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No one likes hearing, "You look tired." Often, it is a judgement based on telltale signs such as tired eyes and dark circles. Considering these are two of the most common skincare concerns, social media and the internet are flooded with apparent solutions promising to wage war on your behalf. Needless to say, from simple DIY tricks to convoluted routines targeting the under-eye area, there are countless ways to tackle dark circles and their causes, including allergies, digital fatigue, or genetics.
However, these are all temporary solutions. If you're looking for something more long-lasting and effective to brighten, lift, and plump your under-eyes, there is a range of in-clinic treatments available. Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about dark circles and beyond with Dr Monica Jacob, aesthetic physician and the founder and director of Bodyz Wellness.
According to Dr Jacob, dark circles can be caused by various factors. She explains, “From lifestyle contributors including stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive screen time to your skin tone and structure—there are multiple factors that can contribute to dark circles.”
An easy way to decode the cause is by using the pinch test. Gently pinch the skin around the eyes and lift it off the surface. If the dark circles disappear, they are most likely caused by the appearance of blood vessels due to your skin structure. If the colour doesn't change, it is more likely pigmentation.
Dr Jacob adds, “Sometimes it’s just surface-level environmental factors, such as sun damage and pollution, that worsen dark circles. Other times, it could be a more serious underlying health issue, such as allergies, anaemia, or dehydration.”
The first step to finding a solution is identifying the cause.
Beyond the obvious lifestyle adjustments—such as prioritising quality sleep, staying hydrated, minimising screen time, and protecting your skin from the sun—Dr Jacob recommends a few additional conscious efforts.
A balanced diet can have a direct impact on your skin. While iron-rich foods can help combat anaemia, foods rich in antioxidants strengthen and detoxify your skin barrier, leading to brighter, healthier skin (including under your eyes). On the other hand, excess salt and alcohol can cause puffiness, so it's best to monitor intake, especially in the evening.
For quick and temporary topical relief, Dr Jacob suggests a cold compress. “Apply a cold compress or chilled tea bags to reduce swelling and soothe the area.” Under-eye patches can also provide a similar cooling effect. Though the effects are short-lived, they can calm the skin and provide visible results.
Confused about which topical solution is right for you? Try the pinch test mentioned earlier. If the darkness disappears, serums that help build collagen, such as those containing retinol and caffeine, may be effective. If pigmentation persists, you may need brightening ingredients like Vitamin C and niacinamide.
Additionally, Dr Jacob recommends hydrating and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid to reduce hollowness under the eyes. She also suggests, “Peptides are excellent for firming the skin, liquorice extract is a gentle brightener, and sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from UV damage.” The key to building an effective skincare routine is identifying the cause and choosing actives that directly address it.
While topical solutions can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, permanently eliminating under-eye pigmentation can be challenging. In such cases, in-clinic treatments are an option. “Under-eye fillers, laser therapy, and chemical peels offer long-lasting results, but maintenance is often required,” says Dr Jacob.
Here are some in-clinic treatments for dark circles that Dr Jacob recommends:
Dr Jacob advises, “The best way to find the right treatment for you is by consulting with a professional. The most common treatment is usually under-eye fillers, which address under-eye hollowness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark shadows, and pigmentation using hyaluronic acid or autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting. While the procedure is usually short, taking around 40–45 minutes, it comes with minimal downtime and minimal risks when performed by a certified, reputable practitioner. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to fully understand the procedure, aftercare, and any maintenance that may be required in the long run.”
According to Dr Jacob, dark circles can be caused by various factors. She explains, “From lifestyle contributors including stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive screen time to your skin tone and structure—there are multiple factors that can contribute to dark circles.”
An easy way to decode the cause is by using the pinch test. Gently pinch the skin around the eyes and lift it off the surface. If the dark circles disappear, they are most likely caused by the appearance of blood vessels due to your skin structure. If the colour doesn't change, it is more likely pigmentation.
Dr Jacob adds, “Sometimes it’s just surface-level environmental factors, such as sun damage and pollution, that worsen dark circles. Other times, it could be a more serious underlying health issue, such as allergies, anaemia, or dehydration.”
The first step to finding a solution is identifying the cause.
Beyond the obvious lifestyle adjustments—such as prioritising quality sleep, staying hydrated, minimising screen time, and protecting your skin from the sun—Dr Jacob recommends a few additional conscious efforts.
A balanced diet can have a direct impact on your skin. While iron-rich foods can help combat anaemia, foods rich in antioxidants strengthen and detoxify your skin barrier, leading to brighter, healthier skin (including under your eyes). On the other hand, excess salt and alcohol can cause puffiness, so it's best to monitor intake, especially in the evening.
For quick and temporary topical relief, Dr Jacob suggests a cold compress. “Apply a cold compress or chilled tea bags to reduce swelling and soothe the area.” Under-eye patches can also provide a similar cooling effect. Though the effects are short-lived, they can calm the skin and provide visible results.
Confused about which topical solution is right for you? Try the pinch test mentioned earlier. If the darkness disappears, serums that help build collagen, such as those containing retinol and caffeine, may be effective. If pigmentation persists, you may need brightening ingredients like Vitamin C and niacinamide.
Additionally, Dr Jacob recommends hydrating and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid to reduce hollowness under the eyes. She also suggests, “Peptides are excellent for firming the skin, liquorice extract is a gentle brightener, and sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from UV damage.” The key to building an effective skincare routine is identifying the cause and choosing actives that directly address it.
While topical solutions can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, permanently eliminating under-eye pigmentation can be challenging. In such cases, in-clinic treatments are an option. “Under-eye fillers, laser therapy, and chemical peels offer long-lasting results, but maintenance is often required,” says Dr Jacob.
Here are some in-clinic treatments for dark circles that Dr Jacob recommends:
Dr Jacob advises, “The best way to find the right treatment for you is by consulting with a professional. The most common treatment is usually under-eye fillers, which address under-eye hollowness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark shadows, and pigmentation using hyaluronic acid or autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting. While the procedure is usually short, taking around 40–45 minutes, it comes with minimal downtime and minimal risks when performed by a certified, reputable practitioner. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to fully understand the procedure, aftercare, and any maintenance that may be required in the long run.”
According to Dr Jacob, dark circles can be caused by various factors. She explains, “From lifestyle contributors including stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive screen time to your skin tone and structure—there are multiple factors that can contribute to dark circles.”
An easy way to decode the cause is by using the pinch test. Gently pinch the skin around the eyes and lift it off the surface. If the dark circles disappear, they are most likely caused by the appearance of blood vessels due to your skin structure. If the colour doesn't change, it is more likely pigmentation.
Dr Jacob adds, “Sometimes it’s just surface-level environmental factors, such as sun damage and pollution, that worsen dark circles. Other times, it could be a more serious underlying health issue, such as allergies, anaemia, or dehydration.”
The first step to finding a solution is identifying the cause.
Beyond the obvious lifestyle adjustments—such as prioritising quality sleep, staying hydrated, minimising screen time, and protecting your skin from the sun—Dr Jacob recommends a few additional conscious efforts.
A balanced diet can have a direct impact on your skin. While iron-rich foods can help combat anaemia, foods rich in antioxidants strengthen and detoxify your skin barrier, leading to brighter, healthier skin (including under your eyes). On the other hand, excess salt and alcohol can cause puffiness, so it's best to monitor intake, especially in the evening.
For quick and temporary topical relief, Dr Jacob suggests a cold compress. “Apply a cold compress or chilled tea bags to reduce swelling and soothe the area.” Under-eye patches can also provide a similar cooling effect. Though the effects are short-lived, they can calm the skin and provide visible results.
Confused about which topical solution is right for you? Try the pinch test mentioned earlier. If the darkness disappears, serums that help build collagen, such as those containing retinol and caffeine, may be effective. If pigmentation persists, you may need brightening ingredients like Vitamin C and niacinamide.
Additionally, Dr Jacob recommends hydrating and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid to reduce hollowness under the eyes. She also suggests, “Peptides are excellent for firming the skin, liquorice extract is a gentle brightener, and sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from UV damage.” The key to building an effective skincare routine is identifying the cause and choosing actives that directly address it.
While topical solutions can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, permanently eliminating under-eye pigmentation can be challenging. In such cases, in-clinic treatments are an option. “Under-eye fillers, laser therapy, and chemical peels offer long-lasting results, but maintenance is often required,” says Dr Jacob.
Here are some in-clinic treatments for dark circles that Dr Jacob recommends:
Dr Jacob advises, “The best way to find the right treatment for you is by consulting with a professional. The most common treatment is usually under-eye fillers, which address under-eye hollowness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark shadows, and pigmentation using hyaluronic acid or autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting. While the procedure is usually short, taking around 40–45 minutes, it comes with minimal downtime and minimal risks when performed by a certified, reputable practitioner. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to fully understand the procedure, aftercare, and any maintenance that may be required in the long run.”
