We all know the feeling: no matter how much coffee you drink, those stubborn dark circles under your eyes just won’t budge.

While fatigue and stress are obvious culprits, dermatologist Larisa Safonova points out that the cause can actually run much deeper.

It turns out your skin and blood vessels may be working against you.

According to Safonova, the skin around our eyes is exceptionally delicate and thin.

This makes it highly reactive to internal stress, health imbalances, or even long hours in front of a computer screen.

People with anemia or chronic tiredness often notice bluish tones or mild darkening in this sensitive area, she explained.

“Dark circles appear when blood vessels are located too close to the surface and the skin is very thin,” Safonova said.

“Those with chronic anemia often show bluish tones and pale hyperpigmentation.

On top of that, excessive fatigue can really worsen the skin’s condition.”

How to Improve and Strengthen the Skin Around Your Eyes

If you’re tired of just covering up those shadows, Safonova recommends tackling the issue with both treatments and good skincare.

Professional injection techniques with brightening effects can help, while creams containing ingredients like arbutin and vitamin C are excellent for evening out skin tone and fortifying the delicate area under your eyes.

These approaches not only improve appearance but also strengthen the fragile skin, making it less prone to showing the underlying vessels that create those telltale dark circles.

Healthy Habits Are the Real Key

While concealers and other makeup can hide dark circles temporarily, Safonova stresses that they don’t address the root cause.

True prevention starts with caring for your body from the inside out.

“Getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and keeping an eye on your hemoglobin levels are the best ways to prevent dark circles,” she said.

Small lifestyle adjustments, she insists, go a long way toward keeping the under-eye area healthy and glowing naturally.