How to Identify Your Dark Circles: Pigmented, Vascular, or Structural?

“Dark circles”, one of the growing concerns of the current generation. Some experience them due to lack of sleep and some because of genetics; whatever may be the cause, everyone wants to get rid of them. Dark circles make people look tired, lifeless, and weak, affecting their overall confidence. While most individuals use makeup or colour correctors to hide these, they are not the ideal solutions. Consult a dermatologist for reliable, effective, and safe dark circle treatment options. Coming back to dark circles, understanding whether your dark circles are pigmented, vascular, or structural plays an important role. This blog is an ultimate guide for all individuals facing constant dark circles or pigmentation problems. It will walk you through how to identify your dark circles, what causes them, and how to treat them effectively.
To find something, first, we need to look carefully. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you identify dark circles and categorize them.

Take a mirror and observe

Grab a mirror or stand in front of one. We recommend you grab a hand mirror, as it will give you a more detailed look. Go to a place where the natural light is plentiful, as artificial lighting can cast shadows as it comes from one single source. Now, look at your dark circles closely and analyze:

• What color do they appear to be?
• Do they get better when I stretch my skin?
• Are they worse in the morning or evening?
• Have they always been there, or did they appear over time?

Make a note of important observations. Here is a detailed guide on what to look for, how to look for it, and where to look for it. We have made it easier for everybody by categorizing the signs based on the types.

Type 1: Pigmented Dark Circles (Brownish or Dark Spots)

How to Identify:

• Your under-eye area looks brown, dark, or uneven in color.
• The discoloration beneath the eye remains the same even while you stretch your skin.
• It doesn’t go away when you press or massage the area.
• This can occur if someone in your family line has suffered from it.

Why It Happens:

• Excess melanin production (hyperpigmentation): The skin under your eyes produces more pigment than usual.
• Sun exposure: UV rays trigger melanin, sometimes leading to darkness.
• Allergies and eye rubbing: Constantly rubbing the eyes or other allergies can lead to darkened skin over time.
• Hormonal changes or pregnancy: These can cause pigmentation to increase.
• Aging: As we age, accumulated sun damage can make pigmentation more obvious.

How to Treat Pigmented Dark Circles:

• Sunscreen: The first and most crucial step! Use SPF 30-50 sunscreen every morning to prevent them from worsening.
• Brightening ingredients: Consult a dermatologist for eye creams with vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, or licorice extract to help fight pigmentation.
• Exfoliation (if tolerated): Gentle exfoliation with AHAs like lactic acid will show significant results.
• Chemical Peels: Dermatologists may recommend glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid peels for treating dark circles with darker pigmentation.
• Laser Treatments: Doctors will use advanced lasers to target melanin and lighten the tone of stubborn dark circles.

Type 2: Vascular Dark Circles (Bluish, Purplish, or Reddish Tint)

How to Identify:

• Your under-eye area looks blue, purple, or reddish, depending on your skin tone.
• When you gently stretch the skin, the darkness fades or becomes less visible.
• It’s worse in the morning, when you’re tired, or after a long day.
• Your skin is thin and translucent, making blood vessels more visible.
• It might worsen due to poor circulation, lack of sleep, or dehydration.

Why It Happens:

• Thin skin around the eyes: The under-eye area is delicate, and as skin gets thinner with age, blood vessels become more visible.
• Poor blood circulation: If blood pools under the eyes, it can create a bluish tint.
• Lack of sleep: Sleep deprivation dilates blood vessels, making them look darker.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes veins more noticeable.
• Allergies and sinus issues: Swollen blood vessels due to congestion or allergies can worsen the appearance.

How to Treat Vascular Dark Circles:

• Cold Compress: Helps constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness. Use chilled spoons or an ice pack for a quick fix.
• Caffeine-based Eye Creams: Look for products with caffeine, which constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling.
• Hydration: Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily to prevent dehydration-related dark circles.
• Massage & Lymphatic Drainage: Gently massage the under-eye area with your ring finger or use a jade roller to improve circulation.
• Retinol-based Eye Creams: Retinol thickens the skin, making blood vessels less visible over time.
• Dermal Fillers (For Severe Cases): Hyaluronic acid fillers can plump up the under-eye area, reducing the visibility of blood vessels.

Type 3: Structural (Shadow Effect Due to Hollowness or Puffy Eyes)

How to Identify:

• You see a deep tear trough or sunken appearance under the eyes.
• The dark circles change with lighting—they look worse under direct light.
• If you tilt your head up, the shadows seem to disappear.
• Sometimes, the area looks puffy instead of hollow (this is due to fat pads shifting with age).
• It’s common as you age or if you have a naturally deep-set eye structure.

Why It Happens:

• Genetics: If your parents have deep-set eyes, you’re more likely to have this type of dark circle.
• Aging & Collagen Loss: As collagen and fat decline, the under-eye area becomes hollow, creating a shadow.
• Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can cause fat loss under the eyes, leading to sunken skin.
• Puffiness: Fluid retention or fat protrusion can create a contrast between puffy and hollow areas.

How to Treat Structural Dark Circles:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: The gold standard for hollow under-eyes. A dermatologist injects filler to smooth out the shadow.
• Plumping Eye Creams: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides help to hydrate and plump the skin.
• Good Sleep & Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back with an extra pillow can reduce morning puffiness.
• Surgical Options (For Severe Cases): In extreme cases, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can remove or reposition fat pads.

Final Step: What Type Do You Have?

Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

🟤 Pigmented (Brown) Dark Circles : Caused by melanin and sun damage, won’t change when you stretch the skin.

🔵 Vascular (Blue/Purple) Dark Circles : Caused by thin skin and visible blood vessels, fades when stretched or pressed.

⚫ Structural (Hollow/Shadow) Dark Circles : Caused by loss of fat or deep-set eyes, changes based on lighting and angles.

Conclusion

All in all, dark circles are quite a common skin condition, and many people have a combination of two or even all three types. While home remedies do help you better the condition, it is highly recommended that you consult a dermatologist for effective and safe treatment options. In case you are experiencing persistent dark circles, visit Dr. Health Care Clinic. We offer some of the most advanced and non-invasive dark circle treatment options for patients suffering from different kinds of dark circles.