What are Dark Circles and What Causes them

What are Dark Circles and What Causes them

When you don't get enough sleep, your body needs to produce more cortisol, which is a stress hormone that helps you stay awake. Increased cortisol levels can cause a noticeable increase in blood volume, making blood vessels more visible. That is why, after a late night out, your dark eye circles tend to appear substantially d

Lack of Sleep causes an increase in Cortisol.

Aging Skin

Aging skin is another reason that induces dark circles under the eyes. As we age, our skin loses elasticity as well as rate of regeneration. The skin under the eyes is very delicate and tender. When the elasticity is significantly lower it will thin out the skin. As a consequence, under-eye skin becomes more prone to environmental damage i.e., UV rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation and further darken the area.

Tips to reduce dark eye circles.

Bright and clear eyes without dark circles are paramount for a youthful appearance. Many people always look for dark circle treatment. While medical treatment can be effective it can be expensive too! There are some easy-to-follow tips that you can adhere to

Use UV protection such as sunscreen

Protection from UV rays i.e. the sun always comes first. For dark circles under eyes, sun exposure causes hyperpigmentation and skin aging which is detrimental to the delicate skin under the eyes. Use of quality sunscreen is always a good option to avoid sun exposure.

Impact of unprotected sun exposure

Hyperpigmentation is one of the major causes of dark circles. Dark circles due to sun exposure are often termed ‘UV-induced hyperpigmentation’. Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of our skin become darker which is truer for our eyes as the skin under the eyes is more delicate. Unprotected sun exposure stimulates the melanocytes in the skin which initiates UV-induced hyperpigmentation. Melanocytes produce melanin which in turn produces more pigment under the eyes. Eventually, this turns into dark circles.

Use of sunscreen

To prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation under the eyes, you should use high-quality sunscreen. To avoid irritating your eyes, use a stick or non-drip sunscreen and gently tap it on under your eyes with your ring finger during your morning regimen.

Use of sunscreen

Tap and massage the eye area to raise circulation.

For optimal results, take a few moments to gently massage your eye area while applying your eye cream. This can enhance circulation and bring a radiant glow to the area. It's important to be mindful of the delicate nature of your skin here. Use gentle tapping and pressing motions with your fingertips, being careful to avoid any tugging or pulling.

Adopting an eye massage routine.

Proper eye massage is one of the simple, easy-to-apply at home remedies that help reduce eye strain and effectively reduce dark circles. For eye massages, it's best to use your ring finger as it applies gentle and delicate pressure. When it comes to pressure points, apply pressure for 3 seconds at each point and continue with a gentle pumping motion. Continue the eye massage with gentle pressure for 5 to 7 minutes.

Skin is more delicate under the eye area.

Typically, the skin around your eyes, including the skin underneath your eyes, tends to be thinner compared to the skin on the rest of your face. According to research, the skin has less subcutaneous fat, fewer oil glands, and less collagen. As a result, it may appear drier and be more susceptible to developing dark circles. Caring for an area subject to so much depletion requires gentle daily cleansing and the application of replenishing formulations.

Using a suitable eye cream.

SK-II's SKINPOWER Eye Cream contains PITERA™ and Niacinamide to target signs of aging around the eye. This nourishing eye cream is filled with our multi-firm complex of PITERA™ and Niacinamide to target visible signs of aging around the eye. It hydrates to visibly smooth and firm delicate skin around the eye area while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Clinically proven to increase radiance and glow around the eyes in just 1 week.

Use a cleansing oil to remove eye makeup.

Pulling and tugging at stubborn eyeliner or mascara gradually irritates and damages the sensitive skin around the eyes, exacerbating dark circles. If you want your makeup removed quickly and easily without using any pressure, try using an oil cleanser. Gently remove all traces of makeup by tracing the area with the tips of your fingertips.

Minimise contact with eye area.

The delicate nature of the skin around your eyes makes it susceptible to damage or irritation even with the slightest pull. It's important to avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy. If you're experiencing allergies that are causing your eyes to itch or puff up, try splashing plenty of water to help clear out the fluid buildup and alleviate the discomfort. Always be careful and avoid touching it with your fingers.

Use a suitable under-eye product.

Research shows that the skin around your eyes is not only the thinnest skin on your face but on your entire body. With no subcutaneous fat to protect it, this area of your face is incredibly delicate—not to mention constantly moving and facing exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. It is extremely crucial to select the best eye cream for dark circles that is specifically designed for the delicate skin surrounding your eyes, as it has distinct needs. Face moisturizers and eye creams are not always interchangeable. Always read the product label and carefully choose formulas that are suitable for use around the eyes.

Facial Treatment Essence

Use PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence to hydrate your skin as part of your skin routine. A skincare powerhouse - containing over 90% PITERA™, this unique yeast-derived formulation improves surface cell turnover renewal and stimulates the skin's natural reproduction of Hyaluronic Acid and Natural Moisturizing Factors via skin barrier hydration, leaving your skin fundamentally healthy and youthful looking. It also addresses visible signs of aging and skin damage in just one step.

LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

Formulated with the highest concentrated PITERA™, SK-II’s signature ingredient condensed to its purest form, for 8X faster visible results. The LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream nourishes the eye area with intense hydration to firm and brighten skin. For skin the looks and feels supple, plump, and radiant. This is an excellent eye brightening cream that provides solutions for dark circles, fine lines & wrinkles as well as dryness.

To apply this, first cleanse your face and then use PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence to hydrate your skin. In the next step, apply moisturizer followed by the LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream.

PITERA™ Facial  Treatment Essence

PITERA™ Facial
Treatment Essence

0.

Address visible signs of aging and skin damage in just one step.

LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

1.

SKINPOWER Eye Cream

Our nourishing eye cream contains a multi-firm complex of PITERA™ and Niacinamide, specifically designed to address visible signs of aging around the eye. It effectively hydrates and nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to visibly smooth and firm the skin while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Experience a noticeable boost in radiance and glow around your eyes in as little as 1 week. It significantly decreases hyperpigmentation as it contains Niacinamide.

To apply this, first cleanse your face and then use PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence to hydrate your skin. In the next step, apply moisturizer followed by the SKINPOWER Eye Cream.

SKINPOWER Eye Cream

Final thoughts

Dark circles are a common occurrence for many individuals, appearing and disappearing over time.

These conditions can arise due to genetic factors or the stagnation of blood vessels, which occurs when blood flow slows down and accumulates in specific areas. Lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive sun exposure, or prolonged screen time can contribute to this. Typically, dark circles are just a natural part of the aging process. There's usually no need to worry about them. If the discoloration and swelling worsen or become bothersome, it would be a good idea to consult with a doctor or dermatologist.

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