Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesGetting Rid of Dark CirclesLimit Sun ExposureMedical OptionsSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Getting Rid of Dark Circles
Limit Sun Exposure
Medical Options
Seeking Medical Care
Dark circles under the eyes can surface for various reasons, from tiredness to aging or underlying conditions like allergies or eczema. While they’re often harmless, these shadows can impact self-confidence.
Here is everything you need to know about how to help reduce these pesky under-eye shadows.
undrey / Getty Images
What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
Understanding the underlying causes can help in choosing the appropriate remedies or treatments to alleviate or minimize the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Here are potential causes:
Low iron levels, called anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiencies may also play a role in contributing to dark circles under the eyes.
What Gets Rid of Dark Circles Fast?
People often seek quick remedies to eliminate dark circles because these under-eye discolorations can affect their appearance, making them look tired, older, or less vibrant. Here are remedies that may help resolve dark eye circles fast:
Sleep
Cold Compress
Moisturizer
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices contain antioxidants and a high water content that may temporarily reduce under-eye darkness. Research suggests that the coolness of cucumbers can help constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and inflammation, which, in turn, may alleviate the appearance of dark circles.
Almond Oil
Almond oil has been used as skin skin for centuries for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Rich in antioxidants, almond oil can help moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing dryness and improving skin texture. Its anti-inflammatory properties might also help improve your complexion and the appearance of dark circles over time.
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Its use in topical creams or serums may help strengthen capillaries and minimize the discoloration associated with dark circles.
Tea Bags
Tea bags, particularly teas containing caffeine, may help reduce under-eye circles. The caffeine in tea has vasoconstrictive (blood vessel tightening) properties that can temporarily reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes.
Additionally, antioxidants in tea bags may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially soothing the under-eye area and diminishing the appearance of dark circles. Placing cooled tea bags over the eyes for a few minutes can offer a refreshing and soothing effect, aiding in reducing puffiness and improving the appearance of dark circles.
To help prevent under-eye circles, use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.This can help maintain the health and resilience of the skin, reducing the likelihood of dark circles forming or becoming more pronounced.
What Medical Options Are Available for Dark Circles?
Dark circles under the eyes can be challenging to treat with home remedies alone. Medical options, like certain creams, laser therapy, or fillers, are sought after as they offer more targeted and sometimes quicker solutions to address specific underlying causes or to camouflage the appearance of dark circles for cosmetic reasons.
Skin-Lightening Creams
Skin-lightening creams contain ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or retinoids that inhibit melanin production and reduce hyperpigmentation, gradually lightening dark circles over time.
Regular application and adherence to a skin-care routine are essential for effectiveness, though results may vary depending on the cause of the dark circles.
Laser Therapy
Fractional laser treatments and non-laser light therapy such asintense pulsed light (IPL)target specific pigmentation or blood vessels beneath the skin, reducing their prominence and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, and posttreatment care, including sun protection, is crucial to prevent any potential side effects.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peelsinvolve applying a solution containing acids likeglycolic acidor trichloroacetic acid to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer, promoting cell turnover and reducing pigmentation.
Recovery time and potential side effects, such as redness or peeling, vary depending on the depth of the peel. Also, multiple sessions might be needed for significant results.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty,commonly known as eyelid surgery, involves removing excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper or lower eyelids or both.
By tightening the skin and repositioning or removing tissue, blepharoplasty may help create a smoother, more rejuvenated appearance around the eyes, reducing the prominence of dark circles.
Fillers
Fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid or other substances, are injected beneath the eyes to add volume and fill in hollow areas or depressions.
Fillers can be an effective temporary solution for camouflaging dark circles, but they require maintenance injections every few months or years, depending on the type of filler used.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you’re considering medical procedures like fillers, blepharoplasty, lasers, or other treatments, talk to a qualified healthcare provider to discuss potential risks, benefits, and suitability for your specific situation.
If swelling or discoloration appears under only one eye, or if the swelling gets worse over time, see your provider to make sure it is not something more serious.These symptoms may indicate an infection in the eye that requires medical treatment.
Summary
Understanding the causes behind dark circles under the eyes may allow for a tailored approach to treatment. From simple lifestyle adjustments like adequate sleep and sun protection to specialized skin-care ingredients containing vitamins E and K, there are various options to explore.
For more targeted and quicker solutions, medical interventions like skin-lightening creams, laser therapy, chemical peels, or surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty and fillers offer effective ways to address dark circles. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for a personalized strategy that works for you.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DermNet.Dark circles under the eyes.Medline Plus.Hay fever.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.Medline Plus.Contact dermatitis.Mendiratta, Vibhu; Rana, Shiwangi; Jassi, Rubina; Chander, Ram. Study of causative factors and clinical patterns of periorbital pigmentation. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 10(3):p 293-295, May–Jun 2019. | DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_158_18Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S.Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Jan;9(1):49-55. PMID: 26962392; PMCID: PMC4756872.Calkin JM, Boudreaux AA, Taylor B.Efficacy and tolerability of a novel skin cream for improving periocular rhytids and dryness. J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(11):5769-5778. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15249The Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle.Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care.The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2010;16(1):10-12. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015Keen MA, Hassan I.Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494Mitsuishi T, Shimoda T, Mitsui Y, Kuriyama Y, Kawana S.The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004;3:73–5. doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.xAhmadraji, Fatemeh; Shatalebi, Mohammad Ali.Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified emu oil base. Advanced Biomedical Research 4(1):p 10, | DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148292MedlinePlus.Sun protection.Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available?J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089Vrcek I, Ozgur O, Nakra T.Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Apr-Jun;9(2):65-72. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.184046.Walker K, Basehore BM, Goyal A, et al.Hyaluronic Acid. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/Medline Plus.Eye infections.Medline Plus.Orbital cellulitis.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DermNet.Dark circles under the eyes.Medline Plus.Hay fever.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.Medline Plus.Contact dermatitis.Mendiratta, Vibhu; Rana, Shiwangi; Jassi, Rubina; Chander, Ram. Study of causative factors and clinical patterns of periorbital pigmentation. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 10(3):p 293-295, May–Jun 2019. | DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_158_18Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S.Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Jan;9(1):49-55. PMID: 26962392; PMCID: PMC4756872.Calkin JM, Boudreaux AA, Taylor B.Efficacy and tolerability of a novel skin cream for improving periocular rhytids and dryness. J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(11):5769-5778. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15249The Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle.Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care.The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2010;16(1):10-12. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015Keen MA, Hassan I.Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494Mitsuishi T, Shimoda T, Mitsui Y, Kuriyama Y, Kawana S.The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004;3:73–5. doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.xAhmadraji, Fatemeh; Shatalebi, Mohammad Ali.Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified emu oil base. Advanced Biomedical Research 4(1):p 10, | DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148292MedlinePlus.Sun protection.Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available?J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089Vrcek I, Ozgur O, Nakra T.Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Apr-Jun;9(2):65-72. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.184046.Walker K, Basehore BM, Goyal A, et al.Hyaluronic Acid. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/Medline Plus.Eye infections.Medline Plus.Orbital cellulitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DermNet.Dark circles under the eyes.Medline Plus.Hay fever.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.Medline Plus.Contact dermatitis.Mendiratta, Vibhu; Rana, Shiwangi; Jassi, Rubina; Chander, Ram. Study of causative factors and clinical patterns of periorbital pigmentation. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 10(3):p 293-295, May–Jun 2019. | DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_158_18Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S.Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Jan;9(1):49-55. PMID: 26962392; PMCID: PMC4756872.Calkin JM, Boudreaux AA, Taylor B.Efficacy and tolerability of a novel skin cream for improving periocular rhytids and dryness. J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(11):5769-5778. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15249The Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle.Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care.The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2010;16(1):10-12. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015Keen MA, Hassan I.Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494Mitsuishi T, Shimoda T, Mitsui Y, Kuriyama Y, Kawana S.The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004;3:73–5. doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.xAhmadraji, Fatemeh; Shatalebi, Mohammad Ali.Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified emu oil base. Advanced Biomedical Research 4(1):p 10, | DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148292MedlinePlus.Sun protection.Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available?J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089Vrcek I, Ozgur O, Nakra T.Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Apr-Jun;9(2):65-72. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.184046.Walker K, Basehore BM, Goyal A, et al.Hyaluronic Acid. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/Medline Plus.Eye infections.Medline Plus.Orbital cellulitis.
DermNet.Dark circles under the eyes.
Medline Plus.Hay fever.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.
Medline Plus.Contact dermatitis.
Mendiratta, Vibhu; Rana, Shiwangi; Jassi, Rubina; Chander, Ram. Study of causative factors and clinical patterns of periorbital pigmentation. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 10(3):p 293-295, May–Jun 2019. | DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_158_18
Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S.Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016 Jan;9(1):49-55. PMID: 26962392; PMCID: PMC4756872.
Calkin JM, Boudreaux AA, Taylor B.Efficacy and tolerability of a novel skin cream for improving periocular rhytids and dryness. J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(11):5769-5778. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15249
The Journal of Aging Research and Lifestyle.Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care.
The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2010;16(1):10-12. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015
Keen MA, Hassan I.Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494
Mitsuishi T, Shimoda T, Mitsui Y, Kuriyama Y, Kawana S.The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004;3:73–5. doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.x
Ahmadraji, Fatemeh; Shatalebi, Mohammad Ali.Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified emu oil base. Advanced Biomedical Research 4(1):p 10, | DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148292
MedlinePlus.Sun protection.
Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available?J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089
Vrcek I, Ozgur O, Nakra T.Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Apr-Jun;9(2):65-72. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.184046.
Walker K, Basehore BM, Goyal A, et al.Hyaluronic Acid. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/
Medline Plus.Eye infections.
Medline Plus.Orbital cellulitis.
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