Can You Get Rid Of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

Let’s be honest. They might look pretty cute on pandas, but dark circles aren’t the most desirable look for us humans. However, they are a reality for many of us – no matter how much sleep we’ve had. 

We sat down with the Skin + Me Dermatology Team to ask them all about dark circles and the many myths surrounding them. What causes them, can you prevent them, and is it really possible to say goodbye to your dark circles once and for all?

What are dark circles?

Under-eye circles are dark patches that appear underneath your eyes – the medical name for them is periorbital dark circles. They can also look more like rings surrounding your entire eyes, and the dark areas might have a purple, brown or blue hue, depending on your skin tone. 

Some people are self-conscious about their dark circles, as they are often associated with tiredness – more on that later. However, dark circles don’t cause any harm and if you don’t mind how they look then there’s no need to change them.

What causes dark circles under your eyes?

Dark circles can be caused by a variety of factors and the root cause of them isn’t always clear. It’s often assumed that people with dark circles don’t get enough sleep, but it’s not that simple. Sometimes dark circles can be more pronounced if you’re tired, as the rest of your skin looks paler in comparison, but other factors might be causing them too. 

Genetics often play a part here – if your family members have dark circles, you’re more likely to have them too. This might be down to the natural shape of the bone, the thickness of the skin around your eyes, or your inherited skin tone. 

Dark circles can also look more pronounced as you age and lose volume in your skin, which causes the area to look more hollow and shadowy. As you get older, blood vessels might also appear more pronounced under the thin skin that surrounds your eyes, giving the appearance of dark circles. 

And, hyperpigmentation (when the skin produces more melanin) can also be a factor. This might be caused by sun damage or fluctuations of your hormones. 

Often many factors will be at play at once, and it can be difficult to work out the specific cause of your dark circles. Speak to a dermatologist if you want an expert opinion on your dark circles – they’ll be able to give you some details on what is likely causing them.

How to prevent dark under-eye circles

If your dark circles are hereditary then they can’t really be prevented – they’re simply written into your genes. However, sometimes you can minimise the possibility of them becoming more pronounced.

Make sure that you are getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. This will help your skin to regenerate and look its best. “A good sleep equals good skin,” says Dr Jason Thomson, Head of Medical at Skin + Me. “When we sleep our skin goes into rest and repair mode – it’s when our skin regenerates itself without any interference from UVA, UVB light and stress. Sleep well and your skin will look healthy and rested.”

You should also practice safe suncare by always wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen – yes, every single day. This can help to reduce the likelihood of excess melanin production which can contribute to hyperpigmentation and dark areas around the eyes. 

“Remember the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny, which is why we recommend seeking shade during these times if you can,” says Dr Jason. “Winter sunlight can be strong, particularly when at altitude and near reflective surfaces such as snow so you should definitely protect exposed skin in these situations too. You should apply your sunscreen generously to all exposed skin around 20 minutes before going out into the sun.”

How to treat dark under-eye circles

Unfortunately you can’t wave a magic wand and make your dark circles disappear entirely. However, there are some ways you might be able to make them less noticeable, if they make you feel self-conscious.

Make-up

Makeup is the easiest and cheapest way to mask under-eye circles. Basic colour theory teaches you that warm or yellow toned makeup will neutralise blue or purple tones, so pick your concealer carefully. Or, you can use other makeup as a distraction – a bright lipstick or gorgeous blush will draw eyes away from dark circles. 

Skincare products

Skincare products can’t make dark circles vanish completely, but the right regime can sometimes reduce their intensity. Caffeine is often cited as a hero ingredient for the under-eye area, and some people do report that it helps reduce under-eye swelling that makes dark circles look more pronounced. 

Vitamin C can also be beneficial, especially if your dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation. The ingredient also inhibits the enzyme that results in the production of melanin – so, applying a high-quality vitamin C serum to your under eyes could have a brightening effect. 

And, under-eye patches can provide a quick solution. They can help to decrease puffiness and add some luminosity, although they won’t have any long-term effects. 

Skin peels and laser treatments

Treatments that work to renew the skin can sometimes help reduce the appearance of dark circles. If your dark circles are due to dark veins below the surface of your skin, then you might be interested in laser treatment. Lasers stimulate the blood vessels and help to reinvigorate the skin for a brighter look. However, this won’t work for everyone, and you might need several sessions to see results. 

And, if dull skin is making your dark circles look more pronounced, then skin peels may help to rejuvenate your skin and make it appear brighter. Small amounts of acid will chemically exfoliate your skin and remove the damaged outer layers of skin – just remember that the results can vary. 

As always, we’d recommend speaking to a dermatologist before embarking on any cosmetic treatments, and check out our guide if you’re using any active ingredients in your skincare routine. 

Under-eye filler

If your dark circles are caused by deep indentations around your eyes, you can make them look less pronounced by adding volume to the space with dermal filler. An aesthetician will look at your face and determine the best places to inject, plumping up the skin and making the area appear less hollow. 

Do your research before having dermal filler and make sure you go to a professional for your tweakments. And, of course, always follow their aftercare advice.