From there, the lymphatic tissue imbalance affects the pigment elimination system found under the skin, which intensifies the colour of the dark circles (hyperpigmentation). This deregulation of the lymph may also lead to water retention or excess fat, which explains the reason for any “bags” under the eyes. Considering that your skin under your eyes is up to four times thinner than on the rest of your body, the fact remains that these disturbances cause any of four types of dark circles to appear, which are hollow dark circles, full dark circles, dark or coloured circles, and mixed dark circles. Genetics, a poor lifestyle (alcohol, tobacco, fatigue, etc.), age and the face’s bone structure are also reasons for dark circles under your eyes.
What causes dark circles?
First of all, there are four types of dark circles: hollow dark circles, full dark circles, dark or coloured circles, and mixed circles. Distinguishing between these types of dark circles makes it possible to recommend specific interventions depending on their origin.
Hollow dark circles
These are caused by fat melting in the lower eyelid (such as from quick, significant weight loss) or the face’s aging. The recommended treatments include fat or hyaluronic acid injection (anti-wrinkle injections) in the dark circles and on the cheekbones.
Fill dark circles or “bags under the eyes”
In contrast to hollow dark circles, full dark circles are caused by water retention or excess fat on the lower eyelid due to poor blood circulation, a lymphatic tissue disruption, genetic factors or a poor lifestyle. The types of dark circles are better known as having “bags” under your eyes. In this case, healthcare professionals may recommend blepharoplasty (a surgical treatment on the eyelids).
Dark or coloured circles
This category of dark circles is well-known and common. They are characterized by the presence of hyperpigmentation due to poor blood circulation, deregulation of the lymphatic tissues, genetic factors, or a poor lifestyle. The colour of the dark circles depends on the cause. Bluish circles are due to very thin skin in the eyelids and the absence of subcutaneous fat. Red circles are explained by blood vessel dilation. Purple circles are from deep, pigmented spots. The recommended treatments are the laser, pulsed light sessions (photo rejuvenation), and peelings (chemical stimulation of the skin’s natural syntheses).
Mixed dark circles
Less common, mixed dark circles are both hollow and dark. Healthcare professionals first recommend injecting fat or hyaluronic acid, and secondly undergoing laser treatments, pulsed light sessions or peelings.
How are dark circles treated?
Several aesthetic medical techniques are practiced in order to eliminate or fade dark circles, such as HA (hyaluronic acid) injections, laser treatments, pulsed light sessions, etc. In addition, several products are available in pharmacies. However, aesthetic medial techniques are expensive and have their own set of risks, and many of the products found in pharmacies contain ingredients to avoid having in your body products.
Emu oil and dark circles
The moisturizing, healing and regenerative properties of emu oil make it a natural product of choice to reduce the appearance of hollow, full, dark or mixed dark circles. It is hypoallergenic and can be applied around the eyes, lips and even on the rest of the face. Non-comedogenic and qualified as a dry oil, it penetrates quickly and does not leave the skin oily. In addition, Émeu Charlevoix’sTM’s Eye Contour Serum, which was the third-place winner in the Top 3 Weekend Beauté 2014, accelerates cellular repair and helps reduce pronounced wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and bags under the eyes. This is thanks to its blend of active ingredients, including 100% pure emu oil, argan, avocado and sweet almond oils, Damask rose water and green tea extracts.
External sources, except for the last paragraph:
Passeport Santé, Wikipédia, Canal Vie