Ever been shocked with what you see in the mirror? Under-eye dark circles that came out of nowhere? Uninvited misery. Under-eye dark circles are a common concern for many people, and understanding their causes is the first step toward finding effective solutions.
Dark under-eye circles can appear for various reasons, often revealing more than just a lack of sleep. Genetics can play a significant role (thanks mom and dad); if your parents had dark under-eye bags, chances are you might too. Here’s a look into why you have dark under-eye circles – and what to do about it.
Meet The Expert: Dr Cindy Kerbel is an associate at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, a dedicated practitioner with a passion for aesthetics, anti-ageing and regenerative medicine, including hair and intimate wellness.
What Causes Under-Eye Dark Circles?
“There’s a common misconception that dark circles are caused by just being tired. But really there are other factors involved. Those include prominent blood vessels, pigment or melanin under the eyes and hollow circles formed from the ageing process,” explains Dr Kerbel.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what causes dark under-eye circles:
- Ageing: As skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, blood vessels beneath the surface become more visible, leading to those shadowy rings.
- Vascular congestion: Vascular congestion refers to the pooling or accumulation of blood within blood vessels, often due to poor circulation. Additionally, factors such as ageing, allergies and fatigue can exacerbate vascular congestion, further intensifying the discolouration. The stagnation of blood in these vessels can lead to leaking of red blood cells into the surrounding tissue where they break down and leave behind pigment byproducts.
- Lifestyle factors: Stress and a poor diet can lead to dehydration, making shadows even more pronounced. Additionally, excessive sun exposure may increase melanin production in that delicate area.
- Fatigue: Long nights can leave an unwanted stamp on your peepers.
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Types Of Under-Eye Dark Circles
Brown Or Black Circles
Brown or black circles may indicate increased melanin production in the skin under the eyes. This may be genetic and can also be worsened by sun damage and ageing.
Blue Or Reddish Circles
Blue or Reddish circles may suggest a vascular cause like prominent blood vessels or vascular congestion. Allergies, poor sleep and stress can potentially worsen this appearance.
Purplish Circles
Purple under-eye circles. Here the origin may also be poor microcirculation and thinning of the overlying skin.
Treating Dark Circles
“There are a myriad of solutions for under eye dark circles, but they all depend on your specific concerns. Whether it’s from pigment, vascular issues or loss of volume, these can be discussed within your consultation process.” says Dr Kerbel.
Medical solutions for dark under-eye circles include:
- Chemical Peels: used to treat wrinkles, discoloured skin and scars — usually on the face.
- Dermal fillers: injections that plump up wrinkles and smooth lines on your face.
- Lipofilling: a procedure that uses your own body fat to replace the volume of the face.
- Stem cell rejuvenation: a procedure that uses patient’s own cells to regenerate new growth and heal damaged skin.
Nonsurgical procedures can almost instantaneously give you a fuller appearance, but still, they’re not without risk. “We all lose volume under our eyes as we age. To treat this sunken appearance, we can either use dermal fillers or lipofilling/stem cells. However, it is important to note that not everyone is a candidate for dermal fillers under the eyes,” says Dr Kerbel. Before deciding on any cosmetic procedures, speak with a doctor or derm.
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At-home solutions for dark under-eye circles include:
- Cold presses that can help the skin under your eyes
- Getting adequate sleep – eight hours and above!
- Less sun exposure and use more, good SPFs
- Drinking more water
- Elevating your head while sleeping
- A skincare routine that includes quality eye creams and concealers
- Eating a diet well-balanced in vitamins can also help with the skin’s overall appearance
Products To Try Expert Approved
AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum
This serum stimulates the skin’s natural process of rejuvenation by encouraging increased microcirculation, promoting firmness and targeting the appearance of dark circles.
Key Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Evening Primrose Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Grapefruit Extract and Lactic Acid.
ZO Intense Eye Crème
This cream minimises the signs of ageing around the eyes and smoothes the skin’s appearance and reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Mica and Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin E, Matrixyl 3000, MDI Complex, Lavendar and Phyllanthus Emlica Fruit Extract
Mesoestetic Age Element Brightening Eye Contour
Helps reduce the signs of fatigue and ageing while illuminating pigmented areas around the eye.
Key Ingredients: [Meso]epigen patented system, Vitamin C, Arginine and Hyaluronic Acid.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
This one helps reverse visible ageing caused by collagen decline and glycation (breakdown of collagen) in the delicate eye area.
Key Ingredients: Proxylane, Blueberry and Pomegranate Fruit Extract, Peptide, Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Caffeine
La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Eyes
This one regulates melanogenesis to help reduce dark brown under-eye circles. It also helps to decongest the eye contour in order to fight blue circles.
Key Ingredients: Ferulic Acid and Caffeine
Neostrata Intensive Eye Therapy
Formulated to prevent and correct all visible signs of ageing including puffiness, crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Apple Stem Cell Extract, Peptides, NeoGlucosamine, Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E
