Dark Circles Under Eyes: Causes and Treatment
Dark circles can be caused by a number of factors, including skin dehydration, a decline in collagen and elastin, and irritation from rubbing the skin. They appear as blue, purple or dark brown rings around the lower eyelids and on the skin around the eye sockets. Because under-eye skin is very delicate, it’s much more sensitive to both internal and external factors, and can easily manifest as dark circles or under-eye bags. While they’re common and oftentimes an inevitable result of genes or ageing skin, there are preventative measures and steps you can take to visibly minimise their appearance. Let’s break it down a little more.
MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DARK CIRCLES
Dark circles can be caused by both internal and external factors. A natural decline in collagen and elastin production as we age, skin dehydration, hyperpigmentation, allergies and facial volume loss; all these factors can contribute to dark pigment under the eyes.
COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN PRODUCTION
A decline in the production of collagen and elastin in the skin can lead to more pronounced dark circles. Vascular under eye circles are blue or purple in colour and are caused by thinning or loss of laxity under the eye.
AGEING SKIN
The natural ageing process can lead to under eye skin to become thinner, causing darkness under the eyes to become more pronounced.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Skin hydration is essential for promoting blood flow. If you skin lacks hydration it can appear on the skin as a lacklustre complexion and dark circles.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Pigmented dark circles are often brown or black, caused by excessive production of melanin under the skin. Hyperpigmentation under the eyes is more common in darker skin tones.
FACE STRUCTURE OR CHANGES TO VOLUME IN THE TEAR TROUGH
Changes to your facial volume, either through rapid weight loss or skin ageing, can cause under-eye circles to be more visible. These infraorbital dark circles are caused by an under eye contour depression, or sunken eyes that look like shadows under the eyes.
GENES AND SKIN TONE
Under eye circles can be genetic, and you might have inherited a natural predisposition to under-eye circles. One example being pale skin, which is more likely to have pronounced under-eye circles.
ALLERGIES
Allergies, especially hay fever, can affect the under-eye skin and lead to redness. This can be exacerbated if you’re rubbing or itching your eyes, as it can stretch the skin.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION
A dull, lacklustre complexion and dark circles under the eyes, as well as eye bags, can be caused by poor sleeping habits.
EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE
The main culprit behind uneven skin tone, which can include dark circles, is sun exposure. Any dark pigment can be more pronounced with unprotected exposure to UV rays.
RUBBING THE EYES OR USING HARSH PRODUCT ON THE EYES
The under-eye area is very delicate with lower elasticity compared to other parts of the face. Aggressively rubbing the eyes or using harsh products contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
HOW TO PREVENT DARK CIRCLES
While dark circles might not be prevented altogether, you can take preventative steps to both minmise their appearance as well as preventing them from being exacerbated. Here’s our tips to minimising dark under-eye circles.
1. BE GENTLE WITH YOUR SKIN
The skin under your eyes is very delicate, so be extra gentle with it. Apply skincare or cosmetics by gently patting the product under the eyes, and make sure to aggressively avoid rubbing your eyes.
2. USE SUN PROTECTION
Always use sun protection, including a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen, during the day to prevent sunspots and minimise the risk of dark circles worsening. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure in general, especially during peak-UV hours.
3. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
Make sure you're getting plenty of shut-eye; around 7-8 hours a night. This will support the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, which in turn keeps the skin revitalised and refreshed.
4. USE A COLD COMPRESS
If you're looking for a quick way to alleviate dark circles and puffy eyelids, consider using cold compresses or ice packs around the eye area to soothe dehydrated and tired skin.
5. INCORPORATE THE RIGHT SKINCARE ROUTINE
If you find your dark circles under the eyes are stubborn and hard to fade, look to skincare solutions. A daily skincare routine that combines active ingredients that offer skin brightening benefits and promote the skin cell renewal process can make a huge difference to your complexion and the appearance of dark circles.
WHAT SKINCARE PRODUCTS CAN HELP TREAT DARK CIRCLES?
SUNSCREEN
Sun exposure is one of the main culprits of worsening hyperpigmentation and dark circles, so sun protection is a must. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50+ every day to protect from harmful UV rays and environmental aggressors.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help brighten the skin while minimising exacerbating pigmentation. This ingredient helps neutralise damaging free radicals that contribute to dull skin and uneven skin tone.
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps with hyperpigmentation by targeting and inhibiting pigment cells to reduce the appearance of dark circles. This active ingredient soothes the skin while promoting the cell renewal cycle to support a more even skin tone, as well as help to reduce fine lines and visible signs of ageing.
MELASYL
For dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation, Melasyl, found in the Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum, is a new formula that both minimises the appearance of dark spots while also targeting them before they appear. Mela B3 is formulated to address various types of hyperpigmentation, revealing brighter, more even skin tone.
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