Dark eye circles are shadows created by how light falls on the hollow areas under the eyes. This dark appearance and skin hollowness are caused by:
Ageing Volume Loss
Volume loss under the eyes forms a "tear trough," a depression under the eye which creates a shadow. Although ageing is a primary cause, some people have them as a natural deformity from a young age.
Skin Laxity
This occurs with ageing as the body's ability to produce new collagen decreases, weakening the skin's support network.
Smoking
Causes vascular problems and constricts the blood vessels. This results in poor circulation, making the blood vessels appear darker and more prominent.
Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep may create paler, more translucent skin, which illuminates the blood vessels under the eyes.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Excessive caffeine and alcohol will result in dehydration, causing blood vessels to become swollen.
Others
Nasal congestion and allergies may lead to inflammation and enlargement of the under-eye blood vessels.
Some dark eye circles are hereditary pigmentation. Overexposure to the sun and eye rubbing can cause melanin overproduction. Since our eye area has the thinnest skin compared to the rest of our body, the engorged blood vessels and discolouration can easily show. Poor nutrition can also worsen dark eye circles.
Due to their resilient genetic influence and multifactorial nature, dark eye circles and puffy eyelids are challenging to treat. If your dark eye circles are caused by hollowness rather than allergies or hereditary pigmentation, EyeArt® Method (Tear Trough Fillers) can effectively address these concerns.