What causes dark circles and bags under the eyes? And more importantly, what are the best ways to get rid of them? Take a look at our tips on the subject!

What are the main causes of dark circles and bags under the eyes?

The skin around the eyes is about four times thinner than that of the rest of the face. As a result, many types of mark are clearly visible.

• Dark circles under the eyes are caused by poor circulation or an accumulation of lymph, the fluid responsible for draining the body's tissues. Vascular problems or the inability to eliminate superfluous pigments cause the skin to take on a bluish or brownish hue.
• Bags under the eyes are caused by excess water and fat due to poor lymphatic drainage or water retention.

Other factors affecting blood circulation or skin firmness can also cause dark circles and bags under the eyes. Here are a few:

• Fatigue;
• Poor lifestyle habits;
• Excessive alcohol consumption;
• Heredity;
• Sagging skin due to skin aging.

What are the different types of dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes can vary in colour and intensity, and their appearance can give clues to their underlying cause:

1. Blue circles: Bluish dark circles are often due to poor blood circulation.
2. Brown circles: Brownish circles are generally linked to hyperpigmentation. They may be more common in dark-skinned people and are often hereditary.
3. Red circles: Less common, red circles can appear due to inflammation or allergies.

What deficiencies cause dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, including iron, zinc and vitamin C. In fact, iron deficiency can reduce blood oxygenation, which can make the blood vessels under the skin more visible and give a darker hue to the skin under the eyes. Zinc deficiency can also disrupt cell regeneration and tissue repair, giving the skin a tired appearance. As for vitamin C, it plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis and helps combat skin aging. A vitamin C deficiency can therefore weaken the skin, making it more likely to show blood vessels and accentuate the appearance of dark circles. So, a diet richer in these nutrients is essential to help reduce dark circles.

What diseases cause dark circles under the eyes?

Several medical conditions can cause dark circles to appear under the eyes:

1. Anaemia, particularly that caused by iron deficiency;
2. Allergic reactions and environmental sensitivities;
3. Exhaustion and chronic lack of sleep;
4. Atopic dermatitis (eczema);
5. Hypothyroidism, a low level of thyroid hormones in the body;
6. Dehydration;
7. Kidney problems.

If you experience persistent dark circles and bags under your eyes, accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and obtain appropriate treatment.

What products are effective against dark circles under the eyes?

Add these targeted skincare products to your beauty arsenal to reduce dark circles and bags under your eyes:

• A serum with moisturizing and stimulating active ingredients, specially formulated for the eye contour area, to integrate into your skincare routine to amplify the effect of other products, or to use during a specific period for an intensive treatment.
• A daily moisturizer made with brightening ingredients and enriched with light-reflecting pigments that blurs dark circles under the eyes.
• Patches with decongestant properties for the eyes for those moments when you need a quick burst of radiance.

- Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream

- Omy Laboratories Reusable Eye Patches

- IDC Dermo Glowfix Reenergising & Illuminating Eye Cream

- Watier Luminessence Brightening & Cooling Eye Balm

Hyaluronic acid: Another valuable ingredient in the treatment of dark circles and bags

Hyaluronic acid is the perfect ally to provide an extra boost in the fight against dark circles and bags under the eyes. This naturally-occurring component plays an important role in skin hydration and firmness.

By incorporating products containing hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine, you benefit from its moisturizing properties, which help to maintain the skin's elasticity and fullness. This significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles by strengthening the skin barrier and increasing the skin's ability to retain water, which can also reduce under-eye bags.

Makeup: A camouflage operation to reduce dark circles

Of course, you can dip into your makeup bag to camouflage dark circles and bags and complement the action of your skincare products! Two essentials you can rely on:

• A concealer in a shade that matches your skin tone. Apply under the eyes in small, V-shaped strokes, then blend.
• A palette of concealers: Use yellow or orange to neutralize the shade of dark circles, then top it all off with a flesh colour.

- Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

- Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer

- Watier Portfolio Professional 4-In-1 Correctors

- NYX Professional Makeup Pro Stick Correcting Concealer

Our beauty team is here to help!

Enjoy personalized advice from our dermo-cosmetics specialists to find the best treatments and products to help you reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and contribute to luminous eyes.