Why you get them
- Genes and skin tone. Darker pigment under the eyes often runs in families and is common in medium and darker skin tones.
- Thin skin. Under-eye skin is thin, so blood vessels underneath can show through as a blue or purple tint, more so with age.
- Shadows. Hollows under the eyes or puffy eyelids cast a shadow, which looks like a dark circle, especially under overhead light.
- Allergies and rubbing. Hay fever and itchy eyes lead to rubbing, which can darken the skin over time.
- Tiredness and sun. Too little sleep makes circles more visible, and sun exposure can darken the skin there.
What helps at home
- Get enough sleep, and raise your head a little at night if your eyes are puffy in the morning.
- A cold compress for a few minutes can calm puffiness.
- Wear sunscreen around the eyes and sunglasses outdoors.
- Treat allergies, and try not to rub your eyes.
- Concealer with a peach or orange tone is the quickest way to even out blue or purple circles.
What eye products can do
Eye creams can make the area look better for a while: caffeine can reduce puffiness temporarily, and ingredients such as vitamin C or niacinamide may help with pigment over time. They don’t change your bone structure or the thinness of the skin, so expect a modest difference. A dermatologist can offer stronger options, such as prescription creams for pigment, lasers or fillers for hollows.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if dark circles appear under only one eye, come on suddenly, or come with swelling, pain or changes in your vision, or if you have other symptoms such as unusual tiredness.
Not sure where to start?
Under-eye darkness is one of the hardest things to judge from a photo — light changes it a lot. FacialStack looks at three photos of your face (front, left and right), describes what’s visible and suggests a simple morning and night routine, with what each step is for. The report is free with a free sign-in, for adults 18+. It’s cosmetic guidance from what a photo shows, not a diagnosis. You can see an example report first.
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- AI skin analysis from a photo: what it can and can’t tell you
Source: American Academy of Dermatology, guidance on dark circles under the eyes (aad.org). General information only, not medical advice.