Polynucleotides for Dark Circles: What Really Works

In short: The skin under the eyes is particularly thin – and this is precisely where polynucleotides can come into play. They improve the quality and density of the eyelid skin, which can reduce a tired, shadowy appearance. Important for realistic expectations: polynucleotides are not a filler. They do not fill a tear trough with volume. For dark circles caused by thin, poor skin quality, they are very effective; for dark circles caused by pigment, blood vessels, or volume loss, other or complementary approaches are needed.

At alestetics® at Zurich HB: For the eye area, we use PolyPhil™; usually in 3 sessions. PolyPhil™ costs CHF 500 per ampoule here, the 3-session plan CHF 1’200. First, we measure your skin in the free AURA 3D skin analysis.

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Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common concerns — and one of the most misunderstood. Before we talk about polynucleotides, we need to briefly clarify what actually causes dark circles. Because what helps depends on that.

Why the eye area is a special case

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the entire face. It has fewer sebaceous glands, loses moisture more quickly, and becomes thinner and duller earlier over the years. What lies beneath it – vessels, shadows, the bony structure – therefore shows through more intensely.

This is precisely why the eye area reacts so sensitively and requires its own gentle approach.

Dark circles under the eyes don't have one cause, but several

To manage expectations, here's the breakdown. Dark circles are usually caused by a combination of:

• thinner, poor skin quality — the eyelid skin is pale and thin, shadows show through
• Pigment — brownish discolourations, often hereditary
• Vessels bluish-violet shadows through translucent blood vessels
• Structure and volume — a pronounced tear trough casts a shadow

No single procedure solves all four simultaneously. Those who understand this choose more precisely – and won't be disappointed.

What polynucleotides do for the under-eye area

Polynucleotides target the first cause: skin quality. They stimulate eyelid skin cells, improve thickness and elasticity, and add moisture. Thicker, well-hydrated skin lets underlying shadows show through less and looks fresher.

The study situation is interesting: In a randomised, double-blind, split-face study on the eye area, polynucleotides improved elasticity and moisture, and showed an advantage in skin roughness and pore formation – without severe side effects. Stated more formally: In the majority of cases studied, the skin quality of the eye area improved.

What polynucleotides do not do: they do not fill a deep tear trough with volume or fix pure pigment or vascular dark circles. They are not a filler — and are not meant to be.

PolyPhil™ Eye — the variant for the eye area

For this zone, there is a specific formula: PolyPhil™ Eye, specifically adapted for the delicate skin around the eyes. The goal is firmness and hydration for tired, thin eye areas — without the risks associated with fillers. We explain the difference to the other PolyPhil™ variants in PolyPhil vs. PolyPhil Next.

How the treatment proceeds

We apply PolyPhil™ Eye using the Vital Injector 2™ at a controlled, shallow depth – without wheals or micropapules. Because the skin itself is meant to do the work, a short course of treatment is usually recommended. Slight redness or swelling may occur in the short term, which subsides quickly.

First we check whether your dark circles are a skin-quality issue — or caused by pigment, vessels, or anatomy. That is what the free AURA 3D skin analysis is for. Read more on our Dark circles and eye bags page.

Read on

• Under-eye circles & bags – the overview
• PolyPhil vs. PolyPhil Next: which variant for which skin?
• What are polynucleotides?

Can polynucleotides help with dark circles under the eyes?

They help with dark circles caused by thin, sallow skin: polynucleotides improve the density and moisture of the eyelid skin, making shadows less visible. For pigment, vascular or volume-related causes, other or supplementary methods are needed.

Are polynucleotides under the eyes a filler?

No. Polynucleotides are a skin booster that improves skin quality. They do not fill tear troughs with volume or alter your features.

Which variant is used for the eyes?

For the delicate eye area, there is PolyPhil™ Eye, a specially adapted variant with a lower concentration. It targets firmness and hydration of the thin eyelid skin.

How many sessions are needed?

A course of several sessions is usually recommended, followed by occasional top-ups. The exact frequency depends on your skin condition.

Does the treatment hurt your eyes?

The treatment is performed with the Vital Injector 2™ at a shallow depth and is perceived as well-tolerated by most.