What Causes Dark Circles?

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Genetics

For many people, dark circles are inherited. Skin tone, pigmentation and facial structure can all influence how prominent the under-eye area appears.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation does not directly cause dark circles, but it can make the skin look paler, allowing the blood vessels beneath the eyes to show more clearly.

Aging

As collagen, elastin and fat naturally decline with age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner. This can make blood vessels more visible and create hollows that cast shadows beneath the eyes.

Allergies

Allergic reactions can trigger inflammation around the eyes. Frequent rubbing or scratching may also lead to irritation and increased pigmentation over time.

Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure stimulates melanin production, which can darken the skin beneath the eyes and make existing pigmentation more noticeable.

Ways to Reduce Dark Circles Naturally

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Get Enough Sleep

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. While sleep won’t erase inherited dark circles, it can reduce the tired appearance that makes them more noticeable.

Use a Cold Compress

Applying a cool compress for a few minutes may temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can leave the skin looking dull. Drinking enough water supports overall skin health and appearance.

Wear Sunscreen Daily

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and wear sunglasses outdoors to help protect the delicate skin around the eyes from UV damage.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Keeping your head slightly raised with an extra pillow may help reduce fluid buildup under the eyes overnight.

Skincare Ingredients That Can Help

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The right skincare products may improve the appearance of dark circles over time, depending on the underlying cause.

Caffeine may temporarily reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.

Vitamin C helps brighten the skin and supports collagen production.

Niacinamide can improve uneven skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the under-eye area.

Retinol may boost collagen production, though it should be used carefully around the delicate eye area.

When to See a Dermatologist

If dark circles persist despite lifestyle changes and a consistent skincare routine, the cause may be structural or related to pigmentation. A dermatologist can identify the underlying cause and recommend treatments such as prescription creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, microneedling or dermal fillers when appropriate.

The appointment follows Abrams’ growing association with Chanel. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has attended the maison’s runway shows, worn Chanel for major public appearances and previously served as an ambassador for the Coco Crush fine jewellery collection. Her new role sees her front one of Chanel Beauty’s most recognisable fragrance franchises.

Chanel

Speaking to Vogue, Abrams revealed that her connection to Chanel began long before her career in music. She recalled spending time at her grandmother’s vanity as a child, where she was fascinated by a bottle of Chanel N°5  an early memory that introduced her to the house and its legacy.

That personal connection now comes full circle with Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu, a new interpretation of the Coco Mademoiselle fragrance family created by Chanel in-house perfumer Olivier Polge. According to Polge, every Chanel fragrance begins with “a blank page” before developing its own identity. The composition blends vibrant grapefruit and lychee with warm notes of vanilla and amber, offering a scent that balances brightness with depth.

Chanel

Although Abrams has often described her beauty routine as relatively simple, she said fragrance remains an essential part of her everyday life because of the confidence it brings.
“Confidence,” she told Vogue when asked what becoming the face of Coco Mademoiselle means to her. “Fragrance can change the way you carry yourself in a split second.”

The campaign arrives during a milestone year for the 26-year-old artist. Abrams is preparing to release her third studio album, Daughter from Hell, while also set to make her feature film debut in Halina Reijn’s upcoming A24 film, Please, expanding her creative career beyond music.

Away from recording and touring, Abrams said she has been embracing new creative outlets, including drawing pastel portraits and rediscovering her love of dancing. She explained that those pursuits have helped her stay present, adding that filming the Coco Mademoiselle campaign encouraged her to embrace greater confidence and spontaneity.

Chanel

Abrams joins a distinguished list of women who have represented Coco Mademoiselle, bringing her own perspective to the fragrance’s latest chapter. Her appointment reflects Chanel’s continued collaboration with artists whose influence extends across music, fashion and culture while introducing Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu to a new generation of fragrance enthusiasts.

The campaign is scheduled to roll out later this summer, marking another milestone in Abrams’ expanding partnership with Chanel as she continues to make her mark across music, fashion and film.