Dark circles under the eyes: how to choose cosmetics for the delicate skin in the sensitive zone

Dark circles under the eyes are a common aesthetic flaw that makes the face look unhealthy and tired. They usually point to skin problems and genetic predispositions, and sometimes indicate the presence of an illness or fatigue. In this article we explain what problems circles in the orbital area signal and how to get rid of these imperfections with cosmetics.

What types of circles around the eyes are there

The word “bruise” is usually used as a synonym for the term “haematoma”, meaning an accumulation of blood resulting from tissue damage and the rupture of blood vessels. In the case of under-eye circles, however, the causes and appearance are different. First of all, the skin colour isn't always blue — you'll come across yellow, grey, brown, red and purple circles, because the shade depends on the type of dermis. Sometimes pigmentation in the orbital area indicates ethnic background; in people of Asian and African descent, for example, it is genetically determined.

Black circles under the eyes are often accompanied by bags (hernias) and puffiness. It's understandable, then, that people want to get rid of these unsightly symptoms. This can be achieved through an appropriate lifestyle, a balanced diet, dermatological treatments and the daily use of Green Pharm Cosmetic products.

Dark circles under the eyes: causes

Skin hyperpigmentation can be triggered by both internal and external factors: chronic diseases, poor sleep, smoking, fatigue, prolonged sun exposure. Besides the hereditary factor, the unnatural colouring of the dermis can be caused by several reasons.

Age-related changes

After the age of 35–40, the facial skin becomes thinner and gradually loses collagen, elasticity and its ability to regenerate. Capillaries and vessels become more visible, which leads to darkening of the areas around the eyes.

Fatigue and stress

The most common causes of dark circles under the eyes are fatigue, lack of sleep and stress. Poor sleep, a sedentary lifestyle and nervous tension impair blood circulation, which leads to fluid retention in the cells of the dermis. As a result, swelling appears on the eyelids, looking like dark patches.

Allergic reactions

In response to allergens, the body produces histamine, which causes blood vessels to dilate, making them far more visible. The result is itching, redness and swollen eyelids.

Dehydration

A lack of fluids in the body leads to dehydration, which makes the skin look dull, sharpens the facial features and also brings on dark grey circles under the eyes.

Excessive sun exposure

Active ultraviolet radiation has a negative effect on the condition of the cells in the subcutaneous fat layer, and on top of that the body starts producing an excess of melanin — the substance responsible for the colouring of the epidermis. This triggers the development of hyperpigmentation, so using high-SPF cosmetics is a mandatory part of daily care.

Bad habits

Very often, purple circles under the eyes are the result of overindulging in tobacco products, alcohol, fatty food, coffee and sweets. Such habits overload all of the body's systems, cause insomnia and lead to a weakened immune system.

Low-quality cosmetics

Some products contain aggressive ingredients that irritate the dermis and destroy its protective barrier. This risks the appearance of pigmentation and swelling, which in turn makes dark circles under the eyes more visible. That's why skincare and colour cosmetics should be chosen individually, according to the needs and characteristics of your skin.

Oxygen deficiency and poor environment

Polluted air and a lack of oxygen impair blood circulation, trigger venous blood stagnation and contribute to the body becoming intoxicated, which makes the vessels under the eyes more visible, since the skin there is very thin. The signs of dermal inflammation and circles in the eye area become more pronounced.

What illnesses can circles and swollen eyelids indicate

Aesthetic flaws aren't always caused by cosmetic problems or external factors — sometimes they are symptoms of certain illnesses. We explain what makes dark circles under the eyes appear and worsen.

First and foremost, these are diseases that trigger the appearance of dark circles on the eyelids. Among them:

• nephrotic syndrome;
• chronic and acute renal failure;
• allergic rhinitis;
• contact dermatitis;
• chronic hepatitis;
• liver cirrhosis;
• hypothyroidism;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• anaemia;
• diabetes;
• intoxication of the body.

To clarify the diagnosis, it's worth visiting a GP (and, if necessary, specialists such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist), having blood tests and undergoing diagnostics.

Dark circles under the eyes: how to get rid of the aesthetic flaw

First of all, it's worth normalising your daily routine and balancing your diet. Try to sleep no less than eight hours a night to kick-start the cell regeneration processes. Add foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to your menu: citrus fruits, fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, berries, seafood, nuts and herbs. This will improve the condition of your skin and, consequently, reduce the unsightly pigmentation around the orbital area.

Maintain your body's water balance: drink at least two litres of clean water a day, since dehydration triggers the appearance of circles. Keep your salt intake in check to prevent fluid retention and the formation of swelling. You can apply cold compresses to the eyes, gently massage the skin and do facial muscle exercises. Specialists advise limiting the use of gadgets, as well as taking a daily walk in the fresh air.

How to get rid of dark circles under the eyes with cosmetics

Usually, ugly dark circles are concealed with foundations and sunglasses, but this doesn't eliminate the problem. High-quality skincare cosmetics — gels, creams, serums, face masks — effectively help to fight the unwanted symptoms. Some saturate the dermis with beneficial nutrients, others reduce pigmentation, and some stimulate tissue regeneration. The composition of these products should include ingredients capable of retaining moisture in the skin cells, as well as ingredients such as:

• hyaluronic acid;
• caffeine;
• rutin;
• vitamins (C, E, A);
• ceramides;
• retinol;
• peptides.

Dark circles under the eyes can also be removed with special treatments such as mesotherapy, chemical peels, hyaluronic acid injections, RF lifting and laser therapy.

Effective Green Pharm Cosmetic products

Green Pharm Cosmetic produces effective natural cosmetics that efficiently eliminate skin problems while preserving its youth and beauty. The catalogue features the following products for dark circles under the eyes:

1. “Mesococktail Eye Cream”. Its delicate texture is suitable for mature skin prone to swelling and hyperpigmentation. The product effectively strengthens the thin skin around the eyes, removes “bags” and smooths expression lines. The composition includes active ingredients: a vitamin complex, panthenol, rutin, lymph-draining extracts, grape seed oil and shea butter.
2. Bioprotector Serum with pea proteins. A mild, fragrance-free product developed for the delicate epidermis around the eyes. It evens out the structure, removes swelling and reduces puffiness and dark circles.
3. SPF 50 Cream with a mattifying effect. This lightweight day fluid carefully protects against ultraviolet radiation and prevents facial skin from ageing. Active mineral ingredients absorb sebum and even out the structure. Vitamin E nourishes the cells and protects the dermis from free radicals, while hyaluronic acid moisturises. The cream can be used around the eyes.

All products undergo multi-stage testing and are certified in accordance with EU regulations.

Prevention: how to prevent dark circles under the eyes in women and men

The appearance of dark circles can be prevented by following a few simple recommendations:

• a healthy diet;
• a full night's rest;
• proper skincare.

It's worth giving up bad habits and using protective cosmetics with SPF 30+. It also won't hurt to add foods rich in iron and vitamin C to your diet (beef, spinach, buckwheat, citrus fruits). It's important to remember to stay hydrated (2 litres of water a day) and to limit your salt intake. A light daily facial massage will improve blood circulation, which in turn will reduce circles under the eyes, while green tea compresses will help regenerate and tone the vessels.