According to American dermatologist, Lindsey Zubritsky, there is a simple way to find out without making mistakes. She calls it the 10-second pinch test.
Zubritsky says that «you should lightly pinch the skin under the eyes for about 10 seconds». According to the expert, «the skin’s reaction indicates whether the dark circles are caused by thinner skin under the eyes or by pigmentation».
Lauren Penzi, an American dermatologist, states that «this is a valid way of determining the cause and, therefore, the best treatment, for dark circles».
If the darkness under the eyes disappears and slowly returns after the skin is released, “the problem is probably due to the thin skin under the eyes,” says Penzi.
For thin skin, Zubritsky recommends “products with hyaluronic acid, which should help hydrate and plump the skin.”
If, however, the skin under the eyes remains exactly the same color after loosening, then the dark circles “are probably due to an overproduction of the true pigment melanin in the skin.”
“For pigmentation issues, I recommend using ingredients that target pigmentation, like retinol or vitamin C,” Zubritsky said.
And take the test and feel like you have thin skin and pigmentation problems, or you’re not sure which one you have?
Zubritsky reveals that «there are products that cover both concerns, such as the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power anti-aging moisturizer, which contains hyaluronic acid, retinol and vitamin C. This product also helps with wrinkles under the eyes, as it hydrates the skin and stimulates collagen».
If you have puffiness, “it’s important to look for eye creams with ingredients like caffeine,” Zubritsky said, because caffeine constricts blood vessels and improves circulation.
There is a point, however, at which eye creams stop working, Zubritsky said. «If you have excess skin under the eyes, significantly wrinkled skin, loss of volume or protrusion of fat, it is best to discuss this with a dermatologist, and the situation can be improved with hyaluronic acid fillers, laser or surgical treatment».
