What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes are totally normal. Some people like the way dark circles look, but others are less comfortable with them. And cultural pressures can lead people to worry that dark circles make them look tired, stressed, or older. 

With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that people are trying to understand why dark circles happen and how treatments may help, from over-the-counter creams to cosmetic procedures. But do any of these treatments actually work? 

What are dark circles under your eyes?

For many people, dark circles under the eyes are just a regular part of how they look. Just like people have different skin colors, people can also have different shades of color under their eyes. It’s totally normal. 

But sometimes dark circles can be caused by other things, such as allergies, aging, or a lack of sleep. If this is the case — and the circles bother you — there may be things you can do to make the dark circles go away, from home remedies to medications. 

What do dark circles under your eyes look like?

Dark circles under the eyes are patches of darker skin beneath the eyes. They can look tan, brown, or purplish depending on your skin tone and the underlying cause. Both eyes are usually affected, but one may be more noticeable than the other. Sometimes, the skin on the upper eyelids and nose is also involved.

Dark circles also go by other names, including:

• Periorbital hyperpigmentation

• Periorbital circles

• Periocular melanosis or pigmentation

• Idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia of the orbital region

Causes of dark circles under the eyes

Dark circles can have many different causes, including some medical conditions. And often more than one thing is at play. Some of the main causes are:

• Genetics (dark circles may run in families)

• Increased skin pigmentation

• Enlarged blood vessels 

• Age-related skin thinning and changes in facial structures

• Localized swelling

• Chronic sun exposure (exposure to ultraviolet light)

• Fatigue

• Dehydration

• Alcohol and tobacco use

Can a vitamin deficiency cause dark circles? 

In general, certain diets don’t cause dark circles. But it’s possible that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies could be linked to dark circles under your eyes. 

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One study found that some people with dark circles also had low iron (anemia) or vitamin B12 levels. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean that the low levels caused the dark circles — just that they may be linked. More research is needed to understand this link before we can say for sure.  

Your best bet for your overall health is to have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Your healthcare provider can check for nutritional deficiencies if there is a concern.

Are dark circles a sign of an underlying health condition?

Sometimes, other medical problems can contribute to dark under-eye circles. When this happens, identifying and correcting the cause may help dark circles go away. 

Medical problems that are linked to dark eye circles include:  

• Allergies

• Certain skin conditions (like dermatomyositis, melasma, or nevus of Ota)

• Anemia

• Sleep problems

• Thyroid disease

Certain medications, like bimatoprost or oral contraceptives, can also cause dark circles under the eyes.

How to get rid of dark circles

Dark circles can be hard to treat because there are so many possible causes. The first step is to figure out the cause (or causes). If they’re due to a medical condition, then you’ll want to treat that condition. For example, taking medication to help with your seasonal allergies might also help reduce the circles under your eyes.

Beyond treating any underlying cause, there are a few things you can try at home or with the help of a healthcare provider. Keep in mind that everyone responds differently to treatment, and combining treatments may work best. So, to see which home remedies might be the most helpful for you, it’s a great idea to check in with your provider or dermatologist.   

At-home treatments

If your dark under-eye circles bother you, there are some things you can do at home that may help minimize their appearance: 

• Apply a cold, damp washcloth to the area to minimize blood vessels. You can also use cool cucumber slices, a refrigerated eye mask, or frozen peas wrapped in a soft cloth. 

• Use skin products with antioxidants like vitamin C and E. These may help nourish the skin under your eyes.

• Use concealing makeup.

• Apply patches or creams with caffeine.

• Give yourself facial massages. 

Medical treatments

Remember that a good first step is to treat any underlying health conditions that could be linked to dark circles. The home treatments above are a great next step. After that, you might consider different prescription creams and procedures that may help to minimize dark circles. But these can be pricey because insurance companies often classify these as cosmetic treatments. 

Here are some medical treatment options:

• Prescription creams: retinoids, hydroquinone, and other bleaching creams

• Office procedures: microdermabrasion, chemical peels, lasers, and injectable fillers

• Surgery: fat transfer and eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)

Your general practitioner may be able to help you with some of these treatments. They may also suggest that you see a dermatologist who specializes in these types of procedures. 

Tips to prevent dark circles under your eyes

One of the best things you can do to prevent dark circles from developing is to protect yourself from the sun. This includes using sunscreen or other forms of sun protection every day. 

Here are some other tips to help prevent darks circles:

• Get enough sleep.

• Sleep on extra pillows to prevent swelling around your eyes.

• Minimize stress as much as possible.

• Avoid alcohol, or limit how much you drink.   

• Quit smoking (or do not start).

• Drink plenty of water.

When should you see a doctor for dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes aren’t usually related to a medical problem. Unless they bother you, you probably don’t need to see a healthcare provider. 

But there are times when you should see a healthcare provider. Reach out to your provider if your eye discoloration:

• Appears suddenly

• Affects just one eye

• Is associated with significant swelling

• Is getting significantly worse

These could be signs that you have a medical problem that needs to be treated. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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