Under-eye circles can be caused by a variety of different factors, and, unless you know exactly what is causing yours, you will have a much harder time trying to eradicate them. Fortunately, by paying close attention to the type of circles that commonly appear under your eyes, you will be able to pinpoint their cause, and therefore use the most effective ingredients and products to treat them.
Blue Circles
Under-eye circles that have quite a blue tinge can usually be attributed to lifestyle factors, giving you much more control when it comes to clearing them. From a lack of sleep to an increase in stress, you need to work out which part of your lifestyle is causing these circles so that you can then work to improve them. An eye cream that contains caffeine may also help with this, as caffeine is able to perk up the skin and drastically improve micro-circulation, which can really minimize their appearance.
Violet, Red and Brown Circles
If your under-eye circles have a violet, red or brown tinge to them, then they are likely to be caused by genetics or aging, and are usually the effect of blood vessels becoming more visible through the skin around the eyes. Those with fair skin are more prone to this, as their skin is usually quite translucent, while those that have experienced thinning skin due to aging will also experience this. An eye cream that contains retinol is one of the best ways to plump up the skin in this area, as retinol will boost the production of collagen in your body, something that naturally slows down with age, therefore thickening the skin and hiding your blood vessels. If you have noticed that your crow’s feet seem to be making your circles even more obvious, then opt for an eye cream that also contains hyaluronic acid, as this will hydrate your skin and mask any fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the area around your eyes much smoother and clearer.
Dark and Shadowed Circles
Dark and shadowy circles are not actually caused by discoloration, and instead come about due to a loss of facial volume, which causes a small rift between the cheek pads and the eyes. Unfortunately, topical creams will not be able to help with this loss of fat, but your dermatologist may be able to recommend dermal fillers that will be able to immediately replace this lost volume.
Brown and Black Circles
Brown and black under-eye circles are commonly caused by either genetics or sun damage, and while this affects just about every skin tone, those with darker skin are usually more susceptible to these. Creams that contain antioxidants will help to diminish your circles if they have been caused by sun damage, as the antioxidants will help to reverse this, and repair your skin. If your circles are caused by genetic hyperpigmentation, a lightening agent, such as hydroquinone, may be what you need.
If you have been fighting your under-eye circles unsuccessfully for a while now, it is possible that you misidentified their cause. By studying your circles carefully, and working out exactly what causes them, you will be able to clear them away much more effectively, bringing about a bright and healthy complexion in no time at all.
