Causes and Natural Remedies for Pigment-Related Dark Circles

Pigmentary dark circles usually appear as brown, yellow, or tan patches. They are caused by a build-up of melanin in the sensitive area around the eyes. Melanin, a natural pigment produced by melanocytes (cells found in the epidermis), is what gives our skin, hair and eyes their colour. Its role is to protect our skin from the sun’s UV rays. This type of dark circle is particularly common in people with olive or dark skin, which contains more melanin. They can be exacerbated by sun exposure, genetic predisposition or ageing. That said, they can also occur as a result of a chronic, genetically-related condition. It is worth noting that there are several types of dark circles, each with its own specific cause and appearance. Unlike vascular dark circles, which often disappear after a good night’s sleep and are caused by poor blood and lymphatic circulation, pigmentary dark circles are not caused by tiredness or an unhealthy lifestyle. As they are more persistent, they require specific care to reduce their intensity.

How Do They Differ From Sunken Dark Circles?

Structural in nature, sunken dark circles are characterised by a pronounced shadow under the eyes that has no particular colour. Particularly noticeable in people with slim faces, they can be caused by the facial bone structure and become more pronounced over time, as the fat pads between the skin and the orbital bone sag.

At the root of pigmented dark circles is always an overproduction of melanin. However, this can occur due to various factors:

• Skin Tone: Excess melanin production is more common in olive and dark skin tones. Many people therefore have a genetic predisposition to developing pigmented dark circles

• Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can exacerbate pigmentation under the eyes

• Inflammation: Allergies, irritation, or excessive rubbing of the skin around the eyes can cause hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, certain forms of eczema affecting the eye area can sometimes lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

To reduce pigmentary dark circles, various natural active ingredients can be recommended:

Vitamin C: This vitamin is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties, reducing the appearance of dark spots and evening out the complexion.

Niacinamide: This ingredient helps to reduce melanin production, preventing excessive pigmentation from forming under the eyes.

Retinol: Retinolstimulates cell renewal, thickens the skin, and reduces the appearance of dark circles by accelerating skin regeneration.

Resveratrol: A natural polyphenol known for its powerful anti-free-radical properties, resveratrol is widely used in cosmetics to combat oxidative stress and slow down the appearance of dark circles and skin discolouration.

The Melano’regul Active Ingredient

Use a cream, emulsion, or gel containing Aroma-Zone’s Melano’regul in the morning or evening. This active ingredient is extracted from the Indian plant Punarnava, which regulates melanocytes by reducing both the amount and production of melanin. It is water-soluble (not oil-soluble) and can therefore be incorporated into Aloe vera gel, for example (particularly for oily skin), or into a neutral, rejuvenating or hydrating cream (for mature or dry skin).

Discover the Melano’regul Active Ingredient

The Active Ingredient: Resveratrol

A natural polyphenol known for its powerful anti-free radical properties, resveratrol is widely used in cosmetics to combat oxidative stress and slow down the appearance of signs of ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet) as well as dark circles and skin discolouration. With its soothing properties, this plant-based active ingredient is also a valuable ally in the care of sensitive skin. A key active ingredient for your preventative and restorative anti-ageing skincare.

Discover the Active Ingredient Resveratrol

Organic Rice Bran Vegetable Oil

This oil combines gamma-oryzanol, vitamin E, phytosterols and ferulic acid - a powerful antioxidant active ingredients. As an anti-ageing ingredient, it is known to nourish and protect against external aggressors and combat the signs of skin ageing around the eyes.

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10% Vitamin C & Astaxanthin Concentrated Serum

A key active ingredient for dull complexions and an essential part of any anti-ageing routine, Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, combats the signs of photo-ageing, evens out the complexion and reduces dark spots. To effectively combat the free radicals responsible for skin ageing, this serum combines Vitamin C in a powerful, stabilised form with an extract of microalgae astaxanthin, known for its unrivalled antioxidant power and intense red colour.

Discover the 10% Vitamin C and Astaxanthin Serum

Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Made from fresh, unprocessed juice, this gel can be used on its own to moisturise, nourish, and protect the skin. You can use it, for example, as a face, eye contour and body treatment instead of your usual moisturiser. Cold-pressed to preserve its high content of mucilage, vitamins and nutrients, Aloe Vera gel helps reduce skin hyperpigmentation and dark spots. 

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Adopting a regular, targeted routine is essential for reducing pigmented dark circles. Here are a few key steps to follow:

Cleanse Your Face Morning and Evening: Use a gentle cleansing gel every day, morning and evening.

Use Gentle Exfoliants: Twice a week, gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and achieve an even, brighter complexion. Rich in Vitamin C, our Papaya & Vitamin C Enzymatic Cleansing Powder unclogs pores, refines skin texture, and evens out the complexion thanks to a grain-free enzymatic exfoliation that is gentle on even the most delicate skin. Apply and massage gently for five minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Choose a serum concentrated in depigmenting active ingredients: Highly concentrated in niacinamide (Vitamin B3), zinc, and copper, our 10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum, with proven efficacy, tightens pores, regulates sebum production, prevents blemishes, and reduces redness and dark spots. Enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid, it evens out the complexion and refines the skin’s texture. Apply a few drops, massaging gently with your fingertips to help the product absorb, before applying your moisturiser.

Moisturise Your Skin: For example, use the Thirst-Quenching Cream, customising it with Vitamin C, an active ingredient with skin-evening and brightening properties.

Apply Sun Protection Every Day: protect yourself daily from UV rays, which stimulate melanin production, by applying SPF 30 Sun Lotion to your face every day, while wearing sunglasses. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended to prevent pigmented dark circles from getting worse.

• Don’t Rub Your Eyes: Repeated rubbing can irritate the skin and make the pigmentation worse

• Avoid Prolonged Exposure to the Sun without Protection: Always apply sun cream around your eyes

• Test Put Skin-Lightening Products: Some active ingredients can be irritating, so test them on a small area before applying them fully

Gently massaging the skin while applying brightening active ingredients can help them absorb better and stimulate microcirculation around the eyes, thereby helping to reduce dark circles. Use light circular movements or gently tap with your fingertips to improve absorption without irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.

After graduating from ESCP Business School in 2020, Louise began her career as a writer in 2021. Today, she writes a newsletter where she shares cultural recommendations and more personal articles, such as dating apps, therapy, and career guidance. She also writes for media outlets, brands and agencies on subjects such as well-being, mental health, culture, and society.