Dark circles can make you look tired even when you feel fine. The good news? They’re very common, and in most cases, just a cosmetic concern.
Dermatologists now know that what most people call “dark circles” can come from several different things at once: extra pigment in the skin, tiny blood vessels showing through thin eyelid skin, and shadows from puffiness or hollows under the eyes. [1-6]
This guide breaks down how to tackle dark circles under eyes based on what’s really causing them, with practical at-home tips, smart skincare, and guidance on when to see a dermatologist.
How to get rid of dark circles under eyes: key takeaways
Not all dark circles are the same. They may be caused by extra pigment, visible blood vessels, puffiness or hollows, lifestyle factors, or a mix. [1-6]
Match your care to your type. Pigment-heavy circles respond best to gentle brightening and sun protection, while blue or purple tones often relate more to blood vessels, thin skin, or lifestyle factors. [1,3-7]
Daily habits really can help. Consistent sleep, sun protection, allergy care, and avoiding rubbing the eye area can all make a visible difference over time. [4,5,14-18]
Look for proven ingredients. Vitamin C, niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), retinol, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine have all shown benefits for dark circles and under-eye skin in clinical studies. [8-15]
See a dermatologist if circles are sudden, severe, or worrying. They can help rule out medical causes such as allergies, anemia, or thyroid issues and talk about in-office options such as peels, lasers, or fillers when appropriate. [1,6-9,18,19]
What are dark circles under the eyes?
When people talk about "dark circles," dermatologists often use the term periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) or infraorbital dark circles. Simply put, it means the skin around and under your eyes looks darker than the surrounding area. This is slightly different from puffiness or "eye bags" which is swelling or bulging under the eyes.
Research shows that dark circles are usually multifactorial, meaning they have more than one cause. It’s rarely just "thin skin" or "not enough sleep."
Dark circles are very common worldwide and can show up even at a young age. [3-6] They’re often more noticeable because the skin around the eyes is naturally thinner and more delicate than other facial skin. [1,8]
What causes dark circles under your eyes?
Dark circles rarely come from just one thing. Most people have a mix of factors that make the under-eye area look darker. Here are the most common contributors: [1,3-7,16-18]
1. Genetics and natural anatomy
Some people are simply more prone to dark circles because of the way their eye area is built. If dark circles run in your family, you may have:
Deeper-set eyes
More prominent under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
Thinner skin under the eyes
These features can cast shadows and make the underlying structures more visible, so the area looks darker even when the skin itself is healthy.
2. Extra pigment in the skin
In some cases, dark circles are driven by increased pigment (melanin) in the under-eye skin. This can be triggered by:
Years of sun exposure
Past irritation or eczema around the eyes
Rubbing or scratching due to allergies which can stimulate more pigment
This type of dark circle often appears brown or gray-brown and can be more noticeable in medium to deep skin tones.
3. Blood vessels and circulation
Dark circles can also result from tiny blood vessels that show through thin under-eye skin. When fine veins and capillaries are close to the surface, or when congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus issues slows blood and lymph flow, the area can take on a blue, purple, or dusky tone. These vascular circles often look worse when you’re tired, stressed, or not feeling well.
4. Puffiness and hollows
Sometimes the darkness is mostly shadow from puffiness or hollows under the eyes. Fat pads can shift with age, fluid can pool after salty meals or sleeping flat, and collagen loss can deepen grooves under the eyes. Together, these changes create a curved shadow that reads as a dark circle, even if the skin itself isn’t significantly darker.
5. Lifestyle factors
Daily habits can make any type of dark circle look worse. Common culprits include:
Not getting enough quality sleep
High stress and irregular routines
Smoking
Dehydration
Diets high in salty or highly processed foods
Over time, these habits can make pigmentation, vascular visibility, or under-eye hollows more noticeable.
Studies on "allergic shiners" also show that chronic nasal allergies can make the under-eye area look darker and more swollen, especially in children. [14]
How to tell what type of dark circles you have
Stand in natural light and take a closer look:
Notice the color
Gently stretch the skin under your eye to see if the darkness shifts
Smile and look up to check for puffiness or hollows
Think about your habits too—sleep, allergies, sun exposure, and eye rubbing all play a role. Most people have one dominant pattern or a mix. [1,3-7]
Pigment-dominated dark circles
How it looks: If the area looks brown, tan, or gray-brown, especially on medium to deep skin tones, and the color doesn’t change much when you stretch the skin, extra pigment is likely the main driver.
Why it happens: This pattern is more common in people with a history of sun exposure without regular sunscreen, past eczema or irritation around the eyes, frequent rubbing, or other dark spots on the face. [1,3-7]
What helps: Daily broad-spectrum sun protection and brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) can help, along with calming, barrier-supporting care. [1,3-7,10-13,19]
Vascular or blue-toned dark circles
How it looks: If your circles look blue, purple, pink, or dusky, are more noticeable on lighter skin, and lighten a little when you stretch the skin, they’re often related to visible blood vessels and congestion under thin skin. [1,3-7,16]
Why it happens: These circles commonly worsen when you’re tired, stressed, sick, or dealing with allergies or sinus congestion, and the area may look puffier in the morning.
What helps: Treating allergies and nasal congestion, using gentle cold compresses, choosing caffeine-containing eye products, and keeping the area well hydrated can all help soften this type. [13,14,16]
Shadowing from hollows or puffiness
How it looks: If the skin itself isn’t much darker, but you see a curved dark line or “trough” that changes with lighting or head position, you’re probably seeing shadow from hollows or puffiness rather than true pigment. [1,3-7,9,17]
Why it happens: This often shows up as under-eye bags that are worse in the morning, a hollow running from the inner corner of the eye across the cheek, and relatives with a similar under-eye shape.
What helps: Lifestyle habits like consistent sleep, reducing salt, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help. Hydrating and smoothing eye creams may also make a difference. For more pronounced hollows, in-office options like fillers or certain lasers may be considered with a dermatologist. [6-9,17]
Mixed and lifestyle-linked dark circles
How it looks: Many people have more than one type at the same time. [1,5,16-18] The under-eye area may look both brown and bluish depending on the day, and circles may clearly deepen after poor sleep or major stress.
Why it happens: Allergies, a hectic or irregular schedule, and a mix of pigment, thin skin, and shadowing are common in this group.
What helps: Mixed and lifestyle-linked circles usually respond best to a layered approach that combines healthy daily habits with a gentle but targeted eye routine and, when needed, in-office treatments recommended by a dermatologist. [1,5,16-18]
How dark circles can look on different skin tones
Dark circles don’t look the same on everyone. Your natural skin tone and the main cause make a big difference: [3-7,18,19]
On medium to deep skin tones, dark circles often look:
Brown, gray-brown, or charcoal (usually linked to extra pigment in the skin)
Sometimes mottled or patchy
On lighter skin tones, dark circles may look:
Blue, purple, or pinkish (often from blood vessels showing through thin skin)
More like general darkness than sharp edges
Studies show periorbital hyperpigmentation, darkening of the skin around the eyes, is especially common in people with darker skin types and may affect up to a third of patients in some Indian dermatology clinics. [3-6]
Importantly, having dark circles is very common and usually cosmetic, not a sign that you’re unhealthy.
Eye skincare routine for dark circles
A consistent, gentle eye routine can help soften the look of dark circles over time, especially when it’s matched to your type and combined with good daily habits.
Morning routine steps
1. Cleanse or rinse gently
In the morning, start by washing your face with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser like the Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser. The goal is to gently remove surface oil, sweat, and residue without drying out the delicate skin around your eyes, since irritation in this area can add to discoloration over time.
2. Brightening serum or eye treatment (if you use one)
Next, you can apply a thin layer of a brightening serum or an eye treatment such as our Collagen Bank™ Reviving Eye Gel Cream around the orbital bone that frames your eye (just under and around the eye socket), staying below the lash line.
Look for ingredients such as vitamin C, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), or niacinamide, which have been studied for their ability to support a more even skin tone and help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation when used consistently over time. [10-13]
3. Hydrating eye cream or gel
Follow with a hydrating eye cream or gel that suits your skin type. Lightweight gel-creams, such as the Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream, can feel refreshing and are often preferred if you’re prone to puffiness. Richer creams may be more comfortable if the area tends to be dry.
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides help attract and hold moisture, support the skin barrier, and keep the under-eye area looking smoother and more supple.[8]
4. Daily sunscreen around the eyes (must-do)
Finish your morning routine with a gentle, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on the entire face, including the under-eye area and, if tolerated, the upper lids. A lightweight, hydrating facial sunscreen is often easiest to use near the eyes.
For those dealing with discoloration, a tinted sunscreen with iron oxides can provide added protection against visible light, which also contributes to dark spots and uneven tone.[19]
Evening routine steps
1. Remove eye makeup carefully
At night, start by removing eye makeup with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes or a gentle eye makeup remover. Gently wipe over eyelids without tugging. This helps lift away mascara, liner, and sunscreen without pulling at the thin under-eye skin.
2. Cleanse the whole face
Once your makeup is removed, wash your face with a non-drying, fragrance-free cleanser and rinse thoroughly. Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel, taking care not to drag or stretch the skin around your eyes. Keeping this area clean and calm creates a good base for any treatment products you apply next.
3. Targeted eye treatment if needed
If you use active treatments at night, apply them next in a thin layer around the orbital bone. Retinol eye creams, such as Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Retinol Eye Cream, can help smooth the appearance of fine lines, which often makes dark circles look less prominent over time. [8,10] Niacinamide can strengthen the skin barrier, help reduce the look of uneven color, and may be better tolerated than some stronger lightening agents. [10,12] Products with vitamin C or other antioxidants can also be used at night if your skin handles them well and can support a brighter, more even-looking tone.
4. Moisturize the under-eye area
Finish by applying a moisturizing eye cream or gel to lock in hydration and cushion the skin. Choosing formulas specifically labeled for the eye area can help reduce the risk of stinging or irritation. Look for hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and ceramides to support the skin’s natural barrier, especially if you’re using ingredients like retinol that can be drying.[8]
Skincare ingredients to help with dark circles
When you’re choosing eye products for dark circles, focusing on a few evidence-backed ingredients can help you build a routine that works smarter, not harder. [8,10-13,19]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help brighten the look of the under-eye area and support collagen. One small clinical study found that a vitamin C formulation improved the look of lower eyelid dark circles when used consistently. [11]
Retinol
Low-strength retinol in eye formulas can soften the appearance of fine lines, and gradually improve the look of uneven tone when paired with daily SPF and good moisturization. [8]
Hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid and glycerin)
Hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw water into the skin’s surface layers. This can make the under-eye area look plumper and smoother so fine lines, hollows, and shadows are less noticeable. [8]
Niacinamide
Niacinamide’s been shown in facial studies to improve uneven skin tone, which makes it a useful option for sensitive under-eye skin.[10,12]
N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG)
N-acetyl glucosamine is a sugar-derived ingredient that works well alongside niacinamide. It can help reduce the look of stubborn pigment over time.[10,13]
Caffeine
For puffiness and blue-toned circles, eye products that contain caffeine may help temporarily reduce the look of swelling and make vessels less obvious. A small study of caffeine gels showed an improvement in the appearance of puffy eyes with regular use. [13,14]
Peptides and ceramides
Peptides and ceramides help support firmness and a strong skin barrier. They can make the under-eye area look healthier, smoother, and better able to tolerate active ingredients such as retinol and brightening agents. [8,15,16,19]
Your dermatologist can help you choose the best combination and texture for your skin type, skin tone, and sensitivity.
Everyday habits that can help reduce dark circles
Skincare products work best when they're paired with steady, supportive daily habits. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference over time.
1. Keep sleep and your schedule steady
Quality, regular sleep helps your body regulate blood flow and fluid around the eyes. Studies show that sleep deprivation makes faces look more tired and less healthy, especially around the eye area, and can exaggerate puffiness and shadows.[17] Aim for a consistent sleep and wake time to help your skin look brighter and more rested.
2. Support healthy circulation and fluid balance
How you sleep and what you eat at night can change how much fluid collects under your eyes. These small changes can help reduce morning puffiness and shadowing.
Try propping your head slightly higher on an extra pillow
Cut back on salty foods or heavy late-night meals.
3. Protect skin from the sun and everyday exposure
Daily sun protection is essential for the thin skin around your eyes.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on your face, including the under-eye area if tolerated
Wear sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides can provide extra protection against visible light, which also contributes to discoloration, especially in skin of color. [19]
4. Be gentle with the eye area
Rubbing or scratching can irritate delicate skin and lead to more discoloration.
Choose gentle, fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested products
Resist the urge to rub tired or itchy eyes.
5. Address underlying lifestyle and allergy triggers
Habits that can make dark circles look worse include:
Smoking
Not drinking enough water
Relying heavily on processed or high-salt foods
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that dehydration, fatigue, and lifestyle stress can also show up as dark, droopy under-eye circles. If allergies or nasal congestion are an issue, treating them with guidance from a healthcare provider can help soften “allergic shiners,” the darker, swollen-looking under-eye areas linked to chronic nasal allergies. [14,18]
When to see a dermatologist for dark circles
It’s reasonable to see a dermatologist anytime dark circles are bothering you, especially if they affect your confidence or quality of life. [1,5-9,18,19]
Make an appointment as soon as possible if:
Your dark circles are new, suddenly worse, or only on one side.
You notice other symptoms, such as persistent itching, scaling, redness around the eyes, frequent nosebleeds or sinus issues, nasal blockage, shortness of breath, palpitations, or extreme fatigue.
You have a personal or family history of anemia, thyroid disease, or atopic dermatitis (eczema) and other inflammatory skin conditions. [1,5-9,14,16,18,19]
At your visit, a dermatologist can determine the cause of your dark circles and then help you plan next steps.
How to get rid of dark circles under eyes: FAQs
For puffy “bags” under the eyes, focus on:
A gentle, hydrating eye cream or gel (often with hyaluronic acid and ceramides)
Products with caffeine, which may temporarily help reduce the look of puffiness in some studies [13]
A broad-spectrum facial sunscreen to protect the thin under-eye area
A mild retinol eye cream, if your skin tolerates it, to help with the appearance of fine lines that can make bags look more obvious [8]
Consistency and daily habits such as good sleep, less salt, and managing allergies are just as important as the products themselves.
Look for a formula that matches your main concern:
Brown or pigment-heavy circles: vitamin C, niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and gentle exfoliating agents can help with the look of uneven tone. [10-13]
Blue or vascular circles: hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus caffeine to support the look of smoother, less puffy skin. [8,13]
Fine lines and texture: retinol, peptides, and ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier. [8]
If you have sensitive skin, patch-test new products and start slowly.
Most over-the-counter eye products and lifestyle changes need at least 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use to show visible improvement. Studies on brightening ingredients such as niacinamide, NAG, and vitamin C often measure results over 8 to 16 weeks. [10-13]
References
1. Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, et al. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(1):49-55. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756872
2. Roberts WE. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: Review of Etiology, Medical Evaluation, and Aesthetic Treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(4):472-478. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24719068
3. Sheth PB, Shah HA, Dave JN. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Study of its Prevalence, Common Causative Factors and its Association with Personal Habits and Other Disorders. Indian J Dermatol. 2014;59(2):151-157. https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc3969674
4. Mendiratta V, Rana S, Jassi R, Chander R. Study of Causative Factors and Clinical Patterns of Periorbital Pigmentation. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):293-295. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6536080
5. Mahmoud D, Assaf H, Ali A. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: Etiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Features Update: A Review Article. Sohag Med J. 2021;25(3):83-87. https://smj.journals.ekb.eg/article_210163.html
6. Goldman A, Goldust M, Wollina U. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation, Dark Circles under the Eyes: Treatment Suggestions and Combining Procedures. Cosmetics. 2021;8(2):26. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/2/26
7. Awal G, et al. Illuminating the Shadows: An Insight into Periorbital Hyperpigmentation. Pigment Int. 2024. https://journals.lww.com/pigi/fulltext/2024/11020/illuminating_the_shadows__an_insight_into.1.aspx
8. Hamie H, Yassine R, Shoukfeh R, et al. A Review of the Efficacy of Popular Eye Cream Ingredients. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2024;10(2):e156. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11175953
9. Michelle L, Pouldar Foulad D, Ekelem C, Saedi N, Mesinkovska NA. Treatments of Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(1):70-74. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32740208
10. Kimball AB, Kaczvinsky JR, Li J, et al. Reduction in the Appearance of Facial Hyperpigmentation after Use of Moisturizers with a Combination of Topical Niacinamide and N-acetyl Glucosamine: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Trial. Br J Dermatol. 2010;162(2):435-441. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19845667
11. Ohshima H, Mizukoshi K, Oyobikawa M, et al. Effects of Vitamin C on Dark Circles of the Lower Eyelids: Quantitative Evaluation Using Image Analysis and Echogram. Skin Res Technol. 2009;15(2):214-217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19626722
12. Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al. A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma. Dermatol Res Pract. 2011;2011:379173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142702
13. Bissett DL. Topical N-acetyl Glucosamine: A New Approach to Inhibiting Melanin Production and Deposition. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007;6(1):20-26. Summary via PubMed record: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17348991
14. Amnuaikit T, Maneenuan D, Boonme P. Evaluation of Caffeine Gels on Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vivo Efficacy in Reducing Puffy Eyes. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2011;1(2):56-59. https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=20
15. Chen CH, Lin YT, Wen CY, et al. Quantitative Assessment of Allergic Shiners in Children with Allergic Rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;123(3):665-671. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281911
16. Sawant O, Khan T. Management of Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: An Overview of Nature-Based Agents and Alternative Approaches. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(4):e13717. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32472659
17. Sundelin T, Lekander M, Kecklund G, et al. Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance. Sleep. 2013;36(9):1355-1360. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3738045
18. American Academy of Dermatology. What Your Skin Can Tell You About Your Overall Health. Updated May 27, 2021. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/skin-overall-health
19. American Academy of Dermatology. How to Fade Dark Spots in Darker Skin Tones. Updated March 10, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots
