What causes under-eye circles?
By Lauren Taglia, MD
Interview by Stephanie Bouchard
Fact checked by Derick Wilder
Q: I feel a little foolish being so fixated on this, but when I see myself in the mirror, I think the darkness under my eyes makes me look like I’m on death’s door. Should I be concerned?
A: It’s natural to be concerned when the dark circles under our eyes don’t match the way we feel. Plus, people are more likely to point them out. We don’t ask about other types of skin discoloration, but dark under-eye circles often prompt people to ask whether we’re not getting enough sleep or feeling well.
Q: So would more sleep make a difference?
A: Dark under-eye circles are common and not necessarily the result of illness or tiredness. They affect people of all ages. Often, they’re not caused by just one thing, so it’s important to assess overall health and changes in the skin to identify the cause. Most dark circles under the eyes result from structural changes, pigmentation, or vascularity.
Q: What kind of structural changes are happening that would cause dark circles?
A: Structural changes occur with aging and chronic UV exposure. We start losing collagen, a structural protein that gives our skin its fullness, in our 20s, so by middle age, those changes begin to show. Chronic UV exposure accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, proteins that help keep skin firm and elastic. Menopause exacerbates volume loss by making the skin drier, and after menopause, bone loss around the eyes [can contribute to] hollowing. As we lose volume and bone — or lose weight — the fat pads that support the skin under our eyes can shift, creating what people call under-eye bags.
Q: Is there a genetic component to dark circles?
A: More color under the eyes is usually due to genetics. Some people also inherit blood vessels that sit closer to the surface of the skin, resulting in a bluish or purplish appearance under the eyes. As we age, thinner skin becomes more transparent, allowing the color from those vessels to show through.
Q: Might any medical conditions be to blame?
A: Medical conditions do not typically cause dark under-eye circles, but there are a few that can contribute to them. Uncontrolled allergies can lead to “allergic shiners,” in which the skin darkens due to rubbing or scratching itchy eyes. Thyroid disease can also cause changes in the skin and even in the shape of the eyes and how they sit in their sockets.
Q: I’ve tried using makeup to cover them, but that only does so much. Is there anything else I can do?
A: Makeup can provide some coverage or brighten dark under-eye circles, but it won’t resolve what’s causing them. Beyond makeup, keeping the skin moisturized, wearing sunscreen daily around the eye area, wearing sunglasses for UV protection, and using an eye-appropriate retinol cream at night to support collagen production are practical at-home strategies. For temporary relief, placing cool tea bags under the eyes can help. The caffeine in the tea constricts blood vessels beneath the skin, but the lightening effect is temporary. Managing stress, maintaining healthy sleep habits, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet are also important for supporting skin health.
If home remedies aren’t achieving the results you want, see a dermatologist. They can determine whether options like fillers to address volume loss and hollowing, surgery for displaced fat pads, or creams or lasers to lighten pigmentation are appropriate for you.
There is a dizzying array of options for managing dark under-eye circles. The best results come from identifying the underlying cause rather than searching for a one-size-fits-all product or solution.
Originally published in the Fall 2026/Winter 2027 print issue.
Stephanie Bouchard is a freelance journalist who writes about health and wellness, lifestyles, and pets.
