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Différents types de cernes.

The different types of under-eye circles.

Fatigue, poor blood circulation, insomnia, stress, etc... dark circles are among the most common cosmetic concerns. They are generally defined as a change in the pigmentation or texture of the lower eyelid. The gaze then appears sadder and more tired. To overcome them, it is essential to know how to recognise them.

Summary
Published June 28, 2021, updated on October 4, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min read
Dark Circles

The different types of under-eye circles.

Under-eye circles are among the most common cosmetic concerns. They are typically defined as a change in the pigmentation or texture of the lower eyelid. This makes the eyes appear more tired and sad. However, it's important not to confuse under-eye circles with bags, which are characterised by a swelling of the lower eyelid.

There is no specific age for developing dark circles, but the issue can worsen over time due to ageing, fatigue, stress, and poor lifestyle habits. However, solutions exist to improve the appearance of the eye contour. Yet, to determine the most suitable treatment, it is essential to first understand more about dark circles. Indeed, understanding the formation mechanism of each type of dark circle allows us to find the strategies and active ingredients suitable for each one. It's important to know that there are three types.

The bluish or vascular under-eye circles.

They are characterised by a more or less dark purplish pigmentation of the lower eyelid. This phenomenon is linked to a failure of the blood and lymphatic micro-circulation around the eye contour. The circulation being too slow, the blood pigments accumulate and are poorly evacuated, resulting in a bluish-purple colour.

This type of dark circles primarily affects fair skin, where the bluish pigmentation is more easily visible. Although the appearance of these dark circles has a genetic component and is also linked to the ageing process, they are heavily dependent on lifestyle. Therefore, the following factors, which increase vasodilation, should be avoided: smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep.

The eye serum based on caffeine and niacinamide helps to reduce the appearance of bluish dark circles under the eyes by promoting blood microcirculation. Rich in decongestant active ingredients, it also helps to diminish the swollen appearance of eye bags for a brighter look.

Brown or pigmented dark circles.

This type of under-eye circle is a result of melanin deposit, thus forming a pigmented spot that marks the entire circumference of the eye. Most of the time, this hyperpigmentation is genetic in origin and particularly affects individuals with darker skin, who are more likely to have an abnormally high melanin production in this area. However, these under-eye circles can also appear following certain skin conditions.

To fade their pigmentation, turn towards products containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, etc... They have the ability to regulate and inhibit the production of melanin, thus correcting the complexion and preventing this pigmentation.

Hollow or structural dark circles.

This type of under-eye circle is characterised by a pronounced shadow beneath the eyes. A unique bone structure of the face accentuates the hollow located under the eyes, making the contours of the eye socket more visible. In this case, if the light comes from above, a shadow will appear under your eyes. Conversely, frontal lighting will diminish this effect.

This type of under-eye circles can have a genetic origin or gradually develop over time or after massive weight loss. As we age, thefat pockets of the face, which are located between the skin and the orbital bone, deplete and the skin sags, thus forming a hollow under-eye circle.

The Typology tinted under-eye concealer.

Our tinted under-eye concealer is a hybrid formula that sits halfway between makeup that blurs dark circles and bags in one stroke, and skincare that hydrates the eye contour. Indeed, it is enriched with caffeine, niacinamide, and cornflower hydrosol for a long-lasting effect on the appearance of dark circles and bags.

Sources:

  • BANSAL S. & al. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: a comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2016).

  • TAN C. K. & al. Classification and characteristics of periorbital hyperpigmentation. Skin Research and Technology (2020).

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