Top 6 Reasons You Have Dark Circles Under Your Eyes (especially if you have skin-of-color)

And 12 Things You Can Do About Them Now!

Dark circles under the eyes are major issues for those of us with dark skin. These persistent shadows not only affect our appearance but can also impact our confidence. Let's cover the top six reasons for our dark circles and what you (and I) can do about them.

Dark Under Eye Circles Reason 1: Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the appearance of dark circles. Some people inherit thinner skin or hyperpigmentation around the eyes, making the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible. This is particularly common in individuals with skin-of-color due to their skin's higher melanin content.

What to Do About It:

1. Use Concealers: Opt for a concealer that matches your skin tone to camouflage the darkness.
2. Skin care with Antioxidants: Incorporate skin care products with antioxidants like vitamin C to boost collagen production and strengthen the skin around your eyes.

Dark Under Eye Circles Reason 2: Hyperpigmentation

Excessive melanin production (which is more prevalent in individuals with skin-of-color), known as hyperpigmentation, can lead to dark circles. This can be triggered by factors such as too much sun exposure, inflammation, or hormonal changes.

What to Do About It:

1. Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days and even when you are inside sitting in front of your computer or staring at your phone screen.
2. Brightening Ingredients: Look for products containing ingredients such as niacinamide, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, betaine, and alpha arbutin to help fade pigmentation.

DO YOU WANT TO KEEP THE DARK CIRCLES UNDER YOUR EYES?
No, I Want to Reduce or Get Rid of the Dark Circles Under My Eyes!	Yes. I like them just the way they are.

 

Dark Under Eye Circles Reason 3: Thin Under-Eye Skin

The skin under the eyes is naturally thinner and more delicate. This can cause blood vessels to become more apparent, leading to the appearance of dark circles. People with light brown to very dark skin tones – particularly those of Asian and African decent - are predisposed to having dark under eye circles because genetically, we tend to have very thin skin beneath our eyes. This thin skin allows our veins to show more prominently, making the skin under our lower lids appear darker. 

What to Do About It:

1. Gentle Skin care: Be cautious while applying skin care products around the eyes, using gentle tapping motions.
2. Eye Creams: Incorporate an eye cream with hyaluronic acid or peptides to plump up the skin and improve its elasticity.

Dark Under Eye Circles Reason 4: Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices like inadequate sleep, poor diet, and dehydration can contribute to dark circles.

What to Do About It:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
2. Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids for skin health.

Dark Under Eye Circles Reason 5: Allergies and Nasal Congestion

Chronic allergies and nasal congestion can lead to venous congestion (fluid build-up) around the eyes, causing the area beneath the eyes to appear darker.

What to Do About It:

1. Allergy Management: Identify and manage allergens that trigger your symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
2. Nasal Decongestants: Use nasal decongestants or saline rinses to alleviate congestion and improve blood flow.

Dark Under Eye Circles Reason 6: Rubbing and Irritation

Frequent rubbing of the eyes or using harsh skin care products can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to dark circles. Melanin-rich skin will often respond to excessive rubbing or other attacks with an increase in pigmentation.

What to Do About It:

1. Hands Off: Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. If your eyes itch, dab with a clean tissue.
2. Hypoallergenic Products: Opt for gentle skin care products made for sensitive skin to minimize irritation.

Bottomline

Addressing the underlying causes of dark circles is essential for achieving a brighter and more refreshed under-eye area. Incorporate these tips into your skin care routine and lifestyle to minimize the appearance of dark circles.

Dark Under Eye Circle Eraser™ Vitamin C+ Serum contains a proprietary mixture of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Pomegranate Enzyme, Noni Fruit Extract, Pro-Vitamin B5, Allantoin, and Betaine to penetrate dark spots and gently reduce dark under eye circles, brighten skin, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

And, always… Love Your Brown Skin®

Please note – for the purpose of Skin Care: We use Black skin, Brown skin, and skin-of-color interchangeably when discussing people-of-color. When we use the term people-of-color, we intend to mean those whose skin tone is not White and who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Mediterranean, Pacific Islander, or of Middle Eastern descent.