Tired of being told you look older than your years? Or maybe you've noticed that your complexion has been looking a little more lacklustre? Chances are, those concerns may be due to the presence of dark circles under the eyes, which is also adorably known as “panda eyes”. While the comparison to a panda’s colouration may sound cute, the reality of it is that its presence can instantly add years to your face! While these dark under-eye circles, called periorbital hyperpigmentation, can be unsightly, they're typically harmless and not a sign of any medical condition. However, though it is nothing to be afraid of, it is still normal to be concerned over the dark circles under your eyes. In this article, we'll shed light on the types, causes, prevention and treatments to help you manage this pesky condition.
Types of Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes are not just black or brown as commonly perceived. There are various physical differences of the condition, indicating different causes based on the colouration and shape. Let’s take a look in the mirror and identify which type of dark eye circles you have.
Indented Dark Circles
If you have dark circles with grooves and indents that make you look tired and puffy, it is likely that you have indented dark eye circles. This particular dark-circle condition has various shades of colour and is not limited to the usual black and brown. Due to ageing and gravity, cheek fat loses its shape and volume, resulting in under-eye contour depression (sunken eyes).
Pigmented and Vascular Dark Circles
If your dark circles are brown or black, you likely have pigmented dark circles. This condition occurs when excessive melanin production darkens the under-eye area, making it appear darker than your natural skin tone.
Vascular dark circles, on the other hand, are caused by poor blood circulation in the delicate under-eye area, leading to thinner skin. Individuals with fair or pale skin are more likely to experience vascular dark circles, which can appear in shades of purple, pink or even blue.
What causes dark circles under eyes?
Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, often related to the ageing process. As we get older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and loses elasticity, allowing the underlying blood vessels to become more visible. This can result in a dark discoloration under the eyes. Genetics also plays a significant role in the development of dark circles under the eyes. If your family members have a history of dark circles, you may be more prone to experiencing them yourself.
Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on your skin health. Studies have shown that individuals who are sleep-deprived may develop darker under-eye circles in the morning. This is due to the dilation of blood vessels, which can make the under-eye area appear darker. It's essential to prioritise adequate rest and sleep to maintain a healthy complexion. Additionally, protecting your skin from sun exposure is crucial. For some individuals, excessive sun exposure can stimulate the production of melanin, leading to skin darkening. Sun damage can also weaken the skin, making dark circles more noticeable. By incorporating sun protection into your daily routine, you can help prevent skin damage and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
How to prevent dark eye circles?
Don't let dark circles bring you down! These pesky under-eye circles are often temporary and can be addressed with simple home remedies. Prioritise getting enough rest and sleep, aiming for at least 7 hours per night. Beauty experts and influencers often recommend using cold compresses, such as chilled spoons or cucumber slices, to reduce puffiness and soothe the under-eye area. The caffeine and antioxidants in cold tea bags can also help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
For a quick fix, try using a concealer and foundation that match your skin tone to effectively cover up dark circles. Remember to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen daily. Additionally, adopting a healthier lifestyle can help minimise the appearance of dark circles. Reduce stress, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and quit smoking to promote overall skin health and reduce the appearance of under-eye circles.
How to get rid of dark circles?
Don't worry if you already have dark circles. There are effective treatments available to help you address them. To effectively address dark circles, consider incorporating a targeted eye cream into your skincare routine. Look for eye creams that contain ingredients known for their brightening properties, such as vitamin C, retinol or vitamin K. These ingredients can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and improve the overall health and radiance of the under-eye area.
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Retinol
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, may promote collagen growth and reduce dark spots, resulting in smoother under-eye skin and a more even skin tone.
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Vitamin K
Vitamin K may help boost circulation, enhance skin flexibility and gently lighten dark areas, making it a suitable treatment for dark circles.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to increase collagen levels and may help brighten the skin, which can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
How about medical treatments for dark circles?
If the recommended treatment suggestion bears no fruit in redefining your under-eyes, it is recommended for you to visit your aesthetic practitioner. Not only will they be able to help address your concerns about the dark circles under your eyes, they may also offer professional advice and treatment to help ease the process.
Laser therapy is a popular option for addressing hyperpigmentation, including dark circles. This treatment works by targeting the discoloured area with laser energy, stimulating new skin cell growth. By heating the affected area, laser therapy promotes skin rejuvenation and can help lighten under-eye circles while also improving skin texture. This can leave you looking refreshed and younger.
Another effective option for treating dark circles is injectable fillers, also known as dermal fillers. These fillers, which often contain hyaluronic acid, can help smooth out the under-eye area, making dark circles less noticeable. By reducing the appearance of underlying muscles and blood vessels, injectable fillers can give your eyes a fuller, more youthful look.
Here at B+ Clinic, our dermal filler treatment is gentle and is a minimally invasive procedure. Our practitioner will guide you through the process, starting with a tailored personal consultation to the very last step of getting that lush and brighter skin. Enhance your appearance with these hyaluronic acid fillers designed to minimise wrinkles, restore facial fullness, especially brightening your dark circles underneath the eyes. Contact us today to find out how you can restore the radiance to your peepers!
