Dark circles look worse due to factors like lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, genetics, aging (thinning skin, hollows), allergies, sinus issues (congestion), too much screen time, rubbing eyes, alcohol/caffeine/salt intake, smoking, sun exposure, and certain medical conditions like anemia, all of which cause paleness, puffiness, or darker blood vessels to become more visible under the delicate eye skin.
Chronic sinus congestion restricts blood flow under the eyes, making them appear darker. Sinus issues often cause a buildup of pressure around the eyes, which worsens dark circles.
Dr. Sonia Batra, dermatologist and cohost of The Doctors, ``Darker or more olive-toned complexions, such as those of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern descent, can have higher concentrations of pigment (melanin) under the eyes, resulting in discoloration and shadows.
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Aging, genetics, fatigue and more can all cause dark circles under your eyes. But dark circles aren't usually a sign of a medical problem. While they're not typically a cause for concern, you may want to lighten their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
Self-care
Korean eye creams with ingredients like niacinamide, caffeine, and vitamin C effectively brighten and hydrate the under-eye area. Treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate results, reducing dark circles and puffiness for up to a year.
You may notice your dark circles more prominently in the morning because fluid can accumulate overnight. This causes puffiness that casts shadows under your eyes. Blood vessels may also dilate while you sleep, making the area appear darker.
Most people don't realise this: retinol around the eye area can actually make dark circles and pigmentation worse — especially in deeper skin tones. The under-eye skin is the thinnest on the entire face.
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According to research, dark circles are caused by kidney failure. Weak kidneys lead to dark, dry skin under the eyes and lack of vitality. There are many reasons for dark circles, such as excessive fatigue, staying up late, and an irregular lifestyle.
People from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian backgrounds commonly have darker pigmentation beneath the eyes. Genetics and ethnicity both play a role in the development of dark circles and how different skin tones react to light exposure or aging.
However, a diet that lacks a high level of healthy nutrients can contribute to your dark circles. In addition to the level of nutrients in your diet, the amount of food you eat can also impact whether you get dark circles. For example, undereating or overeating can both contribute to issues with your skin.
When you apply too close to the lash line, the cream migrates into your eyes, causing puffiness, irritation, and that dreaded "morning after" swollen look that makes dark circles appear worse. The Fix: Apply eye cream only to the orbital bone—that's the bony area around your eye socket.
The reason concealer alone cannot address dark circles is that it often creases and makes the issue much worse. Moisturizing and applying color corrector can help minimize the look of dark circles.
Generally, there are three main types:
This can include asthma, allergies, poor circulation, hormonal shifts, malnutrition, anemia and diseases that affect the liver or kidneys. Certain medications can also contribute to the appearance of darker skin beneath the eyes.
Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to give your body sufficient time to repair and revitalise the skin. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly raised can prevent fluid from accumulating under your eyes. This can reduce puffiness and dark circles.
The best non-whitening brighteners include vitamin C, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, arbutin, and licorice root. “These ingredients help decrease skin pigmentation over time, ultimately resulting in the lightening of the dark circles,” says Dr.
Vitamin K. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting and circulation. Topical application can improve blood flow in the under-eye area, reducing the pooling of blood that contributes to dark circles. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help in minimizing puffiness and discoloration.
Drinking an adequate amount of water promotes better blood flow, helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Skin Elasticity: Hydration is crucial for maintaining the skin's elasticity. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to sag, reducing the prominence of under-eye circles caused by skin laxity.
A search for “Vaseline under eyes” brings up thousands of people raving about this trick and several experts explaining how it works. You simply dab some onto the fragile skin under your eyes each night in place of eye cream to lock in moisture. The added hydration plumps up skin and can help reduce fine lines.
Depending on your skin colour and intensity of the dark circle you can use a red colour corrector or a peach one. Adding a few dots of the red colour corrector on top of the dark circle. Press it in with a small brush layer of camouflage all over the dark circle.