Dark circles make a face look tired no matter how well you sleep. The main reason treatments disappoint is that there are three different types of dark circle, and each needs a different solution.
Type 1: Pigmented circles
Brown in colour and very common in Middle Eastern and darker skin types, they worsen with sun, eye rubbing and allergies.
Treatment: brightening creams suitable for the delicate eye area, gentle in-clinic peels and daily sun protection.
Type 2: Vascular circles
Bluish or purple, they appear because thin under-eye skin lets blood vessels show through, and worsen with poor sleep and fatigue.
Treatment: treatments that strengthen the skin and stimulate collagen, such as skin boosters and PRP, alongside better sleep and lifestyle.
Type 3: Structural circles (tear trough)
Here the problem is not colour but shadow. With age or genetics the area beneath the eye loses volume, creating a hollow that casts a dark shadow.
Treatment: under-eye filler, using a small amount of a product designed for this area. It demands precise experience: the area is delicate and overfilling causes puffiness.
How do I know my type?
Try this in natural light: gently stretch the skin under your eye. If the colour stays the same it is likely pigment; if it turns bluer it is vascular; if the shadow fades when you tilt your face up to the light it is structural. Most people have a mix of two, which is why an in-clinic diagnosis is the most accurate.
Daily habits that make a difference
- Sunscreen around the eyes and sunglasses in the Dubai daytime.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, and treat allergies if present.
- Regular sleep, and less salt in the evening to reduce puffiness.
Book a consultation to identify your type. Skin rejuvenation sessions may also be part of a complete plan.
This article is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation.