title: Effects of vitamin C on dark circles of the lower eyelids: quantitative evaluation using image analysis and echogram.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The pathogenesis of dark circles of the lower eyelid (DCLE) has been considered to involve stasis and hyperpigmentation of the eyelids. We have already reported that dermal thickness of lower eyelid skin may represent another factor that affects the appearance of DCLE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C, which is known to increase collagen, on DCLE through a clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen subjects with DCLE applied either 10% sodium ascorbate (ANa) or ascorbic acid glucoside (AG) lotion in split-face fashion (opposite side: vehicle only) for 6 months. Melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), thickness and echogenicity of the dermis at bilateral lower eyelids was measured during this trial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Change in EI was significantly smaller on the ANa-treated side than on the vehicle-treated side. Dermal thickness tended to be thicker for the ANa-treated side than for the vehicle-treated side, although no significant difference was seen. Both EI and dermal thickness tended to change in parallel manner. On the other hand, no significant differences in changes of EI, MI, and dermal thickness were found between AG- and vehicle-treated sides.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ANa may improve DCLE by thickening the eyelid dermis and concealing dark coloration due to congested blood.
authors.affiliation: POLA Chemical Industries Inc., Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Japan. ooshima@pola.co.jp
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohshima
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mizukoshi
authors.forename: Midori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oyobikawa
authors.forename: Katsuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Hirotsugu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takiwaki
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kanto
authors.forename: Masatoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Itoh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D001205:Ascorbic Acid