Dark circles
Dark circles describe a darker-looking area beneath the eyes. The colour may come from pigment or visible vessels, while hollows, puffiness and lighting can create shadow. More than one factor often contributes, so the same appearance does not imply one diagnosis or a simple treatment.
What you may notice
- Brown, blue, purple or grey colour below the eyes
- A darker appearance that changes with lighting
- Hollows or puffiness that deepen shadow
- Greater prominence after poor sleep or dehydration
- Associated rubbing, allergy or eyelid irritation
Why it can happen
Possible contributors include inherited facial anatomy, thin translucent skin, increased pigment, post-inflammatory pigmentation from dermatitis or rubbing, visible vessels, tear-trough hollowing and lower-lid bags. Ageing and sun exposure can make several of these more noticeable. Fatigue may accentuate the appearance but is not the only explanation.
What may help
Sun protection, gentle eye-area skincare and avoiding rubbing may reduce aggravation. Allergy or dermatitis should be assessed and treated appropriately. Pigment-directed skincare, vascular or pigment lasers, fillers for selected hollows, and eyelid surgery for prominent fat or laxity address different mechanisms. Treatment near the eye carries specific risks and should follow an anatomy-based assessment, especially in darker skin tones or when filler is being considered.
When to consult
Consult a clinician if the change is new, one-sided, associated with swelling, rash, pain, eye symptoms or general illness. For a persistent cosmetic concern, assessment can identify whether pigment, vessels, shadow, swelling or anatomy is dominant.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Dark circles under the eyes [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2015 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dark-circles-under-the-eyes (new tab)
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- National Health Service. Eyelid problems [Internet]. London: NHS; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/eyelid-problems/ (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid surgery [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery (new tab)