Difference Between Dark Circles and Under-Eye Bags?

If your eyes seem perpetually tired, you might be dealing with dark circles, under-eye bags, or both. Though they might look similar, these two issues have different causes—and different solutions. So, the next time you look in the mirror, here’s how to tell the difference and what might help.

Dark Circles: A Shift in Skin Color

Dark circles appear as discoloration in the skin beneath your eyes, in the area known as the suborbital crease. They can range in color from blue to brown or purple, depending on various factors. French dermatologist Dermato Drey explains that dark circles often arise from a mix of genetic predispositions, facial structure, and lifestyle influences. Here are a few reasons you might see dark circles:

• Genetics: Your facial bone structure or thin skin around the eyes can make blood vessels more visible, creating a darkened effect.
• Poor Circulation: Lifestyle factors like smoking, lack of sleep, and poor diet can disrupt blood flow and lymph circulation, leading to blood pooling and pigment changes beneath the eyes.

Under-Eye Bags: Puffiness from Fluid or Fat

Under-eye bags are generally caused by puffiness or swelling, often from fluid retention or fatty deposits around the eyes. These bags can appear on both the lower and upper eyelids and, unlike dark circles, are due more to puffiness than discoloration. Some common causes include:

• Aging: Skin naturally loses elasticity over time, and the once-temporary puffiness can become more permanent.
• Fat Buildup: The fat around the eye socket can expand, leading to visible bags, especially with weight gain.
• Genetics & Lifestyle: Just as with dark circles, genetics play a role, along with lifestyle factors like diet and sleep.

How to Tell the Difference

If you’re unsure whether you have dark circles or under-eye bags, here’s a quick test: gently pull the skin beneath your eye taut. If the color stays, you’re likely dealing with dark circles. If the area is puffy or the skin appears stretched, it’s more likely to be under-eye bags. As dermatologist Dermato Drey notes, “Bags create a shadow on the skin, making it appear darker, but the color may return to normal when the skin is pulled taut.”

Treatment Options

While it’s hard to eliminate either issue entirely, there are ways to manage both:

• For Dark Circles: Brightening eye creams with ingredients like vitamin C or caffeine can help. Getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking are also key.
• For Under-Eye Bags: Use cool compresses or try a de-puffing eye cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or retinol. Reducing salt intake and elevating your head while sleeping can also help lessen puffiness.

Remember, both dark circles and under-eye bags can be influenced by multiple factors, so experimenting with a few different approaches can help you find what works best for your unique skin.