runs the private practice Skintura in Bad Oeynhausen. She is an expert in aesthetic medicine and works with Croma products to create individualised treatment concepts.

The vampire lift delivers visible freshness for dark under-eye circles.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma), known as the ‘vampire bags, surgical eyelid correction remains the method
lift’, is also enjoying a comeback. “Especially for tired skin or dark circles, PRP provides visible freshness
and a natural glow – without any foreign substances,” says Dr. Gleichmann. Plasma rich in growth factors
is extracted from a small amount of the patient’s own blood and injected to stimulate cell renewal and
collagen. This, combined with fractional CO₂ laser treatments or medical microneedling, is particularly
effective, as the controlled micro-injuries caused by lasers or needles stimulate new collagen formation.

“PRP can be used very well on the lower eyelid, as can fractional CO₂ laser or medical microneedling.
It’s just important to adjust the penetration depth to the thin skin,” emphasises Dr. Habig. However, not everything that tightens facial skin is suitable for the eye area. Radiofrequency, forexample, can be counterproductive. “The heat can lead to unintended fat loss and pigment disturbances,” warns Dr. Habig. Plasma pen treatments, once considered a non-invasive alternative to surgery, have also proven ineffective – the risks of pigment changes and prolonged healing times are too high. If there is significant excess skin on the upper eyelid, or if fat deposits cause puffiness or under-eye of choice. Lower eyelid surgery is now usually performed transconjunctivally – via the inside of the eyelid – without external scars and with minimal downtime.

Upper eyelid surgery leaves a fine scar in the eyelid crease, which fades after a few months. Botulinum toxin can also make the eye area look fresher and more rested – but dosage is key. “With targeted injections around the eyes and at the outer brow, you can relax certain muscle areas that pull the brow downward. This creates a subtle lifting effect – the upper lid appears more open, and the gaze looks more awake and refreshed,” says Dr. Gleichmann. Last but not least, healthy, bright eyes are essential for an alert appearance. Dry air, screen work, lack of sleep, or allergies can irritate the eyes and cause redness. “For long-term use, eye drops containing euphrasia, hyaluronic acid, or dexpanthenol are helpful – in the short term, for a few days, the active ingredient brimonidine can also be used,” explains Dr. Habig. In the end, it’s not about looking perfect – and certainly not “done” – but about looking present, and therefore more awake than one sometimes feels.