Learn how dark circles camouflage works and get your main questions answered

The camouflage of dark circles is a technique that seeks to reduce the contrast of the dark circles with the skin, through the application of pigments on the epidermis, in the area around the eyes. To talk about the subject, Ludmila Cardoso, a reference in dermopigmentation in Brazil, and Mikelly Melo, a camouflage specialist, clarify some doubts. Check out!

What is dark circles camouflage and what is it used for?

The camouflage of dark circles is a technique that consists of applying a pigment to the skin below the eyes. The procedure neutralizes the dark tone of dark circles, improving the contrast of the region. Semi-definitive, the method has an average duration of 8 to 10 years (needing retouching).

Doubts about dark circles camouflage

The camouflage of dark circles can be a practical way to get rid of the dreaded blemishes around the eyes. However, how is it done and who can perform the procedure? Next, answer these questions and many others.

1. How is the camouflage of dark circles done?

The camouflage of dark circles is performed with equipment, pigments and tattoo needles, also known as dermograph devices. Many people still confuse camouflage with the process of tattooing the skin, but the techniques are completely different and have different results. “The way we implant the pigment, in a very light way, as a “shading”, linked to the application in the correct layer of the skin, has a totally imperceptible result, only neutralizing the dark tone, without staining or injuring the skin”, explains Ludmila .

Soon after identifying the type of dark circles, the professional applies an anesthetic ointment in the region to prevent the site from becoming painful. After 20 minutes, the dermopigmentador demarcates the area of ​​the spots that will receive the pigment. The procedure takes about an hour and, in some cases, more than one session is required.

2. Which professional can perform the procedure?

The procedure can be performed by an aesthetic tattoo artist or dermopigmentation, remembering that it is not a common tattoo. “Actually, we work with paramedic tattooing, like nipple reconstruction, stretch marks camouflage, dark circles, etc. In fact, not every tattoo artist is able to do camouflage, just as the camouflage artist is also not able to make drawings on their skin,” says Mikelly Melo.

Ludmilla Cardoso, owner of the Le Maquillage studio in Rio de Janeiro, explains that to understand how the technique works, the professional needs to know the difference between micropigmentation, dermopigmentation and tattooing. After all, this is the only way he will be safe in the application of the product, without making the dreaded mistakes such as stains on the skin.

3. How much does dark circles camouflage cost?

The values ​​vary according to the evaluation of each client. In addition, the price can also change from one professional to another, costing from R$ 800.00 to R$ 8,000.00.

4. How long does it last?

“The procedure has a permanent result, but we recommend retouching it within a minimum period of 2 years”, says Mikelly Melo.

5. Where to camouflage dark circles?

The technique can be performed in aesthetic clinics or dermopigmentation and tattoo studios. In the latter case, it is important to verify that the tattoo artist is certified to apply the method. Choosing a trained professional is essential for an effective and hassle-free procedure.

6. What are the care after the procedure?

After applying the technique, the patient cannot get sun on her face without using sunscreen and should avoid wearing makeup for the first 3 days. In addition, in some cases, it may be necessary to use ointments and a compress with boricated water and ice.

7. Does the application of the procedure cause any type of pain?

Mikelly Melo points out that if the technique is applied correctly, there is no risk of the patient feeling pain, especially because a topical anesthetic is used before the procedure.

8. What is the difference between tattooing and dark circles pigmentation?

Although both are camouflage techniques, they are not the same procedure. According to Mikelly Melo, the difference between the two is the place of application. In the tattoo of dark circles, the professional applies the procedure in the dermis, already in the pigmentation, the pigment is applied in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis.

Because it is something definitive, doctors and professionals do not recommend tattooing dark circles under the eyes, as skin color changes over time. Thus, due to the natural changes in coloring, the contrast between the region around the eyes and the face can reappear. In addition, the procedure can cause irreparable damage to eye health. In pigmentation, the professional uses a pigment that only affects the epidermis. This makes the result more natural.

Risks and Contraindications

Pregnant women, people with autoimmune diseases and those who are allergic to paraphenylenediamine (also known as PPD, a substance present in the inorganic pigments used in the procedure) should not camouflage dark circles.

Before the procedure, the patient must complete an anamnesis form and answer a questionnaire. “Only after filling out the form, can we then analyze possible allergies or keloids”, reiterates Mikely Melo.

Medical Opinion: Is the camouflage of dark circles safe?

According to dermatologist Renata Orlandi, graduated from USP, the camouflage of dark circles is not a safe procedure for the skin, as the area near the eyes is very sensitive. In addition to the risk of allergy to the pigment, the color of our skin changes over time, which can cause spots in the region.

“With time and exposure to the sun, the color of the pigment can change and removing the stain with a laser is quite complicated. Removing this stain is often more difficult than removing a tattoo,” says the doctor.

The doctor reinforces that, to get rid of dark circles, the best thing is to do a treatment and not camouflage. Thus, those who suffer from very dark spots around the eyes can opt for procedures such as laser, chemical peeling and filling with hyaluronic acid.

Although contradictory, the camouflage of dark circles is an option that has been used to eliminate dark spots under the eyes. However, before doing it, consult a dermatologist and make sure that the professional who will perform the procedure is really qualified. In case you prefer not to do the camouflage, how about taking a look at the filling of dark circles with hyaluronic acid? It is a safe, less invasive and very effective procedure.