Not all under-eye darkness is the same.
Discover what’s causing yours
— and how to treat it safely.

Dark circles are one of the most common (and frustrating) skincare concerns — and one of the most frequently asked about during our ESSEL training sessions. But the truth is, not all dark circles are created equal. The key to treating them? Understanding the root cause.

Known medically as periorbital hyperpigmentation (POM), these under-eye shadows may be genetic, vascular, structural, or a combination of all three. In South Africa, this condition is especially common due to sun exposure, skin tone, and environmental stressors.

“Dark circles aren’t just about tired eyes — they’re a mix of pigment, blood vessels, and anatomy. Treating them means treating the cause.”
  •  What Causes Dark Circles?

    According to the Huang classification, dark circles are grouped into four categories:

    • Pigmented: Brown patches caused by melanin buildup
    • Vascular: Blue, purple, or pink tints due to visible blood vessels
    • Structural: Shadows caused by natural facial contours and volume loss
    • Mixed: A combination of the above (most common)

    In some cases, melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) sit deep in the dermis, making treatment tricky with regular topical products.

ESSEL’s Safe + Effective Solutions for Dark Circles

Why We Recommend Mesoskin
To reach the dermis without trauma, ESSEL recommends the Mesoskin Treatment, which uses electroporation to safely and painlessly deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. It avoids inflammation — a key cause of worsened pigmentation.

 Why Harsh Ingredients Don’t Work Here
While traditional depigmenting agents like hydroquinone or kojic acid are widely used, they’re often too aggressive for the delicate eye area. These can lead to irritation or worsen pigmentation in the long run.
Instead, we’ve developed gentler, non-bleaching alternatives like DERMAPLEX ANTI DARK, specially formulated for safe use around the eyes.

Pigmentation, vascular, structural, and mixed dark circles
Effects of treatment over 6–8 weeks

🔍 Tip: Evaluate if “shadowing” from eyelid ageing contributes to darkness. If so, add:

  • DNA EPINEW Forte Wrinkle Antidote
  • DNA EPINEW Eye Therapy (used on eyelids too!)