A recent article published in Dermatologic Therapy stated that periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a common dermatological condition that presents as dark periorbital area beneath the lower eyelids. It usually occurs in females belonging to the age group of 16-45 years. 

This article presented a review that included studies conducted on patients with a clinical/histological diagnosis of POH or melasma. 

The findings revealed that multiple topical depigmenting agents comprising an array of naturally obtained actives, such as – arabinoxylans, α-arbutin, asiaticoside, azelaic acid, beta-carotene, boswellic acid, caffeine, chrysin, curcumin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, d-glucoronic acid, dihydrochalcone, dipalmitoyl-hydroxyprolene, fucoxanthin, genistein, glabridin, b-glucogallin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lycopene, niacinamide, pycnogenol, retinol, salidroside and xymenynic acid, have demonstrated significant benefits in the management of POH. In addition, other techniques such as blepharoplasty, carboxytherapy, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, tear trough implant, Q-switched ruby laser, medicated tattoo, fat transfer, micro-needling, chemical peels, nitrogen plasma skin regeneration, intense pulsed light, and radiofrequency have reported benefits in attenuating POH. 

The use of topical depigmenting agents is the most widely reported method in the clinical management of POH—with significant benefits from – α-arbutin, caffeine, cyanidin-3-glucoside and dihydrochalcone. Furthermore, combination products are said to be more efficacious than single active containing products.  

Source: Dermatologic Therapy.2020 Jul;33(4):e13717. doi: 10.1111/dth.13717.