Dark Eye Circles – Do Genetics Matter?

Dr Y.B. Choong

Medical Aesthetics Doctor

November 30, 2022

depressing-doleful-woman-with-hair-knot-blue-exhausted-eyes-touching-her-head-having-discontented-expression-being-tired

Disclaimer:

It’s important to understand that there are several treatment options available in the market which may achieve similar results from the ones listed here. This article is also not meant to suggest that the treatments we offer are the only sole or best options.

Dark eye circles can be an unsightly and unwelcome feature in your face. They are dark patches of discoloration that appear under the eyes, often giving a tired or aged look to the skin.

While dark eye circles may be caused by various environmental factors such as lack of sleep and allergies, genetics is also thought to play a role in this common condition.

Skin Thickess

The area around the eyes is particularly fragile and prone to darkening due to its thinness, so dark circles are most likely to occur here. This means that individuals with naturally thinner skin tend to have more prominent dark circles than those with thicker skin. This can vary from person to person – some may only notice dark circles after minimal rest while others may be fortunate enough to never have dark circles even if they are not getting the recommended amount of sleep.

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Eye Color & Ethnicity

Other genes such as eye colour and ethnicity can also determine how dark your dark circles will be. Individuals with darker eyes, or those belonging to an ethnic group where dark circles are more common, tend to experience darker dark circles than those with lighter eyes or belonging to an ethnic group that does not usually suffer from this condition. This is due to the fact that dark pigmented skin absorbs more light which reflects less off the surface making shadows appear darker.

Melanin

Genetics can also influence how much melanin (the pigment responsible for darkening) is produced, leading some individuals to naturally produce higher levels of melanin in their under-eye area. This can lead to dark circles that are more difficult to treat, as they can be resistant to treatments such as laser therapy.

Genetic dark eye circles tend to darken with age due to the thinning of the skin and increased production of melanin, but there are still ways to combat genetic dark circles.

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What you can do

1. use a moisturiser

Using a moisturiser designed for sensitive skin can help keep the area hydrated and reduce darkening caused by dehydration. A good skincare routine featuring products designed specifically for dark circles can also help minimise their appearance over time by brightening up the under-eye area.

2. drink plenty of water

Another way to reduce the appearance of dark circles is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause the skin around the eyes to become dry and irritated, which can lead to dark circles. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

3. Apply sunscreen

Applying sunscreen and avoiding direct contact with UV rays is also important, since exposure to sunlight can darken dark eye circles.

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Face Skin Care. Asian Woman Cleaning Facial Skin with Foam Soap

Though dark circles can be a nuisance, understanding the genetic factors that play a part in determining their darkening can help you take control over them. By combining skincare and aesthetic treatments tailored to dark under-eye circles with lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep and protecting your skin from the sun’s rays, you will be able to reduce their visibility and enjoy a brighter looking complexion.

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Disclaimer:

There are other possible options available when it comes to some of these aesthetic treatments. The information and advice published on or made available through this website is for informational purposes and not intended to replace the professional advice of a trained health professional.

Tags :

dark eye circles,eyebag treatment