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Wellness

Do you have dark under-eye circles or eye bags? Here’s what’s wrong with your skin and how to treat the problem, which can be caused by smoking, pollution, alcohol and fatigue

STORYCarolina Malis
Under-eye bags or dark circles? Work out which is affecting you and you’ll be better able to fix the problem. Photo: Handout
Under-eye bags or dark circles? Work out which is affecting you and you’ll be better able to fix the problem. Photo: Handout
Wellness

A dermatologist explains the possible causes of the two cosmetic concerns, how to tell the difference and what treatments are best, from vitamin C, caffeine creams and sunscreen to surgery

Waking up to tired-looking eyes is an all-too-familiar frustration for many. Whether it’s a busy work week, restless nights or genetics at play, under-eye issues seem to stick around stubbornly, casting a shadow over an otherwise fresh face.

But here’s where the confusion often begins: even though dark circles and under-eye bags can both be signs of fatigue, caused by smoking, pollution, alcohol and lack of sleep and be inherited or age-related, they are two different things. The first step in treating them is figuring out which one you’re seeing in that mirror.

What are dark circles?

Dark circles refers to pigmentation under the eyes. Photo: Handout
Dark circles refers to pigmentation under the eyes. Photo: Handout
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Dark circles refers to the dark pigmentation beneath the eyes, which can range from a faint shadow to a more pronounced blue or purplish hue. These aren’t caused by lack of sleep alone – though that can definitely make them worse. “Genetics play a major role in this, meaning some are simply born with thinner skin around the eyes, making the blood vessels more visible,” California-based dermatologist Dr Jason Stevens explains.

As the skin ages collagen levels drop, causing that area to look even more hollowed out and tired. Factor in a bit of sun exposure, some dehydration or the occasional eye rub and voilà – dark circles that are hard to hide.

What are under-eye bags?

Under-eye bags relate to puffiness just beneath the eyes. Photo: Handout
Under-eye bags relate to puffiness just beneath the eyes. Photo: Handout

On the other hand, under-eye bags are more structural in nature. Think of them as the sagging skin or puffiness that appears just beneath the eyes. They are largely thanks to ageing. “Over time, muscles and tissues weaken, causing the fat that’s normally held tightly under the eyes to slip downwards, creating that puffy, bag-like appearance,” Stevens says.

Fluid retention, especially after a salty dinner or a sleepless night, can also make those bags puff up even more. And while it’s tempting to reach for the latest eye cream in the hope of a quick fix, no number of topical miracle products can entirely turn back time.

How to figure out which you have

Dark circles and under-eye bags can both be treated. Photo: Handout
Dark circles and under-eye bags can both be treated. Photo: Handout