Dark Circles Under Eyes: What They Are, Their Causes, and How to Get Rid of Them

Do you wonder why you have deep purple, dark brown, or even black circles under your eyes? Are you tired of struggling with them? Fortunately, there is a solution! In this article, you will learn not only how they occur, but also how you can prevent and get rid of them using specialized dark circle cream solutions. Read on for proper dark circles treatment tips to get your skin glowing again!

What Are Dark Circles Under Eyes?

In the case of under-eye dark circles, you may experience darkening of the area under the lower eyelids. The color can range from bluish or purple to brown or black. Dark circles under the eyes can affect individuals across all age groups and skin types, with a higher prevalence observed among the elderly, individuals with deeper skin tones, and those with a familial history of this condition.

Dark circles under the eyes, even if accompanied by bags, are primarily a cosmetic concern and not usually a sign of a serious medical condition1.


What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

This phenomenon is most often associated with lack of sleep, however, there are numerous other causes of discoloration of the skin under the eyes.


Fatigue

Sleep contributes to your health in many ways, and not getting enough rest can even lead to dark circles under your eyes. This could be because, without adequate sleep, the blood vessels under your eyes dilate and become more prominent, causing a bluish-purple tint under the lower eyelids due to the thin skin present in that area.

Insufficient sleep also affects circulation. Decreased blood flow can lead to a buildup of deoxygenated blood, which can darken the skin under the eyes. Similarly, poor circulation can even lead to bags, as fluid retention can cause puffiness and shadows.


Increased Melanin Production

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. When there is an overproduction or irregular distribution of melanin in the skin under the eyes, hyperpigmentation can occur, which manifests as darker spots or areas.


Genetic Factors

Some people have a genetic predisposition to produce more melanin in certain areas, including the skin under the eyes. If your family members have dark circles under their eyes, you are more likely to have them too, due to inherited traits.


Aging

Age is not directly related to the development of this situation, but over time the human body can undergo changes that can contribute to the development of darker spots or color changes in existing circles.

The following can contribute to this:

  • Thinning skin: One of the age-related changes is thinning of the skin, especially in the delicate eye area. Thinner skin makes blood vessels and underlying structures more visible, which can lead to discoloring.
  • Loss of fat and collagen: With time, there is a gradual loss of fat and collagen in the face. This may also enable further darkening of the area.

Lifestyle Factors

Factors such as unprotected sun exposure, an unbalanced diet, smoking, dehydration, and stress can directly or indirectly contribute to the development of dark circles.


Other Medical Conditions That Cause Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Allergies, hay fever, and eczema can lead to dark circles. When the body reacts to allergens, such as pollen or certain substances, it can initiate inflammation and histamine release, which may also dilate blood vessels, similar to fatigue2.


How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Now that you know what can cause this condition, let's look at the solutions you can use to prevent or eliminate it.


Lifestyle Changes

You’d be surprised how much difference simple lifestyle changes can make to your skin and its health. Here are a few:

  1. Get more sleep: Making sure you get enough shut-eye is super important! Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep (depending on your age and how active you are) to give your body the chance to do its thing, like improving circulation and keeping those under-eye circles at bay.
  2. Drink more water and less caffeine: Remember to drink plenty of water and cut back on caffeine. While a little pick-me-up from your favorite caffeinated beverage might feel good at the moment, if you're not staying hydrated, it can make your dark circles worse. So, sip on that H2O and let your skin thank you!
  3. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen: Don't forget to rock those shades and apply sunscreen, protecting the health of your skin, eyes, and surrounding areas from the sun's harmful rays (UVA and UVB). Check the UV forecast in the weather report before you go out and wear physical sun protection.
  4. Exercise: When you get moving and break a sweat, it boosts blood circulation, giving your skin a healthy glow and helping to reduce those under-eye shadows. So, lace up your sneakers and get active to say goodbye to those unwanted dark circles and hello to a refreshed, vibrant look!
  5. Cut down on smoking and drinking alcohol: These habits can contribute to less effective circulation and dehydration, which can make those under-eye circles more noticeable. So, consider giving your body a break from smoking and alcohol to help improve the overall appearance of your skin.
  6. Try to reduce stress levels at work: Take time to incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing exercises, taking short breaks throughout the day, or mindfulness. By managing stress, you can promote better sleep, improve your blood circulation, and ultimately help to get rid of those unwanted dark circles.
  7. Use of Eye Creams: The daily use of an eye cream can help you to rejuvenate your skin and find a youthful glow. When you want to take care of your undereye area, eye creams hydrate the skin and gives a firmer look. If the aim is to lessen the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines, eye creams can do wonders!

Eye Cream

LUMINOUS630 EVEN GLOW EYE SERUM is designed to tackle dark circles, with ingredients including caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, and LUMINOUS630 that help de-puff your eyes and reduce discoloration. You've tried everything and nothing has worked? Try this!

Apply the EVEN GLOW EYE SERUM 2 times a day. If you apply it in the evening, don’t forget to remove makeup before going to bed.


Benefits of Eye Creams

Use NIVEA LUMINOUS630 EVEN GLOW EYE SERUM and enjoy the following skincare and health benefits:

  • Visibly reduced dark-circles
  • Illuminated and youthful-looking eye-contour
  • Lightened dark circles
  • Depuffed tired eyes and smaller eye bags
  • Hydrated skin, reduced fine lines and wrinkles
  • Gentle on the skin and recommended for all skin types. Also suitable for sensitive skin.

How To Apply Eye Cream Properly?

  1. Apply on the skin: Apply on freshly cleansed skin in the morning and evening.
  2. Massage: Massage with an applicator on the eye-contour area until fully absorbed.
  3. More products: For optimal results, use in combination with LUMINOUS630® EVEN GLOW Day Fluid SPF50.
  4. Four times a day: Apply products with LUMINOUS630® maximum 4 times per day. Avoid direct eye contact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Circles

  • Are dark circles under the eyes temporary? Circles under the eyes can be temporary and might improve with the dark circles' treatment and overall care you give to your skin.
  • Can dark circles go away? Using the best eye cream for dark circles, you can reduce this condition's visibility for all skin types.
  • How long does it take for dark circles to go away? The duration to remove dark circles varies and depends on the individual’s overall health and the treatment approach.
  • What are the side effects of dark circles? Dark circles themselves do not have side effects, but not using the best treatment for dark circles or the best eye cream for dark circles to visibly reduce dark circles may cause reactions in sensitive skin types.