Eyes are the windows to one’s soul — but what if the window panes are rusted and the ledge hanging off by a nail?
There’s nothing worse than pulling an all-nighter and ending up with huge dark circles under your eyes. And here’s a not-so-fun fact: there aren’t just one but four different types of dark circles that exist!
It’s true that everyone gets them, and dark under-eyes aren’t an uncommon phenomenon, but it still sucks to have your eyes be surrounded by darkness. Who wants to look like a panda all the time? No one, that’s who.
4 Types of Dark Circles
Although they look the same, not all dark circles are identical. They differ in pigmentation, color, depth, etc. Nevertheless, let’s get down to the four primary types of under eyes circles, their causes, and how you can treat them.
- Vascular Dark Circles
Vascular dark circles may seem like a bruise at first. This is due to their bluish, purple hue that pops out, especially if you have transparent skin. Plus, since the blood flow of your under-eyes is higher than the rest of your face, it becomes very obvious when insufficient oxygen is being transmitted into the bloodstream. This is what ultimately leads to the dark circles underneath. - Pigmented Dark Circles
The most common types of dark circles result from excess melanin production. Pigmented dark circles also tend to appear when a lot of friction has been applied to your eye area. A habit of rubbing your eyes or constantly getting itchy eyes due to allergies might also cause periorbital hyperpigmentation. - Structural Dark Circles
If you have a deeper set of eyes or natural eyebags, then structural dark circles are what you probably get. These take root as a result of aging and get worse when you put a lot of strain on your eyes. - Mixed Dark Circles
As the name suggests, mixed dark circles are a mixture of the above three causes. They can get worse due to unprotected sun exposure. However, they could also develop as a result of genetic imbalance.
What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles are a common concern in today’s society. You’re often left wondering why your under-eyes turn dark when you get 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis. But that’s not all that you need. Eyes are extremely sensitive, and so is the skin around them. Below are some of the top causes of dark circles in teens and adults alike:
- Dehydration
- Irregular Sleeping Pattern
- Insufficient Nutrient Intake
- Constantly Rubbing Eyes
- Genetics
- Sun Exposure
- Aging
- Inborn Allergies
- Stress
- Eye Strain
- Smoking and/or Drinking
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes
You’ve probably heard before that drinking water and sticking to a proper sleep schedule can completely eliminate your dark circles. However, as important as those steps are, they are not the only ways to soothe under-eye hyperpigmentation. Take a look at some of the following methods you can try to minimize your dark circles more safely and effectively:
- Eye Cream with SPF
- Dermal Fillers
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid Serums (for hyperpigmentation)
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Chemical Peels
- Skin Lightening Treatment
- Intense Light Pulsed Laser (IPL)
Conclusion
No matter what type of dark circles have rented the space under your eyes, they will not last forever. Nonetheless, if your under-eye circles are too dark and persistent, contact a professional for a skin evaluation.
Looking for classified dermatologists who care about you and your dermal health? Care Dermatology has you covered. We’ll make sure your skin looks and feels as flawless as you. You can also contact us at any of the following locations:
The Villages Clinic: (352)-218-3211
Fruitland Park Clinic: (352)-612-1722
Kissimmee Clinic: (407)-553-3979