We have all experienced pesky dark circles under our eyes at some point in our lives. Whether due to sleepless nights, stress, or genetics, these under-eye shadows can be quite bothersome.
While dark circles are usually harmless, many people seek solutions to reduce their appearance for a fresher, more rejuvenated look.
But did you know that not all dark circles are the same? In fact, there are different types of under-eye dark circles, each with unique causes. From shades of purple and blue to deep browns or blacks, their appearance often depends on factors like skin tone and underlying issues.
In this blog, we’ll break down the causes of dark circles in simple terms and explain the different types.
Understanding Dark Circles: Anatomy of the Under Eye
Dark circles under the eyes refer to the skin beneath the eyes appearing darker than usual. These circles can range in colour from blue and purple to brown or black, depending on your natural skin tone. Dark circles can give the impression that you are tired or even make you look older than your actual age.
To understand the types and causes of dark circles, we first need to examine the anatomy of the undereye area. The skin in this region is thinner and more delicate compared to the rest of our faces. The layer of skin under our eyes also contains more pigment cells and fewer oil glands, making it more susceptible to dryness and photodamage (just think more fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation).
Causes of Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes are a common concern that can make you appear tired or aged. They are often caused by factors such as lack of sleep, genetics, dehydration, or allergies, which can affect the delicate skin around the eyes. Understanding the root causes can help in finding the right solution.
Age
As you age, your skin naturally becomes thinner and less elastic. This leads to a decrease in fat and collagen, making the blood vessels underneath more visible, which can cause the skin under your eyes to darken. Additionally, the appearance of hollow tear troughs can create a tired or aged look.
Fatigue
Both oversleeping and sleep deprivation can cause your skin to lose its vibrancy. When you don't get enough rest, blood vessels under the eyes become more noticeable, and fluid may accumulate, causing puffiness. This can create shadows around the eyes, making dark circles more prominent.
Allergies
Allergic reactions can trigger inflammation around the eyes, making them red, itchy, and swollen. Scratching or rubbing these areas may worsen the swelling and lead to broken blood vessels, contributing to the formation of dark circles.
Ocular Hypotensive Drugs
Certain medications used to treat conditions like glaucoma may cause dark circles as a side effect. These changes can appear months after starting the treatment and, in some cases, may be permanent.
Eyestrain
Staring at screens for long periods can strain your eyes, causing the blood vessels around your eyes to expand. This can result in dark circles due to the increased visibility of the blood vessels.
Dehydration
When your body lacks sufficient hydration, the skin under your eyes can appear dull and sunken, making dark circles more noticeable. This happens because the skin is so close to the bone beneath your eyes.
Sun Overexposure
Excessive sun exposure can lead to increased melanin production, resulting in hyperpigmentation around your eyes. This can cause dark circles to form as the skin around your eyes becomes darker.
Genetics
Genetics can play a significant role in the development of dark circles. If your family members have experienced dark circles, it is more likely that you may also develop them. These hereditary dark circles can appear early in life and may fluctuate in intensity over time.
Anaemia
Anaemia, a condition where the body lacks enough red blood cells, can cause your skin to appear paler and lead to the formation of dark circles under the eyes. Treating anaemia often helps reduce the appearance of these dark circles.
Lifestyle Factors
- Sleep deprivation: Lack of quality sleep can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to under-eye shadows.
- Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt normal blood circulation and exacerbate under-eye dark circles.
- Poor nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can contribute to skin discolouration and fatigue.
- Smoking and alcohol: These habits can compromise blood flow and contribute to under-eye darkness.
If you're wondering about how dark circle correctors can help in this area, you can explore more details on how dark circle correctors work?
Types of Dark Circles
Under-eye circles are usually characterised by changes in the colour or texture of the skin beneath the eyes, making them appear tired or sad. These should not be confused with eye bags, which are more about puffiness or swelling of the lower eyelid. There are several different types of dark circles. Let’s take a look.
1. Vascular Dark Circles
One of the leading causes of under-eye dark circles is poor blood circulation around the eye area, resulting in thinner skin, a lack of firmness, and dilated blood vessels. When these blood vessels expand, they become more visible through the translucent skin, giving the appearance of dark circles. These types of dark circles are called vascular dark circles.
Vascular dark circles appear as blue, pink, or purple discolouration under the eyes. Genetics, ageing, and lifestyle choices can all have an impact on the dilation of blood vessels, which causes them to peek through the skin and cause vascular dark circles.
2. Dark Circles From Melanin Pigmentation (Pigmented Dark Circles)
Pigmented dark circles are brown or black in colour and result from excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour. This condition, known as idiopathic hyperchromia of the orbital ring, happens when melanin builds up under the eyes. It can be influenced by factors like genetics, too much sun exposure, or certain medical conditions.
3. Indented Dark Circles
Indented dark circles, also known as sunken eyes, are characterised by a noticeable groove running from the tear duct to the cheek. This condition happens when the fat in the under-eye area decreases over time, often due to gravity and ageing. As the volume in the cheek area reduces, it creates a depression under the eyes, resulting in a hollow or indented appearance. These dark circles can appear in various shades depending on the skin tone and underlying causes.
4. Dark Circles From Loss of Collagen & Skin Elasticity
Collagen and elastin are essential proteins responsible for maintaining the strength and elasticity of our skin. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to thinner and more fragile under eye skin. The loss of collagen and elastin can make blood vessels and pigmentation more visible, resulting in the appearance of dark circles.
5. Dark Circles From Fluid Bags & Swelling
Ever wake up with puffy eyes? Fluid retention and swelling can contribute to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. When excess fluid accumulates around the eyes, it causes the skin to stretch and appear darker. Factors such as allergies, sinus congestion, a lack of sleep, and dietary habits can all contribute to fluid retention and cause these types of dark circles.
Conclusion
Several factors come together to cause different types of dark circles, including vascular dark circles and those brought on by lifestyle choices. These include genetics, blood vessel dilation, pigmentation, fluid retention, collagen loss, and lifestyle choices. Understanding the underlying mechanisms can help us figure out how to get rid of dark circles by taking the appropriate measures.
Practising good sleep hygiene, managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, protecting the skin from sun damage, and using specialised skincare products like eye serums for dark circles can all contribute to a brighter, more refreshed undereye area.
So let's embrace the science behind those shadows and take care of our eyes! Remember, you can consult me or my team of expert doctors for personalised advice if you have concerns about under-eye dark circles or other skin-related issues.
