When talking to people about their skincare concerns, most of them will mention dark circles and puffy eyes. How or why can so many people be afflicted with the same skincare concern?

The term dark circles is a broad term used to describe many different problems associated with the delicate skin around the eye area. Some people will see a slight discoloration underneath the eye; others might see dark, deep purple rings under the eye. It might be bothersome, and others might not care at all.

Periorbital dark circles is the medical name given to these dark circles. 

The Importance of Sleep

The obvious cause of these circles is a lack of sleep. Beauty sleep is essential; it gives our bodies the ability to relax and repair any damage from the previous day. The causes of this damage can include pollution and skin-damaging free radicals. Although our beauty sleep is essential, it is not the only cause of the dark circles under our eyes.

Other Causes of dark under-eye circles:

Genetics

Sometimes our dark circles can be hereditary, so we may take a good look at our parents and hope for the best.

Deep Set Eyes

In some instances, dark circles can appear darker due to the thickness of the delicate skin around the eye area. Individuals who have deep-set eyes and thin skin under the eye area can’t do a lot about the appearance of their under-eye circles except to invest in eye care treatments that will work deep under the skin.

Ageing

As we get older and collagen production in the skin slows down. Hence, as we lose density in the skin, especially under the eye area. The thin blue veins can become visible, and the bone area can become more defined, leading us to the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Our skin also becomes thinner as we age. The tissue starts to break down around the eye area; this is where the discolouration begins to creep in, leading to dark under circles.

Weight Loss

If you have recently lost weight, your dark circles can become more pronounced.

Skin Type

Our dark circles can also be caused by “periorbital hyperpigmentation”. Here there is a darkening of the pigment under the eye area. It is more common in darker skin tones.

With so many different causes of pigmentation under the eye, it can make it very hard to prescribe the right product.

Treating Dark Circles:

Eye Creams and Gels

There are many products available to help treat under-eye pigmentation. 

Caffeine

Most eye creams and gels contain caffeine, which is the key ingredient when looking for results. It helps stimulate the blood vessels beneath the skin. 

One of the best caffeine gels to help reduce under-eye pigmentation is the Skinceuticals AOX+ Eye Gel; it uses caffeine and ascorbic acid to help effectively brighten around the eye area.

Vitamin C

When it comes to brightening the eye area, we want to focus on products that contain Vitamin C and Hydroquinone, and both these ingredients are pigment inhibitors. It is melanin that gives us the pigmentation under the eyes. These ingredients can control the rate of melanin in the skin. 

Top-selling eye creams to help combat this problem include Dermalogica Biolumin C Eye Cream & Image Ilumna Brightening Eye Cream

Each of these instantly helps to leave the eye area looking brighter and more refreshed.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that the information on our site is for information only. While we hope you find it helpful, it is not our intention for our articles to be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect you may have a health issue or wish to start using any treatment, please consult your pharmacist, doctor or contact us directly. You can get in touch with us by phone, email, online chat or text. We would be delighted to run through any concerns you may have.  Our goal is to deliver health directly to you - pleasantly and effectively. However, dPharmacy will not accept responsibility for any side effects or health damages from the use of products offered on this site.