Not All Dark Circles Are the Same: Understanding the Types and Treatments for Under-Eye Shadows

Welcome to Skin Insights by YSBB.

Do people often say you look tired even after a good night’s sleep? Dark circles that don’t go away with concealer might not be just about fatigue — they could be a sign of different underlying skin conditions.

At YSBB Skin Clinic in Seoul, we classify under-eye dark circles into three main types: pigment-based, vascular, and hollow-type. Each one has a unique cause and requires a tailored treatment approach.

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Why Do Dark Circles Appear?

Dark circles are not just shadows from poor sleep. They result from changes in skin pigment, blood vessels, or facial structure beneath the eyes. They may also be influenced by genetics, aging, lifestyle, or skin type.

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Type: Pigment-Type Dark Circles

Characteristics:

• Under-eye skin appears brownish or dusky gray
• Often related to melasma, sun damage, eczema history, or frequent rubbing
• Worsened by UV exposure and chronic irritation

Treatment:

• Pigment-targeting lasers such as Pico Toning or IPL
• Topical brightening products
• Sun protection and avoiding eye rubbing

Type: Vascular-Type Dark Circles

Characteristics:

• Blue or purplish tint under the eyes
• Caused by visible blood vessels through thin under-eye skin
• Often linked to poor sleep, allergies, or chronic fatigue

Treatment:

• Vascular lasers such as Clarity, GentleMax, or V-beam
• Allergy management and sleep improvement
• Skin regeneration treatments like Rejuran to thicken the under-eye area

Type: Hollow-Type Dark Circles

Characteristics:

• Sunken appearance under the eyes due to volume loss
• Shadowed look caused by contour, not pigmentation
• Common with aging, fat loss, or sagging ligaments

Treatment:

• Under-eye filler to restore volume
• Skin boosters like Rejuran i or Juvelook
• RF tightening for significant skin laxity

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Accurate Diagnosis Is Key

Each type of dark circle needs a completely different approach. Pigment-type circles won’t improve with fillers. Hollow-type shadows won’t disappear with brightening creams. Treating the wrong cause often leads to unnatural or disappointing results.

That’s why precise diagnosis by a dermatologist is the most important first step.

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How YSBB Treats Dark Circles

• Pigment-Type: Pico Toning / IPL + Brightening care
• Vascular-Type: Clarity II vascular laser + soothing treatments
• Hollow-Type: Under-eye fillers + collagen-boosting therapies

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Final Thoughts

Dark circles are more than a cosmetic issue. They can reflect fatigue, skin damage, or even systemic health issues. Because the under-eye area heavily affects your overall impression, it’s worth treating it precisely and carefully.

At YSBB Skin Clinic, we focus on natural-looking improvements with minimal discomfort, helping you regain a brighter, refreshed look — safely and effectively.

YSBB Skin Clinic, Seoul, Korea