Types of dark circles — the key distinction
Dark circles fall into several types, each with a different cause, appearance and treatment approach. Understanding this distinction helps you avoid costly mistakes — in choosing both skincare products and treatments.
- Vascular — blood vessels showing through thin skin; a slightly bluish-purple tone; mesotherapy, polynucleotides and HA can help here.
- Pigmented — hyperpigmentation of the epidermis or dermis; a brown or grey tone; brightening treatments, peels and laser are indicated.
- Structural (tear trough) — volume loss and a hollow in the tear trough; a visible "valley" between the eyelid and the cheek; requires a volumetric approach.
- Gravitational shadow — sagging skin casts a shadow from the tissue above; visible mainly in side lighting; lifting or biostimulation is indicated.
- Mixed — a combination of two or three types; difficult to classify on your own; requires a comprehensive approach.
Treatments for dark circles
At J'ADORE INSTYTUT, we offer several methods. We match the method to your specific type of dark circles during a consultation with a specialist.
Mesotherapy for the eye area
Mesotherapy involves injecting active cocktails directly into the under-eye area. It nourishes the tissue, gradually thickens the skin and can reduce the visibility of blood vessels. A series of sessions gives the best results.
- Lumi Eyes (Bionique): amino acids + HA — indicated for dark circles and swelling; one of the most frequently chosen products.
- NCTF 135 HA (Filorga): a rich cocktail of active ingredients for comprehensive revitalisation of the eye area.
- Teosyal Redensity I: HA with amino acids and antioxidants — nourishes and hydrates.
- Sunekos 200: a gentle biostimulating formula, recommended for sensitive skin.
- Jalupro HMW: high-molecular-weight HA with amino acids.
- Dermaheal Eye: peptides + HA — a lifting effect for the eye area.
- RRS Eyes (Hyalual): HA — revitalisation and hydration.
Nucleofill Eyes — polynucleotides for the under-eye area
Nucleofill Eyes is a polynucleotide specially formulated for the eye area. It activates fibroblast receptors, supporting regeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and gradually thickening the thin skin under the eye.
For many people, this results in thicker, better-quality skin, which can mean less visible blood vessels and a less noticeable shadow.
Carboxytherapy under the eyes
Carboxytherapy — CO₂ injected under the skin — works around the eyes through the Bohr effect: it dilates blood vessels and improves tissue oxygenation. Many people with vascular dark circles see a reduction in the bluish tone and improved microcirculation.
HA filler — tear trough
For a deep tear trough (the structural type of dark circles), a gentle hyaluronic acid injected into the tear trough can visually even out the hollow and brighten the area. For many people, results last from several months to a year or more.
Profhilo — tissue reorganisation
For thin, atrophic skin around the eyes, Profhilo — administered using the BAP technique with 5 injection points — reorganises the extracellular matrix and can gradually thicken the skin. Thicker skin lets less of the underlying vessels show through, which reduces the visibility of the shadow for some people.
Home care — what can support results
It's worth matching your home care products to your type of dark circles. Below are the most commonly recommended active ingredients:
- For vascular dark circles: caffeine (surface vasoconstriction), vitamin K in eye creams, cold compresses in the morning, sleeping on a slightly higher pillow to reduce venous pooling.
- For pigmented dark circles: niacinamide (reduces melanosome transfer), retinol used with great caution — the skin under the eye is very thin — and daily SPF 50+ to protect existing pigmentation from getting darker.
- For structural dark circles: creams won't solve volume loss — a treatment is needed in this case.
When treatments may not be enough
Fat herniation — under-eye "bags" that push the tissue outward from beneath. This is caused by displaced fat pads, not thin skin or lack of hydration. Filler and mesotherapy cannot remove them.
