Sunday, July 27, 2025

Help! I Have Dark Circles Under My Eyes!

 By Mary Alice Mina, MD; August 12, 2024; Double board-certified dermatologist

Let’s talk about dark circles under the eyes! It is a common and universally abhorred problem for many people. But did you know that darkening under the eyes can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender? Before seeking out specific treatments, it’s best to understand all the different things that cause dark circles in the first place.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles can result from a variety of factors, often in combination. Here are some of the most common causes:

Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had dark circles, you might be more likely to develop them. Genetic predisposition can affect the pigmentation and the skin structure around your eyes.

Aging: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses collagen, making blood vessels beneath the skin more visible. This can create the appearance of dark circles.

Fatigue: Lack of sleep can make your skin appear dull and pale, allowing dark tissues and blood vessels beneath your skin to show through. Fatigue can also lead to fluid buildup under your eyes, causing them to appear puffy and darker.

Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause your body to release histamines, which can lead to dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow under the eyes, contributing to dark circles.

Dehydration: When your body is not well-hydrated, the skin under your eyes can look dull and sunken.

Sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can increase melanin production in your skin, leading to pigmentation changes and dark circles.

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

Once you determine the cause of your under-eye darkening, then you can determine a treatment plan to correct it. I think of under-eye darkening as either increased pigment under the eyes, increased blood vessels under the eyes, or increased shadows and valleys. Each one is treated differently.

Increased pigmentation under the eyes

Some people tend to have more pigmentation under their eyes, and this can vary based on genetics and ethnicity. This can even be present in childhood! While it can be very difficult to treat, using a sunscreen is a must. Bleaching creams and gentle peels can also help lighten the pigmentation, but it's important to go low and slow so as not to get rebound pigmentation. You can also try using a retinol mixed with lotion or slugging with petrolatum like Vaseline. But be careful not to irritate your skin, as harsh treatments and even rubbing your eyes can make the darkness worse. So, try not to scratch or rub your eyes to break the cycle.

Increased blood vessels under the eyes

 

Darkening of the skin around certain areas, such as under the eyes, can sometimes be genetic, particularly in individuals with lighter skin tones where the skin can appear almost translucent. A laser that specifically targets blood vessels can be a game-changer, but make sure you see a professional for this area.

Caffeine products can temporarily help constrict the blood vessels. Try using a regular black tea bag – chill it in the fridge for extra coolness, or just use ice or a cold spoon from the fridge. Easy peasy, and it feels nice! Arnica cream can also be a helpful remedy for reducing darkening under the eyes due to blood vessels; just dab on a little daily and watch the discoloration fade! But, steer clear of hemorrhoid creams – they might make things worse by thinning your skin and making blood vessels more noticeable!

Increased valleys and shadows

Feeling like you are seeing more valleys and shadows under your eyes lately? There could be a few reasons for that. Puffiness in the lower eye area can be caused by various things like not getting enough sleep, drinking too much alcohol, not drinking enough water, eating salty foods late at night, smoking, or dealing with allergies – whether it's seasonal sniffles or skin reactions. Aging plays a role, too, with collagen and elasticity loss, changes in bone structure, and fat shifting leading to puffiness and shadows. So, what can you do? First off, prioritize sleep, ditch the excess alcohol, and cut out salty snacks before bed. If you smoke, it might be time to consider quitting. Remember, when it comes to your eyes, taking care of yourself inside and out can make a real difference.

If these at-home remedies just aren't doing the trick, see a board-certified dermatologist for some in-office procedures.

In-Office Procedures

Chemical Peels

If at-home brightening products aren’t helping you, talk to your dermatologist about getting a chemical peel around the eyes. These peels use acids like glycolic acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid, and mandelic acid to clear away dark spots and dead skin cells, leaving your under-eyes brighter, smoother, and a bit tighter.

Tear Trough Fillers

Tear trough fillers help with dark circles by restoring lost volume under the eyes. This reduces the appearance of shadows caused by hollowing, making the under-eye area look brighter.

PRP Injections

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections can help with dark circles under the eyes by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. The platelets in PRP contain growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Puffiness of the lower eyelids can be surgically removed with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Removing the puffy fat also improves the appearance of dark circles by reducing the “shadow” effect.

Laser Treatments

Several lasers can help combat dark discoloration under the eyes, depending on if the cause is more pigment vs. blood vessels. It's important to see a specialist in lasers for this area, as damage to the delicate eyelid skin can occur, as well as vision changes, without proper eye protection.

There’s no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to tackling those pesky under-eye dark circles; it's all about understanding what's causing them. Whether it's extra pigment, visible blood vessels, or shadows and valleys from puffiness and aging, there are ways to deal with each one. Just remember, it's not just about what you put on your skin to help tackle under-eye discoloration. How you take care of your body with diet, sleep, exercise, and hydration is just as important in brightening up your under-eye area!

Sources

WebMD.com


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