Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed stubborn dark circles under your eyes? While they may seem like just a cosmetic issue, these shadows can reveal much more about your lifestyle and health than you think.
Let’s explore just how and why dark eye circles form and, just as crucially, what you can do to reduce their appearance.
Poor sleep can cause the skin to become dull and pale, allowing underlying blood vessels to show more easily. It can also lead to fluid buildup, causing puffiness that casts shadows under the eyes.
Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Having a regular bedtime and limiting screen time before bed can also help.
As we age, our skin loses collagen and fat, especially around the eyes. This leads to thinning skin, making blood vessels and hollows more visible.
Tip: Use products with retinoids, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to support skin firmness and hydration.
When your body doesn’t get sufficient water, the skin under your eyes can look dull and sunken, creating the appearance of dark circles.
Tip: Maintain your hydration level throughout the day by drinking water and eating foods that are hydrating, such as fruits and vegetables.
Allergic reactions release histamines, which can dilate blood vessels and increase their visibility under the skin. Nasal congestion may also cause blood to pool in the area around the eyes.
Tip: Manage allergies with antihistamines, nasal rinses, or by limiting exposure to common allergens such as dust and pollen.
Low iron levels can lessen oxygen supply to tissues, leading to a pale appearance and more prominent under-eye discolouration.
Tip: A blood test can help confirm if anaemia is present. Dietary adjustments or supplements may be needed under medical supervision.
Excessive sun exposure triggers melanin production, which can lead to darkening of the under-eye skin, particularly in individuals prone to hyperpigmentation.
Tip: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, including around the eyes, and wear sunglasses for added protection.
Some people naturally have more pigmentation or thinner skin around the eyes. If your family members have dark circles, there’s a higher chance you may too.
Tip: While you can’t change your genes, consistent skincare and sun protection can help minimise their appearance.
Conditions such as eczema, thyroid disorders, or chronic fatigue syndrome can also lead to or worsen dark circles.
Tip: If dark circles persist despite lifestyle changes, see a doctor to rule out medical causes. At DermClear, we make sure to get a proper diagnosis and health history from patients before any treatment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions during consultations.
If you’ve tried the above-mentioned tips before or are simply looking for a comprehensive solution, it may be time to consider professional dark eye circle treatments.
Skinboosters deliver microinjections of hyaluronic acid directly into the under-eye area, hydrating the skin. This helps toimprove skin elasticity, smoothens fine lines, and gives tired, crepey skin a plumper, radiant appearance.
Fractional CO₂ laser therapy resurfaces the delicate under-eye skin by inducing controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. This process helps reduce dark pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture caused by sun damage, ageing, or skin laxity.
The treatment promotes even firm and bright under-eye skin, with gradual improvements in tone and texture after each laser session.
Dermal fillers can work to restore volume in the tear trough region, where hollowing often casts shadows that mimic or worsen dark eye circles. By carefully filling this area, dermal fillers smooth out the ridge between the lower eyelid and the cheek, softening the appearance of tiredness and rejuvenating the under-eye contour.
Dark circles under the eyes may seem like a minor concern, but they can impact your confidence and hint at underlying issues. Whether caused by lack of sleep, genetics, pigmentation, or ageing, the right approach begins with understanding its root cause.
At DermClear, we will assess your skin and identify effective treatments tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a gentle refresh or a more targeted solution, we’re here to guide you.
Book a consultation with DermClear today.
Our friendly team is looking forward to serving you. For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call the clinic directly.
