In news that may shock you, dark circles and under eye bags are not actually the same thing. While the two terms are often used interchangeably to describe our tired, puffy eyes, it’s time to get our facts straight. And who better to help guide us through deciphering the difference than dermatologist and skin care founder, Dr. Dennis Gross?
Speaking to Sali Hughes Beauty, Dr. Gross revealed that while one undereye concern is the result of discolouration the other can be attributed to thinning skin.
“The truth of the matter is, there are two basic categories [of dark circles and bags] – one is actual pigmentation in the skin, the other is skin that’s thin and shows the dark veins and fat pads underneath, they’re two problems,” explained Dr. Gross.
Which leads us to our next question, how can we tell which is which?
“What you want to do is take your skin [under the eye] and gently lift it up. When you lift it up, look at what happens to the colour of the skin at the dark circle,” he instructed.
“If when you lift it up off the skin’s structure, the pigmentation does not change and it stays brown, it’s telling you that pigmentation is the primary problem” – AKA, dark circles.
If this is the case, you should be using an eye cream rich in brightening and skin tone-balancing ingredients, like vitamin C.
We recommend the La Roche-Posay Redermic Vitamin C Anti-Ageing Eye Cream ($43.95, Chemist Warehouse) and Kiehl’s Line Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate ($80, Kiehls).
On the flipside, “if when you lift it up, it all of sudden comes back to a normal colour, you know it’s because the skin is too thin and more transparent,” said Dr Gross.
In other words, you have under eye bags, which are best treated with collagen-stimulating treatments like the Skin Republic Collagen Under Eye Biodegradable Patches ($5.99, Chemist Warehouse) and John Plunkett’s SuperLift Collagen Eye Lift Treatment Cream ($41.49 at Priceline).
Im using one from Estee lauder at the moment but mostly use the Olay retinol one.
Yes , I like using eye cream , tried a few brands.
This is interesting. I’m the thin skin type of under eye bag! Fitting really, a bit thin skinned in general. In having a play with the new Nude by Nature Revitalising Eye Cream. Really like it.
Kinda having a bag developing under one of my eyes which is annoying.
Arghhh eye bags and dark circles are the bane to my existence!! Puffiness can be hard to combat and for me it’s usually a combination of fluid retention and tiredness. I love a good eye cream that targets all my eye concerns
Same here.
This is a good article and easy to understand – Thank You –
Id like to try the La Roche Posay product.
What an interesting hack!
Well I must have gone from one to the other over the years. Mine are looking darker over the last few months. I thought it had something to do with my new medication.
I’d love to try that Kiehl’s one. I love their products.
I’ve got several and use them all. Don’t know which one is the best, at the moment I’m using the Antipodes one.
I don’t have eye bags just some slightly dark circles.
Great article it will help me differ between Under Eye Bags and Dark Circles so many great Products to try like La Roche-Posay Redermic Vitamin C Anti-Ageing Eye Cream and John Plunkett’s SuperLift Collagen Eye Lift Treatment Cream.
Got to try Clairns serum. Unsure if I need it, as all serums and creams and oils I use, they get smeared all over face, eye area and lip areas included. And they work. Do like the eye serum using atm though.
Definifely eye bags for me 🙁
I would like to try the La Roche-Posay.
Interesting article. What if you have both? Should you use multiple products for multiple issues?
That’s a good one
I’m an eye bag girl.
Yes, I’d love to know if anyone has experience with these patches
Interesting article ! May try the Skin Republic under eye patch. Has anyone else tried this please ?
I have trouble with facemasks staying put so probably couldn’t use the eye patches either
Looks like it’s the La Roche-Posay Redermic Vitamin C Anti-Ageing Eye Cream for me.
This was a great read.
Dark circles all the time and sometimes eyebags. I suspect the eyebags are due to my sinus congestion which is worse this time of year when the pollens come out.
I use Olay Deep Hydrating Eye Gel, which I received for free with a Rewards Room purchase. It’s the only eye cream that doesn’t give me zits, so I love it!
I’ve used a few different Skin Republic eye masks – they work quite well at reducing my eyebags for hours. I’ve got the Collagen Hydrogel ones pictured, but I haven’t used them yet.
I bet I have bags but I don’t want to look at the mirror.
Don’t use eye cream… Interesting to know the benefits…
Would like to see real before and afters of these products
I have hereditary dark circles (thanks a lot Mum), there isn’t much I can do about them but, a lot of sleep and rosehip creams do help.
I don’t have puffy eyes maybe only in the early morning but not for long. and my dark circles aren’t too bad but I definitely need to look after them.
I still think I have both.
Bags for days here.
Its amazing the difference bags under the eyes makes to your appearance.
Have to go check this out. Loving Clarins Double Eye serum at the moment.
Eye bags for me & if I have a really bad nights sleep then my upper eye gets all puffy too. Oh the joys of hooded eyes 🙁
I’ve given up with trying to treat eye bags. I have tried just about every lotion and potion on the market and none have worked. I have learnt to embrace them.
I think so, use the eye masks in combination with good eye creams
The La Roche looks very good
Would love to know what the results of the Collagen Hydrogel eye masks. Thanks !
Great article! I have dark circles under my eyes. I use QV eye cream
I’ll never be without an eye cream! Nivea Q10 and CeraVe are my go-to budget options.
I have both bags and dark circles which is really frustrating. Thanx BH for the info as well as the members. Definitely worth looking into.
I use L Oreal eye cream my main concern is wrinkles.
I have dark circles but especially dark on my eyelids. Gonna try the products listed here and see if they actually help!!
I have dark circles.
I have darkness on the side of my left eye. I have noticed it recently, it definitely wasn’t there earlier in the year. I’m not sure what it is or how to improve it. It’s more blackish that brown. Anyone have any ideas?
Dark circles suck lol
I need help in this area. I might titrate a retinoid
I’ve heard of some people doing skin needling in the under eye area!
Not game to try it though!