“Panda eyes,” or dark circles, appear as discoloration or shadows under the lower eyelids. This can range from subtle darkening to purplish or brownish-black hues, sometimes with puffiness. Many individuals consider dark circles a cosmetic concern, as they can make a person appear tired, stressed, or older. These circles affect people of all ages.
Primary Causes of Dark Circles
The skin under the eyes is remarkably thin, allowing underlying blood vessels to show through as a bluish or purplish tint. As people age, this skin thins further, and supporting fat and collagen diminish, making vessels more noticeable.
Hyperpigmentation, an excess of melanin in the periorbital region, is another factor. This increased pigmentation can be a genetic predisposition, making some individuals, especially those with darker skin tones, prone to brownish discoloration. Sun exposure and inflammation can also trigger or worsen hyperpigmentation.
Volume loss and facial bone structure can create shadowing. As individuals age, or due to genetics, the under-eye area can lose fat and become hollowed, forming tear troughs. These depressions cast shadows, giving the illusion of dark circles.
Allergies and nasal congestion, often called “allergic shiners,” are also linked to dark circles. Allergic reactions can cause blood vessels around the eyes and nose to dilate and swell, making them more prominent under the thin skin. Genetics influence skin thickness, pigmentation, and facial anatomy, affecting susceptibility.
Factors That Worsen Their Appearance
Insufficient sleep and fatigue contribute to more pronounced dark circles. Lack of rest makes skin paler, making underlying blood vessels more visible. Sleep deprivation can also lead to fluid retention and puffiness, casting shadows that intensify darkness.
Dehydration can make under-eye skin appear dull and sunken. When the body lacks water, skin loses plumpness, causing blood vessels to become more apparent. Proper hydration helps minimize their visibility.
Dietary habits, especially high sodium intake, contribute to fluid retention around the eyes. This fluid buildup results in puffiness that creates shadows. Alcohol consumption can also lead to vasodilation, increasing under-eye discoloration.
Sun exposure is an environmental factor that worsens dark circles. UV radiation stimulates melanin production, leading to increased hyperpigmentation. UV rays can also damage collagen and elastin, thinning the skin and making it more susceptible to discoloration.
Chronic eye rubbing, whether from allergies, habit, or irritation, can cause microtrauma to delicate capillaries. This repeated friction can lead to inflammation, breakage of tiny blood vessels, and increased pigmentation.
Strategies for Addressing Dark Circles
Ensuring adequate sleep, typically 7-9 hours per night, can improve skin appearance and reduce puffiness and visible blood vessels. Consistent hydration by drinking sufficient water daily supports skin health and minimizes dullness. A balanced diet, low in processed foods and excessive sodium, can also reduce fluid retention contributing to under-eye puffiness.
Protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from sun exposure is beneficial. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) to the orbital area helps prevent increased melanin production and collagen damage.
Gentle eye care practices are important for minimizing the worsening of dark circles. Avoid harsh rubbing or pulling on the skin during makeup removal or skincare application to prevent irritation and damage to fragile capillaries.
For persistent or concerning dark circles, seeking professional advice is beneficial. A doctor or dermatologist can help rule out underlying medical conditions. They can also discuss advanced treatments to address specific types or severity of dark circles.