Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by genetic factors, hyperpigmentation under the eyes, sun damage, thinning of the skin, iron deficiency, allergies, structure or anatomy, and so on.
Dark circles can be divided into 4 types: pigmented dark circles, vascular dark circles, structural dark circles, and a mixed type of dark circles.
Each type can have different causes, so it’s important to treat them accordingly.
Several over-the-counter options are available for the treatment of under-eye dark circles. However, they may not work for everyone. In such a case, one should see a doctor to explore other treatment options.
Table of Contents
What are dark circles?
Dark circles under the eyes refer to the dark appearance of the lower eyelids and the surrounding skin. These can appear as black under the eyes, brown under the eyes, or sometimes purple under the eyes.
In some people, darkness under the eyes may be accompanied by dark upper eyelids, giving the appearance of rings that are brown or black around the eyes.
Dark circles under the lower eyelid are a common skin problem and, in most cases, they are not due to a medical condition. These can affect people of all ages and ethnicities.
Types
The dark circles can be divided in various ways. One way is to classify them into the following 4 main types:
1. Pigmented type
The pigmented type of dark circles occurs due to excess melanin pigment leading to hyperpigmentation under the eyes. There can be several causes behind it, like sun damage, inflammation, melasma, etc.
Black or brown under-eye appearance is often due to the pigmented type of dark circles.
2. Vascular type
The vascular type of dark circles occurs due to visible blood vessels under the eyes, either because of thin skin or the presence of dilated or excess blood vessels. They can have blue or purple hues. It may be hard to see the underlying hue in darker skin tones.
3. Structural type
Structural dark circles refer to areas of shadowing or hollowness. These can be due to fat loss under the eyes, genetics, aging, etc.
4. Mixed type
The mixed type of dark circles is due to a combination of the above factors – excess pigment, vessels, or structure. In one study, the mixed type was found to be the most common type of dark eye circles.
Causes
We often think that dark circles are due to excess pigment and try to use depigmenting agents. However, dark circles have several other causes due to which these topicals may not always work.
Below are 19 reasons which may explain why you have dark circles under the eyes.
1. Genetics
Dark circles under the eyes are influenced by genetics. Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eyes and have prominent blood vessels or deep tear troughs.
If you have close family members with dark circles under the eyes, you are more likely to get them as well.
People with darker skin tones are also more likely to get dark circles under the eyes.
2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Any inflammation of the skin (such as eczema) can leave behind areas of hyperpigmentation. In addition, it can lead to dilation of blood vessels. This can lead to discoloration around the eyes.
3. Melasma
Melasma leads to symmetrical dark patches on the face. It often affects the cheeks and can also extend to the eye areas, leading to dark spots under the eyes. It can get worse with exposure to the sun.
It is thought to occur due to several reasons. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, hormone pills) is one of the important underlying cause.
4. Sun exposure
Ultraviolet rays can trigger pigment formation and prematurely age the skin. This can make the under-eye area appear darker. Visible light, which is also a component of sun rays, can worsen pigmentation.
5. Prominent blood vessels
Dilated blood vessels or an increase in the number of blood vessels can lead to darkening of the under-eye area. The small vessels can also become leaky, with deposits of red blood cell byproducts in the skin. These can lead to discoloration around the eyes.
6. Thinning of skin
As we age, our skin thins making the blood vessels under the lower eyelid more prominent and giving it a dark appearance.
7. Structure
The blackness under the eyes can appear due to shadowing or hollowness. These conditions can be due to genetics, aging, or weight loss.
Some people can develop deep tear troughs as they age. Tear troughs are deep grooves near the nose between the lower eyelid and cheeks.
8. Skin irritation
The skin under the eyes is a lot thinner as compared to the rest of the face. Often, skin care products or eye makeup products can lead to chronic skin irritation. This can damage the skin barrier and cause inflammation which can lead to dark circles under the eyes.
9. Medications
Prostaglandins analogs like bimatoprost which are used to treat conditions like glaucoma can lead to hyperpigmentation around the eyes.
Other medications like hormone pills, antipsychotics, heavy metals, tetracyclines, etc. can also lead to skin pigmentation. This pigmentation is often more prominently seen on sun-exposed areas like the face.
10. Allergic shiners
Do you often suffer from allergies? Then they might be behind the dark circles under your eyes. Congested sinuses can lead to the congestion of small blood vessels in the under-eye area.
This can result in dark areas under the eyes with a blue or purple hue, which are called allergic shiners.
11. Rubbing of eyes
Frequent rubbing of the eyes can cause damage to the skin leading to inflammation, dilated blood vessels, and hyperpigmentation around the eyes.
12. Sleep deprivation
Lack of sleep can make the skin appear pale. This makes the blood vessels under the eye appear more prominent.
Lack of sleep can also lead to puffy eyes, which can further worsen the appearance of dark circles due to the shadowing effect of eye bags.
13. Iron deficiency anemia
Dark circles under the eyes may be associated with iron deficiency anemia. As per one study, this may be due to facial pallor which makes the under-eye area appear darker, or due to a lack of supply of oxygen to the skin around the eyes.
14. Refraction errors
If you have vision problems and are not able to see clearly (like myopia), then overworking of periorbital muscles may play some role in the darkening of the skin around the eyes.
15. Smoking
Smoking can make the skin age faster. It can also disrupt the sleep pattern, no wonder one wakes with puffy eyes and dark circles.
16. Swollen eyes
Any swelling around the eyes can make the under-eye area appear darker due to the shadowing effect. This often happens after a salty meal or any systemic disease.
17. Excess use of alcohol
Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on our body which can lead to a darker appearance of under-eye areas.
18. Dermal melanocytosis
Dermal melanocytosis (commonly seen in Asians) refers to the presence of melanocytes in the middle layer of the skin, that is the dermis. It usually appears as slate-brown or gray-blue areas. It can be congenital or acquired later in life. Some examples include nevus of Ota, nevus of Hori, and blue nevus.
19. Other lifestyle and environmental causes
Stress, dehydration, and fatigue can also make the under-eye area appear dark.
How to determine the type
Dark circles under the eyes may be due to multiple factors and it may be hard to determine the underlying cause. However, the following test (also referred to as the eyelid stretch test) may be helpful.
Slightly stretch the skin under the eyes.
- If you see no change in color, probably it is due to hyperpigmentation. (Pigmented type of dark circles)
- If you notice that the color worsens, probably it is due to blood vessels. You may also notice blue/ purplish hues or prominent blood vessels. (Vascular type of dark circles)
- If the color improves, probably it is due to structural reasons. (Structural type of dark circles)
- If you are not able to determine, these may be due to multiple causes. (Mixed type of dark circles)
Home remedies
There are several home remedies that may improve the discoloration around the eyes.
1. Cool compress
A cool compress can reduce swelling under the eyes by shrinking the blood vessels. This can help in improving dark circles, especially vascular types. You can use an ice pack or a cold metal spoon.
2. Cucumber slices
Cool cucumber slices can brighten the eye area as they are rich in vitamin C.
3. Tea bags
Caffeine in tea can shrink or constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling. Dip them in water and keep them in the fridge for a cooling effect.
4. Sun-protection
It is important to protect the eye area from the sun to prevent further worsening of the dark circles under the eyes. Use sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
Even better if you can use a tinted sunscreen as iron oxides in it can protect from the damaging effects of visible light. Alternatively, you can use a makeup product with iron oxides.
Sunglasses (with UV coating) and wide-brimmed hats can also be helpful.
5. Elevate your head
At night, use a thick pillow to elevate your head and avoid fluid retention around your eyes which can lead to puffy eyes.
6. Reduce intake of salty foods
Salty foods like pickles can lead to fluid retention and swollen eyes. Try to cut down on them.
7. Avoid allergens and treat allergies
If you are prone to allergies, try to avoid the things you are allergic to. Also, treat your allergies if needed.
8. Sleep well
Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep to rest your eyes.
9. Tinted eye cream or concealer
If you need a quick solution (although it is temporary), you can use concealer to cover them. Use a creamy concealer to avoid creasing.
Topical treatments
There are several topical treatments for under-eye dark circles that may get rid of them or improve their appearance
Pigmented type
Dark circles under the eye due to excess melanin pigment will benefit from ingredients that decrease the amount of melanin pigment or increase cell turnover to remove the pigment.
- Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a well-known depigmenting agent which decreases melanin pigment by preventing its formation. However, make sure to use it carefully, preferably under the guidance of a doctor to avoid side effects.
- Retinoids: Retinoids can improve the pigmented dark circles by increasing cell turnover and getting rid of the skin cells with excess pigment.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a wonderful ingredient that most people can use safely around the eyes, unlike retinoids and hydroquinone. It has anti-inflammatory properties, can boost the skin barrier, and can prevent the transfer of melanin pigment to skin cells.
- Arbutin: Arbutin is a compound that slowly breaks down to hydroquinone and can decrease the amount of melanin pigment.
- Other ingredients: In addition, other ingredients that may be beneficial include azelaic acid, licorice, kojic acid, and vitamin F (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid – use a moisturizer that has oils rich with these fatty acids like sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, borage oil, etc.).
You can also read this detailed post on various ingredients that may help with pigmentation.
Vascular type
The vascular type of dark circles benefits from ingredients that can constrict the blood vessels or benefit thin skin under the eyes by increasing collagen or epidermal thickness.
- Caffeine: It can shrink the blood vessels making them less prominent. The effects are temporary and the results may last a few hours to a day.
- Vitamin K: It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which can help with leaky blood vessels.
- Retinoids: Retinoids like retinol, retinal, etc. are vitamin A derivatives that can increase collagen production and make the blood vessels less prominent.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can increase collagen production.
Read more: Best eye creams for dark circles
Other specific causes
Topical treatments may not work for every type of dark circle. Additional treatments may be required.
- The structural type of dark circles under the eyes may be improved via procedures (mentioned later in this article).
- Dark circles due to medications usually improve after discontinuing the medication. Make sure to contact your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
- Iron deficiency anemia will require supplementation after evaluation by a doctor.
- Dark circles associated with allergies will require treatment with antihistamines.
Procedures
If topical treatments fail to improve the look of your dark circles, your doctor may recommend the following procedures:
- Lasers: There are different types of lasers. Some can remove the top layers of skin while some can target the excess pigment or blood vessels.
- Fillers: Fillers can be useful especially where structural causes play a part. However, make sure to get them from a certified professional or a doctor.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections: These can help in rejuvenating the skin around the eyes making the dark circles less apparent.
- Chemical peels: Your doctor may recommend peels with exfoliating acids depending on the cause and your skin tone.
- Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended like blepharoplasty to remove excess skin or fat.
Read more: What does the color under your eyes mean?
Prevention
It is not always possible to completely prevent the dark circles under the eyes, however, below are some measures which can be helpful.
- Always take off your makeup or sunscreen at the end of the day. Be gentle when cleansing your skin and use an oil cleanser or micellar water to remove water-resistant makeup.
- Use sensitive skin-friendly products free of fragrance and essential oils.
- Protect the skin around the eyes. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you have sensitive eyes that sting with chemical sunscreens, use a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Use sunglasses without metal frames to avoid the transfer of heat which can trigger excess melanin pigment formation.
- Avoid rubbing your eye area. If you are suffering from allergies, use antihistamines or see a doctor.
- See a doctor if you think you are anemic.
- Get an eye checkup if you have vision problems.
- Treat any underlying medical condition like eczema, contact dermatitis, etc.
- Do not smoke.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Avoid spending a long time on screens before sleeping.
Key points
Dark circles under the eyes refer to the darkening of the under-eye area and can be caused by hyperpigmentation, melasma, aging, sun damage, thinning of the skin, prominent blood vessels, and more.
Dark circles can be divided into 4 main types: pigmented, vascular, structural, and mixed. These types can be attributed to different causes and it is important to identify them for getting the right treatment.
One should see a doctor if dark circles under the eyes do not improve, make one self-conscious, or are associated with pain or any other symptoms.
References
- Huang YL, Chang SL, Ma L, Lee MC, Hu S. Clinical analysis and classification of dark eye circle. Int J Dermatol. 2014 Feb;53(2):164-70. Epub 2013 Jul 24. PMID: 23879616.
- Sheth PB, Shah HA, Dave JN. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: a study of its prevalence, common causative factors and its association with personal habits and other disorders. Indian J Dermatol. 2014 Mar;59(2):151-7. PMID: 24700933; PMCID: PMC3969674.
- Mendiratta V, Rana S, Jassi R, Chander R. Study of Causative Factors and Clinical Patterns of Periorbital Pigmentation. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019 May-Jun;10(3):293-295. PMID: 31149574; PMCID: PMC6536080.
- Watanabe S, Nakai K, Ohnishi T. Condition known as “dark rings under the eyes” in the Japanese population is a kind of dermal melanocytosis which can be successfully treated by Q-switched ruby laser. Dermatol Surg. 2006 Jun;32(6):785-9; discussion 789. PMID: 16792642.
- Park KY, Kwon HJ, Youn CS, Seo SJ, Kim MN. Treatments of Infra-Orbital Dark Circles by Various Etiologies. Ann Dermatol. 2018 Oct;30(5):522-528. Epub 2018 Aug 28. PMID: 33911473; PMCID: PMC7992473.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.