Ageing and skin discolouration aren’t the only factors contributing to dark circles. Read our guide to find out what can potentially trigger them, and how to attain a more refreshed appearance
Dark circles unmistakably signalour fast-paced lives—from sleepless nights to hereditary traits. The answer to the age-old question of ‘How to get rid of dark circles?’ lies in understanding the root cause. Not all under-eye dark circles are alike. Some result from y shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows that develop with age, while others arise from skin discolouration.
Here are the causes and effective tailored treatments for dark circles to brighten your under-eye area.
The Difference Between Pigmentation and Dark Circles
It's essential to distinguish between general dark circles and pigmented ones. General dark circles often appear as shadowy areas under the eyes, typically exacerbated by tiredness or prolonged illness. They are usually caused by thinning skin or blood vessels becoming visible. Pigmented dark circles, however, are more permanent discolouration and stem from melanin production or hyperpigmentation.
Common causes of the non-pigmented dark circles include genetics, ageing and lifestyle habits. Factors like sleep deprivation, dehydration, and dietary deficiencies can further darken the under-eye area. In contrast, pigmented dark circles are often influenced by excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes or certain medications, making them harder to treat.
Genetics: A Key Factor in Dark Circles
Genetics often plays a role in both the appearance and severity of dark circles. The thin skin around eyes can make blood vessels more visible, creating a darker appearance. For many individuals, dark circles are an inherited trait, due to increased melanin production in the periorbital area or a denser network of blood vessels in the under-eye area. .
Genetic predisposition to allergies can also contribute to dark circles. Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and swelling, increasing blood flow beneath the eyes, often resulting in darkened skin. This effect can be aggravated by environmental allergens or dietary triggers.
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Common causes of the non-pigmented dark circles include genetics, ageing and lifestyle habits. Factors like sleep deprivation, dehydration, and dietary deficiencies can further darken the under-eye area. Image: Pexels
How Sleep, Diet, and Stress Worsen Dark Circles
Lack of sleep, a poor diet, and high levels of stress are key factors in the worsening of dark circles. Sleep deprivation prevents the body from performing essential reparative functions, leading to dilated blood vessels that become visible under the thin skin of the eyes. This lack of rest can cause the skin to appear pale and translucent, making dark circles more prominent.
Similarly, an imbalanced diet lacking in essential nutrients like iron, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K weakens the blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of dark circles. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, thinning the skin and reducing collagen levels, thus exacerbating dark circles. Addressing these lifestyle factors is crucial to minimise their impact.
The Impact of Allergies, Dehydration, and Anaemia on Dark Circles
Allergies, dehydration, and anaemia can each play a significant role in the prominence of dark circles. Allergies often lead to itchy eyes and inflammation, prompting a histamine response that causes blood vessels to swell and darken the under-eye area. Dehydration, on the other hand, makes the skin drier and appear more sunken, particularly around the eyes. This further accentuates dark circles.
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Allergies, dehydration, and anaemia can each play a significant role in the prominence of dark circles. Image: Pexels
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Combatting dark circles effectively involves targeted skincare ingredients and making lifestyle changes. Image: Pexels
Anaemia, characterised by a lack of healthy red blood cells, deprives the skin of oxygen, leading to a pale, hollowed appearance that highlights dark circles. Managing these health conditions with medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the severity of dark circles.
Skincare Solutions for Dark Circles: Key Ingredients and Lifestyle Changes
Combatting dark circles effectively involves targeted skincare ingredients and making lifestyle changes. Ingredients like Vitamin C can brighten the skin and promote collagen production, strengthening the under-eye area. Retinol helps with cell turnover and can reduce pigmentation, making it ideal for those with darker skin under their eyes. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, diminishing the shadowy appearance of dark circles.
Alongside topical treatments, ensuring sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins, and managing stress through mindfulness or yoga can significantly improve results. Tackling dark circles with a combined approach yields more lasting and visible benefits.
Recommended Products to Combat Dark Circles
Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, Estée Lauder
Infused with powerful antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, this cream targets signs of ageing and fatigue, helping to diminish dark circles.
The Eye Concentrate, La Mer
A luxurious cream that harnesses the uses of La Mer’s Miracle Broth and lime tea to reduce the appearance of dark circles and unevenness.
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The Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex from Estée Lauder. Image: Instagram.com/harrods
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The luxurious Eye Concentrate from La Mer. Image: Instagram.com/harrods
R.N.A. Power Eye Cream Radical New Age, SK-II
Formulated with Pitera™ and RNArchitect Complex, this cream firms the skin up and reduces the appearance of fine lines and shadows under the eyes.
Magic Eye Rescue, Charlotte Tilbury
A nutrient-rich cream with winter daphne stem cell extract, botanic oils, and eye-brightening complexes, it is ideal for reducing puffiness and dark circles.
Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream, Shiseido
A rich, hydrating cream that combats wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness with hyaluronic acid and super bio-hyaluronic acid.
Incorporating these eye creams into your daily skincare routine can help effectually address dark circles, leaving your under-eye area brighter and more refreshed.
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