Dark circles under the eyes are common in both men and women. Often paired with puffiness, they can make you look older and are sometimes hard to treat. While fatigue is a major factor, genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions can also contribute.
Most Common in People Who:
- Are aging
- Have a genetic predisposition (periorbital hyperpigmentation)
- Belong to non-white ethnic groups (prone to hyperpigmentation)
ark circles under the eyes are common in both men and women. Often paired with puffiness, they can make you look older and are sometimes hard to treat. While fatigue is a major factor, genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions can also contribute.
Most Common in People Who:
- Are aging
- Have a genetic predisposition (periorbital hyperpigmentation)
- Belong to non-white ethnic groups (prone to hyperpigmentation)
1. Fatigue
Oversleeping or lack of sleep can dull your skin and highlight blood vessels, making the area appear darker. It may also cause puffiness, casting shadows.
2. Aging
As skin becomes thinner with age, fat and collagen decrease, revealing underlying blood vessels and making the area appear darker.
3. Eye Strain
Staring at screens strains the eyes and enlarges blood vessels around them, causing darkening.
4. Allergies
Histamines released during allergies cause itching and dilated blood vessels, making dark circles more visible.
5. Dehydration
Lack of water dulls the under-eye skin, making eyes appear sunken and shadowed.
6. Sun Overexposure
Excessive sun stimulates melanin, which darkens skin—especially around the eyes.
7. Genetics
Dark circles can run in families and may worsen with age or appear during childhood.
1. Cold Compress
Helps reduce swelling and shrinks blood vessels. Use cold water or wrap ice cubes in a cloth and apply under the eyes.
2. Sleep Well
7–8 hours of restful sleep can help reduce under-eye darkness.
3. Elevate Your Head
Using extra pillows can prevent fluid accumulation under the eyes.
4. Tea Bags
Caffeinated tea bags (cooled after steeping) can improve blood circulation and reduce puffiness.
5. Concealers
Makeup products like concealers can temporarily mask dark circles. Choose gentle, non-irritating products.
For long-term improvement, dermatologists may suggest:
- Laser therapy – Stimulates collagen and reduces pigmentation
- Medical tattooing – Injects pigment to conceal discoloration
- Fillers – Hide blood vessels and melanin under thin skin
- Fat removal – Removes excess fat and smoothens the area
- Surgical implants – Used in some severe cases
Medical procedures should be discussed with a qualified dermatologist. They may be expensive, involve downtime, and carry some risk.
Dark circles are often temporary and not a health concern. With consistent care, they can be managed or reduced. However, if discoloration worsens, consult a doctor or dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the main causes of dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles can be caused by fatigue, aging, eye strain, allergies, dehydration, sun exposure, or genetics. Often, it's a combination of these factors.
Are dark circles a serious medical concern?
In most cases, dark circles are not a cause for concern and do not require medical treatment. However, if they worsen over time or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor.
Can lack of sleep cause dark circles?
Yes. Sleep deprivation can dull the skin and cause blood vessels beneath the eyes to become more visible, resulting in dark circles and puffiness.
Do allergies contribute to dark circles?
Yes. Allergies can lead to inflammation, dilated blood vessels, and itching, all of which can make dark circles more noticeable.
Can home remedies help reduce dark circles?
Yes. Cold compresses, elevating your head while sleeping, getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and using tea bags are common at-home remedies that may help.
Is makeup safe for covering dark circles?
Makeup like concealers can effectively cover dark circles, but it's important to use non-irritating, high-quality products to avoid allergic reactions.
What professional treatments are available for dark circles?
Dermatologists may recommend laser treatments, fillers, medical tattooing, fat removal, or surgical implants depending on the underlying cause and severity.