Some skincare concerns are more challenging to tackle than others, including dark circles. Most people want to minimize the appearance of dark circles because it creates a drab/tired complexion or can highlight an uneven skin tone.
What types of dark circles exist? There are different kinds of dark circles, and how you treat them can also vary. Sometimes discoloration under the eyes can be heightened due to lack of sleep or poor lifestyle habits like an unbalanced diet.
However, dark circles can be determined by genetics. Treating it is challenging because these dark circles are unlikely to go away as quickly as other dark circles. You may notice dark circles can vary by pigmentation and undertone.
You can adjust your lifestyle or skincare routine to treat and accommodate specific types of dark circles. For example, you may decide to invest in an eye cream with active ingredients, incorporate massage techniques, or apply a concealer.
With the natural, real skin movement growing, most people are learning to embrace their dark circles. Regardless of how you choose to care for your dark circles, you can still learn to identify the different types of this under-eye pigmentation.
What Are Dark Circles?
Have you noticed any discoloration underneath your eyes?
This is because the skin around our eyes is quite delicate, and any changes in our lifestyle can be displayed through dark circles. Also, dark circles can be a genetic trait that is challenging to manage.
According to Medical News Today, “these circles are rarely a cause for concern, but people may wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.” You may attempt to conceal or remedy dark circles to achieve a brighter and more even complexion.
Types Of Dark Circles
Everyone’s dark circles can look different. For example, some dark circles may appear blue or purple, while others are a deep brown. The color of your dark circles can signify what your body is experiencing, or your skin tone can determine it.
It’s possible that darker complexions can struggle with hyperpigmentation and have genetically prominent dark circles. Likewise, someone with a pale face can have dark circles that appear blue, purple, or translucent.
What are the main types of dark circles?
Blue Under Eyes/Vascular
Dark circles that appear blue or purple in tone can often be known as vascular dark circles. Vascular dark circles may also look pink or puffy, so their appearance can vary. These types of dark circles may indicate a lack of blood circulation.
We mentioned how the skin underneath our eyes is fragile, so any color changes can show that you need to increase circulation. Lack of circulation can occur for numerous reasons like aging, environment, or little movement.
Brown Under Eyes/Hyperpigmentation
What does it mean if your dark circles have a brownish hue? It’s crucial to rule out genetics before trying to eliminate any dark circles. However, brownish under-eye circles can indicate that hyperpigmentation or inflammation is present.
Constantly rubbing your eyes, developing an allergy, or irritating your eye area may cause them to look browner. Regardless if you struggle with dark circles or not, it’s essential to avoid adding friction or pressure around the eye area.
Dark Brown Under Eyes/Structural
Next, we have dark brown under eyes. These types of dark circles are usually the most prominent in aging skin. Also, these dark circles can appear darker because of bone structure, sagging skin, or even your complexion.
You may be able to prevent dark brown or structural dark circles by implementing anti-aging or a nourishing regimen to preserve your eye area. Again, some skin tones may have this shade of dark circles simply due to genetics.
Mixed
Finally, you may experience or witness multiple types of dark circles.
Our bodies and skin are bound to undergo numerous changes in our lifetime. Also, any signs of distress can show through the under eyes. You can have a mix of different dark circles.
These dark circles may be easier to treat if they are caused by factors besides genetics, like poor lifestyle habits. In addition, you can seek help from a dermatologist to create a customized routine to care for your dark circles.
What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles can be challenging to treat because too many factors can heighten their appearance. In addition, it’s the thinnest and most delicate area of the face that needs to be nourished with care to see any accurate results.
It can take up to one or more skin cycles and a consistent skincare routine to witness noticeable changes in your dark circles. So what factors can contribute to dark circles?
Genetics
Genetics plays a crucial role in dark circles. Most people can have dark circles because it’s a common trait that runs in their family. Also, some skin tones will have more prominent dark circles than others, but there is no genuine medical concern.
Reducing dark circles is often considered a cosmetic treatment to achieve a brighter complexion. However, you may be unable to eliminate these circles forever if your genetics cause them.
Lack Of Sleep
One common problem that can increase the look of dark under eyes is poor sleep. Sleep is vital for skin health and to function properly throughout the day. In addition, illnesses or symptoms of distress can be reduced by getting quality sleep every night.
The right amount of sleep can significantly brighten and rejuvenate the under eyes. You may also notice you will appear less puffy or swollen around the eyes with proper sleep. Another way to reduce puffy eyes is by sleeping slightly elevated.
Aging
Aging is inevitable and can cause your dark circles to become more noticeable.
In addition, a lack of skin elasticity or volume in the face can create a hollow appearance that can highlight your dark circles. Your bone structure can also provide an additional cast.
You can implement some techniques like massage or a skincare routine to prevent aging and dark circles. However, more effective treatments can include clinical services by a dermatologist or skin care professionals.
Hyperpigmentation
Next is hyperpigmentation. Some people struggle with hyperpigmentation more than others, which refers to the body’s melanin production. Hyperpigmentation can usually be treated by incorporating sun protection or antioxidants in your regimen.
Also, this sign can be more treatable than aging or genetics, especially if you receive professional treatments like chemical peels or laser services. Hyperpigmentation can come and go, so it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consistent routine.
You can consult a dermatologist on how to treat your under-eye hyperpigmentation.
Lifestyle
Your daily habits can heavily impact your skin even without realizing it.
We’ve covered how important sleep is to achieve an awakened under eye, but other factors play a role. For example, dehydration and a poor diet can create a lackluster skin tone.
You’ll want to ensure you eat a balanced diet and nutrient-rich foods to supplement the skin and drink enough water. Smoking can also heighten skin concerns like dark circles and make eliminating them more challenging.
How To Prevent Dark Circles
How can you prevent dark circles? First, it’s crucial to note you can implement multiple strategies into your daily life that can combat dark circles. However, they may not completely go away, but they can be less noticeable over time.
Regardless of your age or skin tone, you can try to prevent dark circles in numerous ways. The most accessible strategies include eating well and getting enough sleep. Some individuals may want to invest in clinical skincare treatments.
Sleep Well
Sleep can drastically change your skin, including your dark circles.
The Cleveland Clinic states, “poor sleeping habits cause the skin under your eyes to appear pale. Your blood vessels can easily show through your skin.” However, adequate sleep can ensure your skin can appear awakened and plump.
You can add an extra pillow to keep your body elevated during sleep. This technique can help reduce the eye puffiness by remaining elevated. Sleeping on your back can also prevent aging because you don’t tug around the skin.
Balanced Diet
You can apply as many topical treatments or skincare products as possible to eliminate dark circles, but they may not be as effective as eating well. Sometimes you’ll need to nourish the body from the inside to show a change in dark circles.
For example, staying hydrated and incorporating fruits and veggies into your diet can create a more youthful appearance. You can also cut back on eating processed foods to help the look of your dark circles.
Facials/Clinical Treatments
Multiple anti-aging rejuvenating treatments can potentially benefit your skin. Splurging on a few treatments can help keep hyperpigmentation at bay, which can be an excellent option for those willing to invest in clinical care.
Some popular services used to turn back the clock include chemical peels, laser treatments, botox, fillers, etc. However, always consult your doctor to determine the best service to target your dark circles.
Incorporate Antioxidants Into Your Skincare
Common household remedies include placing cucumber slices over the eyes to boost hydration. Cucumbers can contain antioxidants that can help your dark circles. A more beneficial strategy can be to use antioxidant serums.
Vitamin C is the most prevalent antioxidant serum that fights hyperpigmentation like dark circles. This generally well-tolerated ingredient can help create a more even and brighter complexion, including the under-eye area.
You can supplement antioxidant serums with SPF to lessen the appearance of dark circles.
How To Conceal Dark Circles
What can you do to conceal dark circles? Unfortunately, most preventive steps to reduce dark circles can take time to see any noticeable results. You can use makeup and skincare to conceal dark circles for an even complexion.
These techniques can be used daily and boost your confidence if you feel certain about your dark circles. However, when applying cosmetics, dark circles can also be used in your favor.
Concealer, tinted sunscreen, and eyeshadow can help reduce the look of dark circles.
Apply Concealer
The easiest way to camouflage dark circles is with concealers. A high-coverage and hydrating concealer can be applied to the under eyes to create an even skin tone. In addition, you can set the concealer in place with a powder for a budge-proof finish.
You can also apply a color-correcting concealer depending on the color of your dark circles. For example, a peach color corrector can neutralize purple or blue tones often associated with dark circles.
Use A Tinted SPF
How can you conceal dark circles without using makeup? More brands are diffusing the line between makeup and skincare and creating hybrid products. One valuable item that can be applied to hide dark circles is tinted sunscreen.
A tinted sunscreen offers coverage and a light veil of pigment to neutralize dark circles for an awakened effect. Sunscreen will also provide adequate protection against the sun, which can trigger aging, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Use Your Dark Circles As An Eyeshadow Base
Instead of hiding insecurities like dark circles, use them to your advantage. Dark circles act as a beautiful base for a smokey eyeshadow look. You can layer multiple brown or neutral shadows to create a dimensional eyeshadow look.
This technique is great because you don’t have to layer additional heavy concealers on the under eye, which can quickly look cakey or unflattering. Then, you can add a dot of concealer slightly below your eyeshadow for a clean and bright result.
Contact A Dermatologist
A dermatologist can suggest the best treatment for your dark circles. Not everyone will have the same dark circles, so the treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all. A skin care professional can tailor services and products to your skin’s needs.
You may be recommended a facial massage if your dark circles are blue and the face lacks circulation. Likewise, a dermatologist can suggest the right chemical peel to combat your under eye hyperpigmentation.
Can You Remove Or Eliminate Dark Circles Completely?
Dark circles are a common insecurity in most people. Brands and skincare companies advertise the ideal complexion and often don’t include dark circles. However, more people are choosing to embrace their natural skin.
We are often told we can eliminate dark circles to achieve a pristine skin tone, but that may not always be the case. While you may be able to minimize the appearance of dark circles, they can still be present permanently.
Certain factors may stop you from getting rid of dark circles altogether. Therefore, it’s crucial to manage skincare expectations because some factors that are caused by genetics or aging are often challenging to eliminate forever, including dark circles.
You can minimize their appearance or prevent them from worsening, but this pigmentation concern can still be present. This is why many individuals are choosing to celebrate their natural features!
Dark circles don’t have to hinder your idea of an even complexion.
Takeaway
Dark circles can vary in size, color, and pigmentation. The most common include blue/purple, brown, and dark brown circles. Your dark under eyes may tell you that you’re not getting adequate sleep or blood circulation.
In addition, dark circles can cause hyperpigmentation that can be more prominent in some skin tones than others. Aging and genetics also determine the appearance of dark circles and are more challenging to eliminate.
A quick fix to concealing dark circles is by applying concealer, color-correcting products, and skin care. You can minimize their appearance by seeking help from a dermatologist and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Related Articles
Dehydration Lines Under Eyes – Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated
Dupes For Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Under Eye Chemical Peels – Complete Guide
Eyeshadow Under Eyes – Do Or Don’t?
