Dark circles under the eyes usually have one of four causes: extra pigment in the skin, thin skin that shows the blood vessels beneath, shadows cast by hollows or bags, or a mix of these. Lack of sleep, allergies and rubbing can make them worse. Pigment responds best to skincare and sun protection, shadows may be helped by filler or eyelid surgery, and a careful assessment tells you which applies.
The four main types
- Pigmented: brown discolouration of the lower-lid skin, common in medium to darker skin types and often inherited.
- Vascular: a bluish or purple tinge where thin skin reveals the network of small veins and the muscle beneath.
- Structural (shadow): a hollow tear trough or bulging fat creates a shadow that looks dark, particularly under overhead lighting.
- Mixed: most people have features of more than one type.
A simple test helps: gently stretch the skin. If the colour lightens, thin skin or shadow is likely; if it stays, pigment is more likely.
What makes dark circles worse
Several everyday factors increase darkness under the eyes. Poor or short sleep, dehydration and alcohol can make the skin look duller and the vessels more obvious. Allergies such as hay fever cause congestion and itching, and rubbing the eyes triggers inflammation and pigment. Sun exposure deepens pigment, and smoking affects skin quality.
Occasionally, dark circles are linked to a medical issue such as eczema around the eyes, iron deficiency or thyroid problems. If they appear suddenly or come with other symptoms, see your GP.
Self-care and skincare
- Sun protection: a daily SPF suitable for the eye area and sunglasses help prevent pigment darkening.
- Treat allergies: managing hay fever or eczema and avoiding rubbing reduces inflammation.
- Topical ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids and gentle brightening agents may lighten pigment gradually.
- Sleep and hydration: consistent sleep and less alcohol can reduce puffiness and dullness.
- Camouflage: a peach or orange-toned corrector can neutralise blue or brown tones.
Medical and injectable treatments
Where a hollow tear trough is the main cause, carefully placed dermal filler can reduce the shadow in suitable patients. It will not lighten pigment, and in thin skin it can sometimes create a bluish tinge if placed too superficially.
Pigmented circles are usually best managed with skincare and sun protection over time. Stronger pigment treatments carry a risk of irritation or uneven colour around the delicate eye area and need a cautious, specialist approach.
When eyelid surgery helps
Surgery is relevant when shadows are caused by bags or a deep groove. A lower blepharoplasty can reduce bulging fat or reposition it to fill the hollow, smoothing the contour so that less shadow forms. This can make the area look noticeably brighter.
It is important to be clear: surgery does not remove pigment or change the colour of the skin itself. Where pigment and structure both contribute, surgery may be combined with ongoing skincare. Lower blepharoplasty is priced from £7,500.
How Mr Nassab assesses dark circles
At consultation, Mr Nassab examines the lower lids in natural and overhead light, checks skin thickness and colour, looks for bags and hollows and asks about allergies, sleep and skincare. He will explain which type of dark circle you have, whether a procedure is likely to help, and what you can do at home. Many people are reassured to learn that simple measures may be all they need. The consultation fee is £150 and is charged separately.
Realistic expectations
Dark circles are rarely a single problem, which is why a combined approach often works best. Someone with a mild hollow and inherited pigment, for example, may notice most improvement from a small amount of filler alongside patient, consistent skincare, rather than from any one treatment. Changes to pigment take months rather than weeks, and results from any injectable are temporary.
It also helps to judge progress in consistent lighting. Overhead lights exaggerate shadows, while soft daylight tends to minimise them, so photographs taken in the same place over time give a fairer picture of improvement than a glance in a bathroom mirror.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dark circles be removed permanently?
Shadow caused by bags or hollows can be improved for many years with surgery, but pigment and thin skin usually need ongoing care.
Do eye creams work for dark circles?
Creams with brightening ingredients can help pigment gradually. They have little effect on shadows from hollows or bags.
Are dark circles hereditary?
Often, yes. Both pigment and the shape of the eye area tend to run in families.
Will blepharoplasty get rid of dark circles?
It can reduce shadowing from bags and grooves, but it does not change skin pigment.
Should dark circles be checked by a doctor?
If they appear suddenly, are one-sided or come with other symptoms, see your GP to rule out an underlying cause.
