Xanthelasma Under Eyes: A Guide to Their Cosmetic Appearance

Do you have soft, yellowish spots, often called cholesterol deposits, appearing under your eyes or on your eyelids? This common cosmetic concern is known as xanthelasma.

Xanthelasma Under Eyes And On Eyelids

Xanthelasma is a benign skin condition characterized by the formation of soft, yellowish plaques on or around the eyelids. These plaques are composed of cholesterol-laden cells that have accumulated within the dermal layers of the skin. While the plaques themselves are harmless to your skin, their appearance can be a source of cosmetic frustration as they can slowly grow and become more noticeable over time.

These deposits often appear symmetrically, affecting the skin under both eyes or on both eyelids, which is referred to as bilateral xanthelasma. It’s important to note that while xanthelasma is primarily a cosmetic issue, health organizations like the Mayo Clinic recommend a consultation with a healthcare professional as a first step. This is because the plaques can sometimes be associated with the body’s lipid profile, and a doctor can provide a complete picture of your overall health.

Xanthomas Under The Eye

You may hear the terms “xanthoma” and “xanthelasma” used, and the difference is quite simple. A xanthoma is the broad medical term for a deposit of cholesterol in the skin that can occur anywhere on the body. Xanthelasma is the specific name for xanthomas that appear on or under the eyelids. So, if you have these yellowish plaques around your eyes, you are dealing with xanthelasma, the most common type of cutaneous (skin-related) xanthoma.

Xanthelasma palpebrarum appearance under eyes

The term Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the full clinical name for these plaques (palpebrarum refers to the eyelid). Cosmetically, they present as soft, velvety, or sometimes slightly firm papules or plaques. Their color ranges from a pale cream to a distinct yellow or orange, and they most often form near the inner corner of the eye. While they are cosmetically bothersome, it’s crucial to separate the cosmetic goal of improving their appearance from the health goal of managing any potential underlying factors with your doctor.

Xanthelasma Under The Eye

Once you have consulted with a healthcare professional and addressed any recommendations they have, your focus can naturally shift to the cosmetic appearance of the xanthelasma under your eye. A common misconception is that if lifestyle changes are made, the existing plaques will fade away. This is typically not the case. Managing health factors is essential for your well-being but does not usually remove the plaques that have already formed. Their cosmetic appearance must be addressed separately with a dedicated solution.

Xanthelasma Under Eyes

For individuals seeking a non-surgical, at-home cosmetic option to improve the look of xanthelasma under the eyes, a professional-grade gel is the modern solution. This approach bypasses the need for more invasive clinical procedures and allows you to address the cosmetic concern with precision and convenience.

Cholesterol concentration in xanthelasma deposits

The distinct yellowish color of xanthelasma plaques is due to a high concentration of cholesterol-filled foam cells localized within the skin. Essentially, they are visible pockets of lipids. The goal of an effective cosmetic product, as detailed in research on PubMed Central, is to target these specific cells without damaging the surrounding healthy eyelid skin. This targeted action is key to achieving a clear and natural-looking result.

Even after any underlying causes are identified and managed with your doctor’s guidance, the plaques themselves will remain. To improve their appearance, you need a solution designed for the task. For those seeking a non-surgical cosmetic option, Xanthel® offers a convenient and effective at-home solution.

Xanthel ®, The Professional Cosmetic Gel for Xanthelasma

Experience a truly personalized cosmetic approach designed specifically for improving the appearance of xanthelasma. Xanthel ® is expertly formulated to deliver maximum cosmetic effectiveness.

Legal: This product is for cosmetic use only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Consult a healthcare professional regarding any skin condition.