Dark circles can make you look tired, stressed, or older than you actually are. But did you know that all dark circles are not the same? Understanding what kind you have is the key to discovering the right treatment.
Some dark circles are genetic, and others are caused by everyday habits like lack of sleep, dehydration, or too much sun.
With the right treatment, you can reduce their appearance and achieve brighter, healthier-looking under-eyes.
In this guide here, we will discuss the different types of dark circles, the causes of dark circles, and the best treatments for them.
Table of Contents
What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles form due to a number of factors. Some are superficial and can be treated by incorporating small lifestyle changes, while others require more targeted treatment. The most common causes are:
- Inadequate sleep :Inadequate sleep causes the skin to become pale and the veins under the eyes visible.
- Genetic :Some people are likely to have darker eye circles because of their skin color.
- Aging :We lose collagen and fat as we get older, so the under-eye area can look dark and hollow.
- Dehydration :When your body is dehydrated, your skin may become sunken and puffy-looking.
- Allergies : Itching your eyes from allergies will lead to darkening and irritation.
- Sun exposure :Too much sun can make your skin produce more melanin, which makes the under-eye area darker.
The 4 Main Types of Dark Circles and How to Cure Them
Pigmented Dark Circles (Brownish or Dark Spots)
How it looks: The skin under the eyes becomes brown or dark, especially under daylight.
Why it happens: Overproduction of melanin, normally due to exposure to the sun, heredity, or constant eye rubbing.
- How to cure it:
- Use brightening agents like vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide.
- Use sunscreen daily to prevent further darkening.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent irritation.
Vascular Dark Circles (Bluish or Purplish Color)
How it looks: The colour of the under-eye area is blue, purple, or pinkish.
Reason: Poor circulation, thin skin, or lack of sleep, making blood vessels more prominent.
How to treat it:
- Sleep properly to prevent blood accumulation under the eyes.
- Apply a cold compress to make the blood vessels tighten and reduce puffiness.
- Apply caffeine-loaded eye creams to improve circulation.
Structural Dark Circles (Hollow, Sunken Look)
The way it looks: The zone under the eyes is shadowed or deep-set, thus the dark circles can be easily seen.
Reason: Loss of fat or collagen due to aging, heredity, or loss of weight.
How to correct it:
Apply collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinol and peptides.
Hydrate and plump the skin using hyaluronic acid.
Employ fillers (if cleared by a dermatologist) for long-term volume maintenance.
Mixed Dark Circles (A Combination of the Above)
What it looks like: A mix of pigmentation, visibility of veins, and hollowness under the eyes.
Cause: Multiple factors, such as aging, lifestyle problems, and genetics.
How to treat it:
Multitask treatments: brightening products for pigmentation, cold compresses for vascular concerns, and collagen-boosting treatments for structural concerns.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good hydration, sleep, and skincare.
Additional Tips for Brighter Under-Eyes
Even without a treatment plan, these simple habits can help reduce dark circles:
- Hydrate : Drink plenty of water to keep your skin fresh and plump.
- Eat a healthy diet :Antioxidant-rich foods, vitamin C, and iron can enhance skin health.
- Get enough sleep : Go for 7–9 hours of good rest each night.
- Use an eye cream daily: Pick one with ingredients that tackle your specific type of dark circles.
- Avoid excessive screen time : Wearing out your eyes on screens for long stretches of time can cause eye strain and fatigue.
Dark circles may be infuriating, but the moment you discover their type and cause, you can receive proper treatment.
It may be through brightening agents, lifestyle changes, or emollient properties, but there is a solution to enable you to achieve newer and younger-looking under-eyes.
Photo | pexels
