Pigment and redness5 min readUpdated
Dark Circles Under the Eyes: Causes and Treatments That Work
The three types of dark circles (pigmented, vascular and shadow), how to tell which you have, and treatments that work for each, from sunscreen and creams to under-eye filler, Morpheus8 and Sofwave.
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Dark circles come in three main types: pigmented (brown, from genetics, sun or rubbing), vascular (blue or purple, from blood vessels showing through thin skin) and structural (a hollow that casts a shadow). Pigment responds to sun protection, brightening or prescription creams and light peels; vascular circles to collagen-building treatments such as Morpheus8 and retinoids; and hollows to under-eye filler such as Restylane Eyelight, which lasts up to about a year. Most people have a mix.
- Dark circles are pigmented, vascular or structural (shadow), and many people have a mix.
- The stretch and light test helps tell the types apart.
- Daily SPF 30+, treating allergies and not rubbing help every type.
- Pigment responds to brightening or prescription creams and light peels.
- Thin skin and visible vessels improve with collagen-building treatments such as Morpheus8.
- Hollows respond to FDA-approved under-eye fillers lasting up to about a year; bags may need surgery.
On this page 7 sections
Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common reasons people say they look tired, even after a good night’s sleep. They are not one problem but several, and the treatment that works depends on which kind you have: brown pigment in the skin, blood vessels showing through thin skin, or a hollow that casts a shadow. Many people have a mix. Treating the wrong cause is the main reason creams and treatments disappoint.
This guide explains the types of dark circles, how to tell which you have, and which treatments help each, from sun protection and prescription creams to under-eye filler and skin tightening.
The three types of dark circles
| Type | What it looks like | Common causes |
|---|---|---|
| Pigmented | Brown or gray-brown, often extending onto the lid; does not change much when you stretch the skin | Genetics (common in medium to deep skin tones), sun, rubbing, allergies and eczema |
| Vascular | Bluish, purple or pinkish, worse when tired; fades slightly when you gently stretch the skin | Thin skin over the blood vessels and muscle, aging, allergies, poor sleep |
| Structural (shadow) | A dark groove or hollow under the eye that changes with lighting and improves when you look up into a light | Volume loss, deep-set eyes, bone changes, under-eye bags casting a shadow |
Try this at home: in front of a mirror, look straight ahead into a light, then gently stretch the skin under your eye. If the darkness lightens a lot with light from in front, a shadow is likely. If it fades when stretched, blood vessels are likely. If it stays brown either way, pigment is likely. A provider can confirm this and spot a mix.
What makes dark circles worse
- Allergies and rubbing: hay fever and eczema cause congestion and itching; rubbing the eyes darkens the skin over time.
- Sun: UV light increases pigment and thins the skin.
- Sleep and fluid: short sleep, salty food and alcohol make puffiness and shadows more obvious.
- Aging and weight loss: the under-eye area loses fat and the skin thins, deepening hollows and showing more vessels.
- Health conditions: rarely, dark circles go with conditions such as thyroid disease or iron deficiency anemia. See a doctor if they appear suddenly or with other symptoms.
Treatments that work, by type
For pigmented circles
- Daily sun protection: a mineral SPF 30+ around the eyes and UV-blocking sunglasses. Without this, nothing else lasts.
- Prescription and brightening creams: a provider may suggest a gentle retinoid, azelaic acid, vitamin C or a short course of a lightening cream. The under-eye skin is thin and easily irritated, so start slowly.
- Light chemical peels: superficial peels can fade surface pigment over several sessions; see chemical peels.
- Treat allergies: controlling allergies or eczema and stopping rubbing helps prevent further darkening.
For vascular circles
- Collagen-building treatments: thickening the skin helps hide the vessels beneath. Morpheus8 RF microneedling has an eye protocol, and SkinTyte infrared tightening can be used under the eyes.
- A gentle retinoid: over months, it supports collagen in thin skin.
- Cold compresses and sleep: help temporarily, especially when puffiness adds to the color.
For hollows and shadows
- Under-eye filler: a soft hyaluronic acid filler placed in the tear trough lifts the hollow so it no longer casts a shadow. Restylane Eyelight (2023) and Juvéderm Volbella XC (2022) are FDA-approved for under-eye hollows in adults over 21, with results lasting up to about a year.
- Cheek support: sometimes restoring cheek volume improves the under-eye area more naturally than filling the hollow directly; see facial volume loss.
- Skin tightening: Sofwave ultrasound can treat the upper and lower eyelid area to firm crepey skin.
Under-eye filler is not for everyone
Filler works best for a clear hollow with good skin quality. It is usually not the answer for puffy bags, a lot of loose skin, or very thin, dark skin, where filler can look bluish or puffy. Under-eye bags caused by fat pushing forward are often best treated by a surgeon with a lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). A good injector will tell you if you are not a candidate.
At-home tips that help
- Wear SPF 30+ and sunglasses every day.
- Do not rub your eyes; treat itchy allergies instead.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised if you wake up puffy.
- Use a cool compress or chilled spoons for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning.
- Choose a fragrance-free eye cream; ingredients such as caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin C and gentle retinoids are the most useful.
- A peach or orange-toned color corrector under concealer hides blue or brown circles well.
Eye creams can make the area look better, but no cream fills a hollow or removes pigment quickly. Be wary of products that promise to “erase” dark circles.
Dark circle treatments at Glow Theory
Filler
Under-eye, per treatment$685
Eyelight, per syringe$790
Morpheus8
Face, neck and eye protocol$1,405
Sofwave
Forehead and eyelids$1,000
SkinTyte for the under-eye area is $300. Your provider confirms the right plan and cost at your consultation.
Dark circle treatment in Carlsbad
Our team will look at your under-eye area in different lighting, work out which type of dark circles you have and recommend the simplest plan that will help. See dermal fillers in Carlsbad, read our guides to Juvéderm vs Botox and vitamin C, or book a consultation at our South Carlsbad studio on El Camino Real.
Frequently asked questions
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Brown pigment (often genetic, worsened by sun and rubbing), blood vessels showing through thin skin, and hollows that cast a shadow. Allergies, poor sleep and aging make them worse.
What is the best treatment for dark circles?
It depends on the type: sun protection and brightening creams or peels for pigment, collagen-building treatments for thin skin, and under-eye filler for hollows.
Does under-eye filler get rid of dark circles?
It helps dark circles caused by a hollow casting a shadow. It does not remove brown pigment and is not right for puffy bags or very thin skin.
How long does under-eye filler last?
FDA-approved under-eye fillers such as Restylane Eyelight and Juvéderm Volbella XC last up to about a year.
Do eye creams work for dark circles?
They can help a little, especially with caffeine, vitamin C, niacinamide or a gentle retinoid, but no cream fills a hollow or quickly removes pigment.
Can dark circles be permanently removed?
Usually not permanently, but the right treatment for your type can make them much less noticeable for a long time.
Sources
Insiyah Darugar
Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP is the founder and CEO of Glow Theory Aesthetic & Dermatology Studio in Carlsbad. She brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience in dermatology and aesthetics and completed the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, a…
