What causes dark circles under the eyes? The answer can be more complex than simply not getting enough sleep.
Genetics, pigmentation, dehydration, lifestyle, ageing and changes in the structure of the skin can all influence how the delicate area beneath the eyes looks. Understanding what is causing your dark circles is the first step towards choosing the right approach.
It is also important to distinguish dark circles from eye bags. While the two can appear together, dark circles are primarily associated with darker-looking skin beneath the eyes, whereas eye bags are linked to puffiness or swelling.
What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
There is rarely one single cause of dark circles. The appearance of the under-eye area can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Genetics
- Pigmentation
- Visible blood vessels beneath the skin
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Sun exposure
- Screen time and eye strain
- Age-related changes in the skin
- Loss of volume around the eyes
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than much of the face, which means changes in hydration, circulation, pigmentation and facial structure can be particularly visible.
Can Genetics Cause Dark Circles?
For some people, dark circles are largely genetic.
Your genes can influence the natural pigmentation, thickness and structure of the skin around your eyes, as well as the shape of the eye socket and the amount of underlying volume.
This means some people can have noticeable dark circles even when they sleep well, stay hydrated and follow a consistent skincare routine.
Genetically influenced dark circles may also become more pronounced over time as the skin and underlying tissues naturally change.
Can Lack of Sleep Cause Dark Circles?
Lack of sleep can make the eye area appear darker and more tired.
When you are sleep-deprived, changes in circulation and the appearance of the delicate skin beneath the eyes can make existing dark circles more noticeable. Poor sleep can also contribute to puffiness, particularly when fluid accumulates around the eyes.
Consistent, good-quality sleep is therefore an important part of supporting a brighter and more rested-looking complexion.
However, if your dark circles are primarily genetic or related to pigmentation or facial structure, improving your sleep alone is unlikely to make them disappear completely.
Can Dehydration Cause Dark Circles?
Dehydration can make dark circles appear more pronounced.
When skin becomes dehydrated, it can look duller and less plump, making shadows and underlying blood vessels more visible. The delicate skin around the eyes can be particularly affected by a lack of moisture.
Maintaining hydration, both internally and through your skincare routine, can help the eye area look smoother, fresher and more comfortable.
Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and other moisture-supporting ingredients can help maintain the skin's hydration levels.
Can Screen Time Make Dark Circles Worse?
Long periods of screen time can contribute to tired-looking eyes.
When concentrating on a screen, we tend to blink less frequently, which can contribute to dryness and eye strain. Prolonged visual concentration can also leave the eye area looking fatigued.
If you spend much of your day working on a laptop or using your phone, regular screen breaks can help reduce eye strain. Looking away from your screen regularly and allowing your eyes to refocus can also support eye comfort.
Why Do Dark Circles Get Worse With Age?
Dark circles can become more noticeable as the skin changes with age.
Over time, the skin naturally becomes thinner and loses some of its elasticity and structural support. Changes in collagen, fat distribution and facial volume can also affect the appearance of the area beneath the eyes.
As volume decreases around the eye area, the natural hollow between the lower eyelid and cheek can become more pronounced. This can create shadows that make the area look darker, even when pigmentation itself has not increased.
This is why understanding the underlying cause of dark circles is so important. What looks like pigmentation may actually be influenced by skin thickness, facial structure or shadowing.
What's the Difference Between Dark Circles and Eye Bags?
Dark circles and eye bags are often confused, but they are not the same concern.
Dark circles refer primarily to darker-looking skin beneath the eyes. They can be influenced by pigmentation, genetics, visible blood vessels, thin skin, dehydration or shadows created by facial structure.
Eye bags are more closely associated with puffiness or swelling around the eyes. Fluid retention, ageing and changes in the tissues surrounding the eyes can all contribute to their appearance.
It is possible to have dark circles without eye bags, eye bags without dark circles, or both at the same time.
How to Reduce the Appearance of Dark Circles
There is no single solution for every type of dark circle, so the most effective approach depends on what is causing them.
However, several daily habits can help support a healthier-looking eye area.
Prioritise Sleep
Consistent, good-quality sleep supports the body's natural processes of repair and restoration and can help reduce the tired appearance associated with sleep deprivation.
Stay Hydrated
Maintaining good hydration helps support the skin's moisture balance and can prevent the delicate eye area from looking dry or dull.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
UV exposure can contribute to pigmentation and visible signs of ageing. Protecting the delicate skin around the eyes is therefore an important part of a long-term skincare routine.
Take Regular Screen Breaks
If you spend hours looking at a screen, regular breaks can help reduce eye strain and give your eyes an opportunity to rest.
Use Targeted Eye Care
A dedicated eye serum can provide targeted hydration and support for the delicate skin around the eyes.
The AOX Hydro-Correct Bright & Tight Eye Serum is formulated with hydrating ingredients including glycerin, aloe vera and sodium hyaluronate to help hydrate and plump the eye area while supporting a brighter, fresher-looking appearance.
Can Cooling Help Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes?
Cooling can be particularly useful when puffiness is contributing to a tired-looking eye area.
Cooling can temporarily help reduce the appearance of puffiness, making the eye area look more refreshed. It can also help the eye area look brighter, particularly when fluid retention is contributing to a tired appearance.
This is one reason cooling facial tools can be a useful addition to a morning skincare ritual.
CRYOpress® combines cooling with facial massage to refresh and revitalise the appearance of the complexion. Used around the eye area, its cooling sensation can help the skin look more awake when puffiness is contributing to a tired appearance.
A Holistic Approach to the Eye Area
The appearance of the eyes can reflect more than skincare alone.
Sleep, hydration, stress, screen time, lifestyle and daily routines can all influence how rested or tired the eye area appears.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes an interconnected view of wellbeing, considering the relationship between the body, circulation, energy flow and overall balance.
Supporting the eye area can therefore extend beyond topical skincare. A consistent routine can work alongside healthy sleep, hydration, movement, relaxation and mindful daily habits to support a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.
When Should You See a Professional About Dark Circles?
Dark circles are usually a cosmetic concern and are very common. However, if a sudden change in the appearance of the skin around your eyes is accompanied by significant swelling, irritation, pain or other unusual symptoms, it is worth seeking professional medical advice.
For persistent dark circles, understanding whether pigmentation, dehydration, visible blood vessels, facial structure or another factor is contributing to their appearance can also help determine the most appropriate approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of dark circles?
There is no single cause of dark circles. Genetics, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, lack of sleep, dehydration, ageing and changes in facial volume can all contribute to their appearance.
How do I get rid of dark circles?
The best approach depends on what is causing your dark circles. Supporting sleep, hydration and sun protection alongside targeted eye skincare can help improve the appearance of the eye area.
Can lack of sleep cause dark circles?
Yes. Lack of sleep can make existing dark circles appear more noticeable and can contribute to a tired-looking or puffy eye area. However, sleep alone is unlikely to remove dark circles caused by genetics, pigmentation or facial structure.
Does drinking water help dark circles?
Maintaining good hydration can help prevent the eye area from looking dry or dull and may make dark circles appear less pronounced when dehydration is contributing to their appearance.
Are dark circles the same as eye bags?
No. Dark circles refer primarily to darker-looking skin beneath the eyes, while eye bags are associated with puffiness or swelling. The two can occur together but have different underlying causes.
