Journal

Not all eye areas are created equal! From South Asians prone to hyperpigmentation to North Asians battling puffiness, and Caucasians facing early wrinkles, your ethnicity plays a big role in how your under-eye skin looks and ages and responds to stress. 
~ Juhi Dubey

Clinically Reviewed by: Dr. Tanvi Vaidya, 
Consultant Dermatologist & Medical Director, Derma MD Clinics, Thane.
MBBS | MD Dermatology | SCE Dermatology (UK) | Fellowship in Aesthetic Dermatology

How Ethnicity Shapes the Eye Area

South Asians

South Asians have skin that’s slightly thicker than Caucasians but thinner than North Asians. While this sounds like a win, the higher melanin content makes them prone to hyperpigmentation and dark circles.

• Common Challenges: Periorbital hyperpigmentation and under-eye hollowness.
• Care Tips: Opt for brightening ingredients like Brazilian Ginseng and Caffeine and Ceramides for hydration, and always pair them with SPF to prevent further pigmentation.

Caucasians

Caucasians typically have thinner skin around the eyes, making them more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. While pigmentation isn’t as big of a concern, vascular dark circles (those bluish or purplish tones) are a frequent complaint.

• Common Challenges: Early signs of aging and vascular discoloration.
• Care Tips: Look for better-aging heroes like peptides and hyaluronic acid. Caffeine-infused eye creams can help reduce the appearance of vascular circles.

North Asians

North Asians often have thicker skin and larger fat pads around the eyes. While this helps delay wrinkles, it can lead to puffiness or a double-layered appearance around the eyes.

• Common Challenges: Puffiness and sallow tones.
• Care Tips: Focus on de-puffing ingredients like caffeine and lymphatic drainage tools like jade rollers.

From dark circles to puffiness, the skin around your eyes deserves attention that’s tailored to your needs. The more you know about what works for you, the better you can care for this delicate area.

To read more about why the skin around eyes needs special care, click here.