SKIN LINE · CONCERNS

Dark circles under the eyes

why they appear and what we can do about them

Dark circles under the eyes are a common feature that can make a person look tired, worn out or older, even when they feel perfectly well. They can appear at any age and are not necessarily linked to a lack of sleep. In some people, they are visible from childhood or adolescence, whilst in others they gradually become more pronounced with age.

What we call ‘dark circles’ can actually be the result of various mechanisms. Sometimes the skin under the eyes is thinner, allowing a network of blood vessels to show through. In other cases, the cause is a build-up of pigment, whilst sometimes the dark appearance is due not to a change in colour but to a shadow created by hollows or bags under the eyes.

This distinction is important because different causes require different approaches. A cream for pigmentation, for example, will not correct a hollow, whilst a volume-restoring procedure will not eliminate true hyperpigmentation.

What are dark circles under the eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes are a darkening or visual dulling of the skin in the periorbital area. They can be brownish, bluish, purple or greyish, and in some people they appear as a combination of several shades.

The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate. It is thinner than the skin on many other parts of the face and contains relatively little subcutaneous fat. Consequently, changes in the blood vessels, pigmentation and tissue structure can be seen more clearly.

Another important factor is the way light falls on the face. If there is a hollow in the tear trough or a protrusion of fatty tissue under the eyes, this creates shadows that make the area appear darker. In this case, the skin may not actually have increased pigmentation.

This is why, when assessing dark circles, the colour, structure and texture of the area around the eyes must all be considered simultaneously.

Types of dark circles under the eyes

Dark circles can broadly be categorised according to the underlying mechanism causing them.

Pigmentary dark circles – the skin contains more melanin and takes on a brownish to dark brown hue. This type is more common in people with certain skin types and may be linked to genetic factors or chronic sun exposure.

Vascular dark circles – these have a bluish, violet or reddish-purple hue. The thin skin allows the blood vessels and the blood within them to be seen more clearly.

Structural dark circles – in these cases, the darkening is optical. The deepening of the tear trough, changes in fat deposits or tissue laxity create shadows under the eyes.

Mixed type – a combination of pigmentation, visible blood vessels and structural changes is very common. It is precisely this variant that can be the most difficult to treat using a single method.

In some people, the darkening is more noticeable in the morning, after a poor night’s sleep or following prolonged eye strain. This does not necessarily mean that fatigue is the sole cause.

Causes and risk factors for the appearance of dark circles under the eyes

Genetics play a significant role. Some people naturally have thinner skin around the eyes, a more visible network of blood vessels or more pronounced pigmentation.

Factors that may contribute to the appearance or worsening of dark circles include:

genetic predisposition;
natural thinning of the skin with age;
chronic sun exposure;
atopic dermatitis and other conditions causing itching around the eyes;
frequent rubbing of the eyes;
allergies and nasal congestion;
insufficient or poor-quality sleep;
dehydration;
smoking;
anatomical features of the orbit and facial tissues.

Allergies may play a greater role than is usually assumed. A blocked nose and venous stasis in the area can cause the under-eye area to appear darker, whilst itching often leads to rubbing, which further irritates the skin.

As we age, a reduction in collagen and changes in adipose tissue and bone structure can also alter the way light is reflected around the eyes. This makes the shadows more pronounced, even without any actual darkening of the skin.

Are dark circles under the eyes a medical condition?

In the vast majority of cases, dark circles are not a medical condition. They are a cosmetic feature determined by anatomy, genetics, lifestyle and age-related changes.

However, it is important not to automatically assume that dark circles are evidence of a vitamin deficiency, anaemia or another internal problem. Such claims are widespread, but the mere presence of dark circles is not sufficient to make such a diagnosis.

In some cases, however, the darkening may be linked to a dermatological problem, such as eczema or contact dermatitis. In such cases, the underlying condition must be identified and treated.

When should you see a doctor?

If the dark circles are symmetrical, have been present for years and are not accompanied by other symptoms, there is usually no cause for concern.

A medical consultation is recommended when:

the darkening appears suddenly;
it affects only one eye;
there is swelling, redness or pain;
the skin is flaking, itchy or inflamed;
there are changes in vision;
there is an unusual bulging of the eye;
the change is accompanied by other new symptoms.

If you have any allergic or skin complaints, a dermatologist can assess whether these are contributing to the darkening.

If you are considering cosmetic correction, it is also advisable to have a professional assessment carried out first. The specialist can determine whether the main issue is pigmentation, visible blood vessels, hollows or a combination of factors.

Daily home care for dark circles under the eyes

Home care should be tailored to the cause. Treating the area around the eyes gently is particularly important, as harsh products and frequent rubbing can cause irritation.

A daily routine may include:

Sun protection – sunscreen and sunglasses help to limit UV exposure to this delicate area and are particularly important for those prone to pigmentation.

Gentle moisturising – a suitable eye cream can reduce dryness and visually improve the skin’s smoothness.

Adequate sleep – for some people, tiredness and lack of sleep make dark circles more visible, although sleep cannot eliminate genetically determined dark circles.

Managing allergies – when dark circles are linked to allergic symptoms, treating the underlying cause may also improve the appearance of the area under the eyes.

Avoid rubbing your eyes – this is particularly important if you experience itching or irritation, as mechanical friction can exacerbate inflammation and pigmentation.

Home remedies for managing the condition and home care measures

Some home remedies may temporarily make the area look fresher, but their effect is limited. A cold compress, for example, can temporarily reduce puffiness and make the blood vessels less visible.

Chilled gel masks or a clean, cool cloth can be used briefly, but you should avoid placing ice directly on the skin.

Eye contour products containing caffeine may temporarily improve the appearance of puffiness in some people, but they do not eliminate anatomically caused dark circles.

It is not advisable to apply lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda, concentrated acids or other harsh home remedies to the area around the eyes. The delicate skin can easily become irritated, and the resulting inflammation may make the darkening even more noticeable.

Dark circles under the eyes have different causes in different people. This is precisely why the most important step is to determine what is causing the dark appearance – pigmentation, blood vessels, shadow or a combination of several factors. Once the cause has been correctly identified, a more precise home care routine or professional treatment can be selected to achieve a natural-looking improvement.

Modern solutions for tackling dark circles under the eyes

Treatment should be chosen according to the mechanism causing the darkening. There is no one-size-fits-all procedure that is equally effective for all types of dark circles.

For pigmented dark circles, products containing active ingredients designed to regulate pigmentation may be used. In certain cases, a dermatologist may recommend chemical peels or appropriate laser and light-based treatments. These procedures must be carried out with care, as the skin around the eyes is sensitive.

For vascular dark circles, certain vascular-targeted lasers may be suitable in carefully selected patients. The aim is to target the visible blood vessels and thereby reduce the bluish or purplish tinge.

For structural dark circles caused by a deep tear trough, the approach is different. In some cases, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers may be used to restore volume. This is a delicate medical procedure that must be performed by a specialist with experience in the anatomy of the periorbital area, as the area carries specific risks.

При изразени мастни торбички или значително отпускане на долния клепач може да се обсъдят хирургични методи като блефаропластика.

To improve skin quality in suitable patients, certain laser, radiofrequency or microneedling procedures may also be used, but the choice depends on the specific condition.