Dark Circles: Causes, Types, and Home Remedies

Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common cosmetic concerns in both men and women. Although usually not a sign of a serious medical condition, they can indicate underlying issues such as fatigue, stress, allergies, or nutritional deficiencies. These under-eye shadows often make a person appear older or unhealthy, even when they feel fine.

In this blog, we’ll explain the major evidence-based causes of dark circles, discuss their different types, and highlight effective home remedies that may help temporarily soothe or improve their appearance naturally.

Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes can result from multiple factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle habits. The skin around the eyes is incredibly thin and delicate, measuring only about 0.5 mm thick (significantly thinner than skin elsewhere on the body), making it more vulnerable to discolouration and visible blood vessels [1].

Common causes include:

Genetic & Biological Factors

• Hereditary: If your parents have under-eye shadows, you’re more likely to develop them due to inherited skin characteristics, bone structure, or high melanin production [2].
• Increased Pigmentation (Periorbital Hyperpigmentation): Higher melanin levels in the under-eye area can lead to brownish or greyish dark circles, particularly common in Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI [3].
• Ageing & Thin Skin: The natural loss of collagen and elastin leads to thinning skin, making underlying blood vessels and muscle more visible.
• Fat & Muscle Changes: Loss of fat tissue (volume loss) or bulging fat (under-eye bags) can create shadows known as tear trough deformities.
• Orbital Anatomy: The natural shape of the eye socket (prominent orbital bones) may cast shadows, leading to what appear to be dark circles.

Lifestyle Factors

• Lack of Sleep: Fatigue can cause blood vessels to dilate (expand), leading to increased blood flow and a darker, bluish tint under the thin skin [4].
• Sun Exposure: Triggers excess melanin production under the eyes, worsening pigmentation. Sun protection is crucial for prevention.
• Poor Hydration & Nutrition: Severe dehydration can cause the eyes to look sunken, enhancing shadows. Nutrient deficiencies (see Medical Conditions) can also contribute.
• Emotional Stress: Impacts sleep quality and overall skin health, potentially exacerbating existing dark circles.
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels, reduces circulation, and contributes to premature collagen breakdown, accelerating skin thinning and discolouration.

Medical Conditions

• Allergies & Nasal Congestion (Allergic Shiners): Rubbing or scratching the eyes due to itchiness can increase inflammation and blood vessel dilation, making circles more visible and sometimes darker (termed “allergic shiners”).
• Anaemia (Iron Deficiency): Causes general paleness of the skin, making the dark circles or underlying vascular network more prominent.
• Thyroid Disorders: Fluid retention and puffiness associated with some thyroid conditions can enhance shadows.
• Eczema or Contact Dermatitis: Inflammation from these conditions can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in the affected area.

Types of Dark Circles

When considering treatment, it’s important to know which type of dark circles you have. A dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis. They are generally classified into three categories:

Pigmented Dark Circles

Caused by excess melanin, leading to brown, grey, or black discolouration. These are more common in people with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI). A dermatologist may suggest topical treatments with evidence-based ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, or Hydroquinone (under medical supervision and for limited periods) to help manage pigmentation [3].

Vascular Dark Circles

Appear bluish, purplish, or reddish due to visible blood vessels under thin skin. Commonly linked to genetics, allergies, fatigue, or ageing. Lifestyle measures (adequate sleep, sun protection, managing allergies) are essential. Some dermatologists may recommend topical creams with caffeine (which can temporarily constrict blood vessels) or retinol (to encourage skin thickening) [5].

Indented Dark Circles (Tear Trough Deformity)

Also called hollow or sunken circles, caused by volume loss under the eyes due to ageing or genetics, which casts a shadow. These usually require professional treatments such as dermal fillers (e.g., hyaluronic acid-based), which must only be administered by qualified, experienced specialists to avoid complications.

Note: Among these, pigmented dark circles often respond best to topical creams, while vascular and indented types may require medical procedures or targeted lifestyle changes. Always consult a dermatologist to identify the specific type and choose the right, safest, and most effective evidence-based treatment.

Home Remedies for Dark Circles

Caution: While these natural solutions are generally safe, they are not substitutes for medical treatment and will only offer temporary or mild cosmetic improvement. Stop use immediately if irritation occurs.

When to Seek Professional Help for Dark Circles

Understanding how to reduce dark circles starts with identifying their underlying causes and using a combination approach. Home remedies, such as a cold compress and adequate sleep, may offer temporary relief. Maintaining proper hydration and using gentle, hydrating skincare ingredients can also support the under-eye area.

You should consult a qualified dermatologist or skincare specialist if:

• Dark circles develop suddenly or worsen rapidly.
• They are accompanied by pain, itching, or swelling.
• Home remedies and lifestyle changes show no improvement after several weeks.
• You are considering advanced treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microneedling, or dermal fillers.
• A dermatologist can accurately diagnose the type of dark circles and recommend evidence-based medical treatments or procedures.

Expert Quote:

“Dark circles aren’t just about lack of sleep. Several factors, like genetics, allergies, skin thinning, and lifestyle factors, may play a role. The good news is that with the right care, they can often be visibly reduced. A comprehensive approach—combining sun protection, management of underlying causes (like allergies or anaemia), and targeted medical-grade products—is key to long-term improvement. If in doubt, always consult a dermatologist who will help rectify the underlying cause of your dark circles.”

– Dr. Sachin Singh

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I reduce dark circles permanently?

Reducing dark circles permanently is often challenging as many causes are genetic or related to the natural ageing process. The most effective and long-term results come from a combination of consistent lifestyle changes (proper sleep, sun protection), targeted high-quality skincare (retinoids, Vitamin C), and professional treatments (lasers, fillers) that address the specific underlying cause (pigmentation, volume loss, or vascularity).

Does ice remove dark circles?

Applying ice or a cold compress around the eyes can temporarily reduce the appearance of vascular dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing puffiness. However, it does not address the underlying causes (e.g., genetics, pigmentation) and only provides short-term relief.

Can sleeping reduce dark circles?

Yes, getting adequate, high-quality sleep (7-9 hours) can significantly help reduce dark circles, particularly those related to fatigue, by allowing the body and blood vessels to return to their normal state. However, it may not eliminate them if other factors like genetics or allergies contribute to their appearance.

What deficiency causes dark circles around the eyes?

Iron deficiency (anaemia) can contribute to dark circles by reducing oxygen delivery to tissues, which makes the under-eye area appear pale and the underlying veins more prominent. Deficiencies in vitamins K and B12 may also play a role, while Vitamin C supports overall skin health and collagen production. If you suspect a deficiency, consult a physician for testing.

What foods reduce dark circles?

No single food will eliminate dark circles, but a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can support overall skin health. Foods rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers), Vitamin K (leafy greens), and Vitamin E (almonds, seeds) can support collagen production, circulation, and reduce inflammation, contributing to brighter under-eye skin.

References

[1] Shishkin, V. B., Anisimov, V. N., & Oparina, O. N. (2017). The functional morphology of the eyelid and its role in the pathogenesis of periorbital aging. Advances in Gerontology, 7(1), 10–17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30320720/

[2] Park, B. J., Lee, S. H., Park, J. H., Byun, H. J., & Hong, I. K. (2020). Assessment of Causes of Dark Circles and Therapeutic Approaches. Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 26(3), 118–127. https://doi.org/10.7188/aaps.2020.26.3.118

[3] Ranu, H., S. M. K., S., & K. D., M. (2020). Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(2), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.7188/aaps.2020.26.3.118

[4] Sridharan, G., Mahadevan, R., & Perumal, K. (2022). Comprehensive review of periorbital hyperpigmentation: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 15(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_187_21

[5] Elias, M., Israeli, A., & Madan, R. (2023). Caffeine in Skincare: Its Role in Skin Cancer, Sun Protection, and Cosmetics. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 68(5), 546–550. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_166_22

[6] Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015

[7] Duroux, R., Mandeau, A., Guiraudie-Capraz, G., Quesnel, Y., & Loing, E. (2020). A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors. Molecules, 25(20), 4743. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204743