When it’s not being touted as a bizarre Gen-Z TikTok trend, dark circles are generally a big skin concern for a lot of people. That said, they have never been a bigger concern than right now—shadowy peepers have been placed front-and-centre on faces everywhere with the widespread use of face masks, and it doesn’t seem like that is changing anytime soon.
Now, while a dab of concealer here and a playful eye makeup look is a good way to keep fellow humans distracted, it’s always nice to explore some more permanent options.
READ: At first sight: Dreamy eye makeup for masks
There are a few possible reasons behind your pesky dark circles (and, therefore, a few treatment options), and we’re delving right into them today:
1. Lack of sleep
Are you young, sprightly, and still suffering from dark circles? You might want to take a look at your sleep schedule. Lack of sleep (and generally poor sleeping habits, for that matter) cause two things to happen: Firstly, the blood vessels that lie under the very thin skin around your eyes dilate, which casts a generally darker tint around the area.
Secondly, your eyes will often puff up with a lack of sleep, which can accentuate the appearance of eyebags. These bags, in addition to being swollen and unsightly, also cast more shadows, making your dark circles look far more prominent.
The remedy? Get some more Zzz’s, you insomniacs! If that’s not a possibility, you could always opt for cold compresses or eye masks instead.
READ: The best eye patches and masks to revive tired, puffy eyes this holiday season
2. Ageing
Ageing is a fact of life. Unfortunately, this fact of life is a huge contributor to your big ol’ bags. In summary, as you age, your skin thins and your cheeks lose volume. Where do the first signs of ageing appear? You guessed it—around your eyes!
Similar to the case of sleep deprivation, the thinning skin means that all the pesky vessels that run under the eye become that much more prominent, while the loss of fatty tissue causes hollowing around the face, casting shadows and exacerbating the appearance of dark circles.
READ: Facial fillers: What to consider before getting your first filler
Sadly, there is no cure for ageing (if only), but there are options such as filler that can restore volume in the face to reduce shadows. Another top tip is to start your skin on retinol (the earlier the better). This hot-to-trot skincare buzzword is more than just a trend—it’s an effective active that works to stimulate collagen production, thickening the skin and improving tone.
TRY: Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
3. Genetics
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While there are a plethora of environmental factors that contribute to the development of dark circles, the culprit may also just be your own genetics. Your predetermined collagen levels and melanin production play a huge role in the development of dark circles—it’s why people with deeper skin tones tend to suffer the most with severe undereye circles.
READ: How to shade match foundation and concealer to deep skin tones
Further, your inherited bone structure might also be the cause of your circles, depending on how light is cast over your face. Alas, there is not much you can do about it, but aesthetic procedures like microneedling or even facial augmentation are always options!
4. Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
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Unfortunately, your tanning habits may have dire consequences—namely, the accumulation of pigment under your eyes, along with a healthy side of premature ageing. Need we explain more?
Your best bet here is to limit your sun exposure and to please, please make sure you have adequate SPF protection on a day-to-day basis. You could also probably stand to invest in a few brightening eye creams—we love the Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream.
READ: A guide to sunscreens for every skin type
Another top tip is to stop being so rough with your eyes. Rubbing the area excessively—be it to scratch and itch or to get your makeup off—is a surefire way to encourage inflammation and swelling. Just keep those mitts at bay.
5. Nutrition
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Greek Tragedy (Oliver Nelson TikTok Remix) – The Wombats
It’s not rocket science: If you’re dehydrated and malnourished, it’s going to show on your face. Keep on top of your 8 glasses of water a day and your balanced diet, and limit your booze and ciggies if you’d like to improve your undereye situation.
If you’ve tried it all and you’re still having no luck, concealer is your best friend!
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