What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes? Plus 8 Common Treatment Approaches

Learn why dark circles happen—sleep, genetics, aging, allergies, sun, lifestyle—and discover 8 proven fixes, from skincare and sunscreen to pro treatments, plus prevention tips and when to see a doctor.

What Are Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark circles are areas of increased darkness beneath the lower eyelids that make the under-eye region

look shadowed, tired, or hollow. They are not a single condition but a visible result of several structural and pigment-related factors, including thin skin, prominent underlying blood vessels, excess melanin, fluid retention, or volume loss. Dark circles are common in all skin tones and ages and can be temporary or chronic.

Understanding the Under-Eye Area

The under-eye skin is among the thinnest on the body, with minimal fat, dense capillaries, and a delicate lymphatic network. Because the skin is thin, blue-purple tones from blood vessels and shadows from bone structure or tear troughs show through more readily. Changes in collagen and elastin make the area more translucent over time. Two main types are typically described:

• Pigmented dark circles: brown or gray discoloration caused by excess melanin or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  
  

• Vascular or structural dark circles: blue, purple, or shadowy tones due to visible vessels, congestion, or hollowing that casts a shadow.

  
  

Many people have a mixed type, where pigmentation overlaps with vascular visibility and contour-related shadowing. Recognizing which components are most prominent helps guide effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Common Causes of Dark Circles

Lack of Sleep and Fatigue

Insufficient sleep can dilate blood vessels and slow circulation, making bluish-purple blood under thin eyelid skin more visible. Fatigue can also cause fluid retention, leading to puffiness that casts shadows and deepens the appearance of dark circles.

Genetics and Heredity

Inherited traits like naturally thinner skin, deeper tear troughs, and increased melanin activity can predispose people to under-eye darkness from childhood. Familial hyperpigmentation and periorbital venous prominence are common hereditary contributors.

The Natural Aging Process

With age, collagen and elastin decline and subcutaneous fat thins, making underlying vessels and hollows more apparent. Skin laxity and volume loss in the midface increase shadowing in the tear trough, intensifying dark circles.

Allergies and Nasal Congestion

Allergic rhinitis and sinus congestion impede venous drainage, creating under-eye swelling and a blue tint (often called “allergic shiners”). Frequent eye rubbing can trigger inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Dehydration

Inadequate fluid intake reduces skin turgor and accentuates fine lines and hollows, making the orbital area appear dull and darker. Dehydration may also worsen transient puffiness that emphasizes shadows.

Sun Exposure and Hyperpigmentation

Ultraviolet radiation stimulates melanocytes and breaks down collagen, causing periorbital hyperpigmentation and thinner skin. Cumulative sun damage deepens discoloration and texture changes around the eyes.

Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged screen time can exacerbate eye fatigue, dryness, and periorbital muscle tension. This may increase vascular congestion and shadowing, making dark circles more noticeable, especially in low ambient light.

Lifestyle Factors

Daily habits influence blood flow, skin quality, and pigmentation. Certain behaviors intensify puffiness, shadows, and discoloration beneath the eyes.

Diet and Alcohol

High-sodium foods promote fluid retention and under-eye swelling, while alcohol dehydrates skin and dilates vessels, both of which heighten shadowing and discoloration. Low iron or vitamin B12 intake can contribute to pallor, making darkness look more pronounced.

Smoking

Nicotine and oxidative stress reduce microcirculation and collagen, thinning the skin and worsening pigmentation. Chronic smoking accelerates aging changes that reveal underlying vessels and hollows.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, anemia, thyroid disease, and chronic sinusitis can contribute to periorbital hyperpigmentation, swelling, and visible vasculature. Certain medications that dilate blood vessels or cause fluid shifts may also amplify dark circles.

Eight Proven Treatments to Reduce Dark Circles

Treatment 1 Get More Quality Sleep

Aim for 7–9 hours per night to reduce eyelid swelling and improve skin tone. Keep a regular sleep-wake schedule, darken the room, limit late caffeine and alcohol, and avoid screens 60 minutes before bed to support melatonin production.

Treatment 2 Apply a Cold Compress

Cold narrows superficial blood vessels and reduces puffiness that casts shadows. Use chilled spoons, gel masks, or a clean cold washcloth for 5–10 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to skin; wrap it to prevent irritation.

Treatment 3 Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Use an extra pillow or a wedge to reduce fluid pooling under the eyes. This can lessen morning puffiness and the dark shadows it creates, especially in people prone to nasal congestion or fluid retention.

Treatment 4 Use Targeted Eye Creams

Choose evidence-backed actives and apply a pea-sized amount with your ring finger to the orbital bone, morning and night, avoiding direct contact with the eye. Consistency for 8–12 weeks is key.

Retinol and Retinoids

Stimulate collagen, thicken the dermis, and reduce the appearance of vessels and fine lines that accentuate darkness. Start 2–3 nights weekly to minimize irritation; use at night and pair with sunscreen by day.

Vitamin C

Brightens hyperpigmentation and offers antioxidant protection from UV and pollution. Look for stabilized forms (e.g., L-ascorbic acid 10–20% or derivatives) and store away from heat and light.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrates and plumps thin under-eye skin to soften shadowing. Layer under occlusive moisturizers to reduce transepidermal water loss; suitable for daily use and sensitive skin.

Caffeine

Temporarily constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness for a brighter appearance. Use in the morning; effects are immediate but short-term, so combine with long-term actives.

Treatment 5 Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen

Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ prevents UV-driven hyperpigmentation and collagen loss that make dark circles more noticeable. Consider mineral-based sunscreens, and consult with a healthcare professional for product recommendations suitable for your skin type around the eyes and reapply every 2 hours with sun exposure.

Treatment 6 Stay Hydrated and Adjust Your Diet

Drink water consistently and reduce excess sodium to limit fluid retention. Emphasize fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants; moderate alcohol to prevent dehydration and vasodilation that can deepen discoloration.

Treatment 7 Explore Professional Doctor Procedures

Consult a board-certified doctor or oculoplastic specialist to match treatment to the cause—pigmentation, visible vessels, thin skin, or volume loss. Most options require multiple sessions and maintenance.

Laser Therapy

Vascular lasers target visible blood vessels; pigment-targeting or resurfacing lasers improve brown discoloration and texture. Downtime varies; strict sun protection is essential afterward.

Chemical Peels

Superficial peels (e.g., glycolic, lactic, or low-strength trichloroacetic acid) can lighten hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines under expert supervision, particularly for fair to medium skin tones.

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers in the tear trough can correct volume loss and reduce shadowing. Results may be seen relatively quickly and the treatment is generally reversible; choose experienced injectors to minimize risks such as swelling or Tyndall effect.

Treatment 8 Conceal with Color Correctors and Makeup

Neutralize discoloration, then conceal. Use peach or orange correctors for blue-purple tones and yellow for brown hues. Follow with a lightweight, hydrating concealer and set lightly with translucent powder to prevent creasing.

How to Prevent Dark Circles

Adopt a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep nightly to minimize under-eye puffiness and shadowing. Go to bed and wake up at the same times daily to stabilize your circadian rhythm. Create a dark, cool, quiet bedroom, limit screens 60 minutes before bed, and avoid caffeine after mid-afternoon. Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce fluid pooling that can accentuate discoloration.

Manage Your Allergies

Allergic rhinitis can cause swelling, itchiness, and venous congestion that deepen periorbital shadows. Identify and reduce triggers like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen with regular cleaning and HEPA filtration. Use saline nasal rinses to ease congestion, and consider over-the-counter antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays as directed. Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent inflammation and broken capillaries that worsen darkness.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Hydrate steadily throughout the day to support skin plumpness and barrier function. Prioritize a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and antioxidants from leafy greens, citrus, berries, fish, legumes, and whole grains. Limit alcohol and high-sodium foods that promote dehydration and puffiness, and avoid smoking, which accelerates collagen loss and pigmentation.

Protect the eye area from UV exposure to curb hyperpigmentation: apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brim hat, and reapply sunscreen as needed. Maintain a gentle skincare routine—cleanse, moisturize with a lightweight eye-safe hydrator, and use non-irritating actives as tolerated. Manage screen time and practice the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain that can accentuate under-eye shadows. Regular exercise and stress management techniques like mindfulness or yoga support healthy circulation and sleep quality, further reducing the appearance of dark circles.

When to See a Doctor

Most dark circles are harmless and cosmetic, but certain signs warrant medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions and to access targeted treatments.

Red Flags That Need Prompt Attention

• Sudden onset of dark circles with no clear cause

  
  

• Dark circles accompanied by one-sided eye pain, severe headache, or vision changes (blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision)

  
  

• New swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness around the eyes

  
  

• Frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, or bleeding gums

  
  

• Systemic symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, weight loss, fever, or night sweats

  
  

• Dark circles after facial trauma or injury

  
  

• Persistent itching, scaling, or rash on the eyelids

  
  

Symptoms Suggesting an Underlying Condition

• Allergic rhinitis: nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, “allergic shiners”

  
  

• Dermatitis or eczema: dry, irritated, or inflamed eyelid skin

  
  

• Thyroid disorders: changes in weight, hair loss, heat or cold intolerance, swelling around the eyes

  
  

• Anemia or iron deficiency: pallor, dizziness, shortness of breath on exertion

  
  

• Chronic sinusitis: facial pressure, postnasal drip, reduced sense of smell

  
  

• Periorbital cellulitis: painful, rapidly worsening swelling and redness around the eye (urgent care)

  
  

When Home Care Isn’t Enough

• No improvement after 6–8 weeks of consistent sleep, hydration, sun protection, and topical care

  
  

• Worsening pigmentation despite sunscreen and gentle skincare

  
  

• Significant tear trough hollowing or volume loss affecting confidence or daily life

  
  

• Recurrent flare-ups linked to allergies that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments

  
  

Which Specialist to See

• Primary care clinician: initial assessment, lab tests (for anemia, thyroid issues), and referrals

  
  

• Doctor: evaluation of hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, and procedural options (lasers, peels, fillers)

  
  

• Allergist/Immunologist: testing and management of allergic rhinitis and eczema

  
  

• Ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon: eyelid disorders, orbital issues, surgical options for tear troughs

  
  

• ENT specialist: chronic sinusitis or nasal obstruction contributing to venous congestion

  
  

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Timeline of symptoms, sleep habits, screen time, and skincare routines

  
  

• List of medications and supplements, including antihistamines and retinoids

  
  

• Family history of hyperpigmentation, allergies, thyroid disease, or periorbital hollowing

  
  

• Photos showing progression under similar lighting for objective comparison

  
  

Potential Medical Treatments Discussed

• Prescription topicals: higher-strength retinoids, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or corticosteroids for dermatitis

  
  

• Allergy management: intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, or immunotherapy

  
  

• Procedures: vascular or pigment-targeting lasers, chemical peels, hyaluronic acid fillers for tear troughs

  
  

• Addressing systemic causes: iron supplementation for documented deficiency, thyroid treatment if indicated

  
  

Seek medical care if your dark circles are sudden, painful, associated with other symptoms, or unresponsive to dedicated self-care. A tailored evaluation can identify root causes and match you with effective, evidence-based treatments.

Summary

Dark circles under the eyes arise from multiple factors: genetics, thinning skin with age, pigment overproduction from sun exposure, visible vessels from fatigue or dehydration, congestion from allergies, digital eye strain, and lifestyle choices like alcohol use, high-sodium diets, and smoking. They can also be associated with medical issues such as anemia, thyroid disorders, dermatitis, and chronic sinusitis.

Common approaches that may help reduce their appearance include optimizing sleep, using a cold compress, sleeping with the head elevated, and applying well-formulated eye products featuring retinol/retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation.

Hydration and a nutrient-dense diet that prioritizes iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants support skin health. For stubborn cases, dermatology-directed treatments—such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and hyaluronic acid fillers—can address pigmentation, vascular show-through, and volume loss. Makeup strategies with color correctors (peach or orange for blue/purple tones, yellow for brown tones) and concealer offer immediate camouflage.

Prevention centers on a consistent sleep schedule, diligent sun protection, allergy control (including antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids when appropriate), screen-time breaks to limit eye strain, balanced nutrition, adequate water intake, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol. Seek medical advice if dark circles appear suddenly, worsen despite care, are accompanied by swelling, itching, rashes, or nasal symptoms, or if you suspect anemia, thyroid disease, or chronic sinus problems.

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Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans should be developed in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Treatment outcomes vary from person to person, and no guarantee of results is intended or implied. All professional treatments mentioned should be performed by licensed medical practitioners in Singapore, using HSA-approved or otherwise MOH-approved products, devices, and techniques, as applicable.

Please see below for treatment details.

Juvelook Treatment at KINS Clinic