Dark Circles

The reasons

Not all dark circles are the same. There are different types of dark circles and many different causes. Unfortunately, only some of them are treatable. Here are some of the most common causes of dark circles:

1. Genetic disease. Let's start with the less good news. Some people just have a tendency to dark circles under the eyes, and this is inherited. People with dark skin types are also more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eyes.

2. Structural reason. Not all dark circles are caused by the skin itself. Structural differences (such as sunken eyes) and fat loss with age can create a dark tone under the eyes.

3. Exposure to the sun. Another reason is sun exposure! UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation, which results in dark spots, including around the eyes.

4. Vessels. Often, friction or eye strain can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to dilate, which creates a slight bluish shimmer under the eyes. If you suffer from allergies, you also know that histamines, which react to allergens, cause blood vessels to dilate, making your eyes look puffy and red.

5. Dehydration. Not drinking enough water or drinking too much salt and alcohol can make your skin look pale. The skin under the eyes can also become darker because it is located so close to the bones and blood vessels.

Care and advice

Don't despair if your dark rings are genetic. You probably won't get rid of them completely, but there are ways to minimize the factors that make them even darker.

The first thing you need to do is add sunscreen. Using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight will prevent hyperpigmentation. If you have a slightly darker skin tone, you should be especially careful as you are likely prone to melanin production. Use UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them.

A good anti-aging cream can help fight dark circles caused by skin aging. Supporting collagen production with retinol or peptide cream can also reduce wrinkles. The extra moisture around the eyes also makes the skin smooth. Eye creams containing hyaluronic acid or other water-retaining ingredients are a good choice.

If you know ahead of time that you're in for a long night, dark circles under your eyes can be expected, but there are a few quick tricks you can use to counteract this. The first is cooling patches. Place eye patches (gel-based is best) in the refrigerator and apply them for a cooling effect. Not only will this make you feel better, but it will also constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, making them less visible. A caffeinated skincare product will give the same boost, reduce inflammation and make your eyes less puffy.

Puffy eyes caused by fluid buildup on the face are very common, especially around the eyes. Try an extra pillow - the elevated position improves drainage.

When all else fails, concealer can do a good job of hiding dark circles. Liquid concealers work best because they don't flake or bleed around the eyes. Choose a concealer that is lighter than your skin to lighten the area a bit. To even out the bluish tint, choose a concealer with a pink or orange tint.