Dark circles under your eyes? A dermatologist shares the solution

Cause of dark circles

There are several factors that can cause dark circles under your eyes, ranging from genetic predisposition to lifestyle factors. To apply the right treatment, it is important to identify the cause. Dermatologist Aamna Adel explains how to do this.

Adel has a large number of followers on TikTok, where she shares her skincare tips. As a dermatologist, she has the expertise to give good advice on a variety of skin problems, and in this case, she shares her tips against dark circles. Her tip for identifying the cause reads as follows: “Squeeze the skin under your eye for a while. If the darkness does not fade and just moves with the skin, it means you have too much pigment. On the other hand, if you pinch the skin and the pigment disappears, it means it is caused by visible blood vessels under your skin, and your dark circles are vascular.”

Treating excess pigment

Does the first cause seem to apply to you? Then the skin under your eyes probably produces too much pigment. To treat this, you can use products with ingredients that address this problem. For example, a serum with vitamin C, which helps lighten and brighten your skin, and reduce pigmentation. Niacinamide is also a good ingredient, as it lightens dark spots and improves the skin barrier. In addition, you can opt for retinoids, which stimulate cell renewal and collagen production, which can lighten pigmentation over time.

Vascular dark circles

If pinching the skin causes the dark circles to disappear, your dark circles are probably the result of visible blood vessels under the skin. These vascular dark circles are often caused by thin skin, poor circulation or fluid retention, which makes blood vessels more visible. “To treat this, use eye creams with ingredients such as vitamin K and caffeine,” Adel advises.

Vitamin K is known for its ability to strengthen blood vessel walls and reduce the visibility of vascular dark circles. Caffeine reduces swelling and constricts blood vessels, making them less visible.

Sun protection

In addition, Adel stresses the importance of using SPF and protecting your skin daily. “Whatever the cause of your dark circles under your eyes, it's important to make sure you wear an eye sunscreen. So many people forget to apply sunscreen under their eyes, but trust me, it's one of the best things you can do for your dark circles.”