How to combat dark eye circles on Black Skin
Let’s face it, dark circles give the impression that we’re either exhausted or stressed.
In some cases this may be true, it isn’t always the case. Discolouration around the eyes is very common for people of colour and like all our hyperpigmentation concerns, it can be challenging to treat. Unfortunately, dark skin under the eyes can be even more tricky to treat because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate when compared to anywhere else on the face.
But, there are things you can do to help improve the appearance of dark circles and treat the concern. It also starts with understanding the range of factors that could be causing the dark under-eye circles in the first instance.
WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR DARK CIRCLES?
There is no one cause for dark under-eye circles – especially on Black skin; but common causes include:
Poor Quality Sleep & Late Nights: Whether it is late evenings watching Netflix, general insomnia or working late in front of the laptop or the little ones not yet understanding it is impolite to wake people up at 4am; when you’re not getting enough sleep, there is weaker blood flow to the under eye meaning less nutrients to help brighten and plump the area.
Smoking: Nicotine alters your natural sleeping pattern and causes fluid to collect beneath the eyes. Nicotine also dehydrates the skin as the carbon monoxide deprives the skin of oxygen which can make the under eyes appear darker due to the thin skin.
Diet: It’s true when they say that nutrition is everything and eating excessive salt can cause puffiness and worsen inflammation in and around the eye area.
Allergies: Hayfever can be a contributor and also allergy to foods, dust, animals, mould or other irritants like perfume. How? The small veins under your eyes can become swollen, irritated and darker, as a result, creating dark circles and puffiness.
Illness: Conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or anemia can lead to discolouration around the eyes. In addition, Vitamin B deficiencies, like B6 and B12, can results in less circulation and less oxygen in your tissues.
Dehydration: When the body doesn’t have enough water and hydration, the skin around the eyes becomes dull and lacklustre, making your eyes appear sunken and darker overall.
Sun Exposure: Overexposure to UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation and it can also show underneath the eyes.
Skin Structure: How bones, muscles, arteries, veins and fat are set up inside the skin and skeleton can influence the colour around our eyes. As we age, the structure collapses and gets weaker further influencing the appearance of dark eye circles.
Genetics: Genetics can also be the cause of dark circles that can worsen as you age. Take a look at peopler in your family as dark circles can run through generations.
Incorrect Skincare: Using skincare products not designed for the delicate eye area or heavy handed techniques to remove eye makeup can cause inflammation or capillary damage around the eyes. Also, not moisturising and hydrating the eye area daily can cause dryness and dullness - encouraging dark circles.
TREATING DARK CIRCLES
Finally, the good news. As varied as the causes of dark circles are, there are also a variety of potential treatment options.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
Your daily skincare routine can help to improve the appearance of dark circles. Key ingredients to include in your routine are:
Vitamin C
Try Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, it will protect and strengthen the skin around the eyes and help to brighten the area overtime. We recommend trying these products:
Kojic Acid
As a melanin inhibitor, kojic acid reduces the melanin from developing and thus improving the appearance of dark circles.
Menscience Eye Rescue Formula is a professional grade eye treatment that aims to improve hyperpigmentation and puffiness around the eyes. It also includes coenzyme Q10, kojic acid, green tea and vitamin E.
Retinol
Stimulating renewal, retinoids encourage collagen production around the eye area, brightening the eyes and make dark circles less visible. We recommend trying:
Peptides
By improving the circulation around the eyes, peptides increase fibroblast (connective tissue) function which also helps to increase collagen and elastin production, improving blood supply and vibrancy.
Biossance Squalane and Peptide Eye Gel is both lightweight and hydrating, this gel targets puffiness and darkness around the eyes - great for morning and evening use.
Caffeine
Helping to breathe life into the under eyes, caffeine can help to narrow blood cells which helps to reduce the appearance of discolouration - try this selection.
IN-CLINIC TREATMENTS
Tear Trough Fillers: A type of dermal filler, they help to volumise and plump the area underneath the skin. Though, they aren’t for everyone - these fillers work best for people experiencing under eye shadowing from volume loss.
Thread Eye Lift and Micro-needling: To improve the skin quality underneath the eyes and helps to break up hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peels: To exfoliate and help remove old and dead pigmented skin cells. This will also brighten and firm the eye area because its stimulates collagen.
Laser: Also stimulate collagen to improve and increase skin density. Also laser is very good at breaking up excess melanin pigment for the body to metabolise and remove, not to mention smoothing and resurfacing the upper layer of skin.
However, do remember that a significant improvement is based on a combination of treatments and at-home routines.
AT-HOME TREATMENTS
Cold Compress: A simple and simultaneously relaxing treat, cold compresses help to reduce swelling, shrink any dilated blood vessels and reduce puffiness in the eye area. Use ice cubes insulated in a cloth, ice balls or a cold washcloth, place them over the eyes for at least 10 -15 minutes.
Adjust your lifestyle: Invest in your sleep and try to manage any stress levels and your diet. Over time you will see an improvement in your dark circles.
Dark circles are common and do cause a lot of frustration simply because there is no one magic cure. The solution lies in taking a multi-pronged approach to significantly improve their appearance.
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