10 Surprising Things You Don’t Realize Are Causing Dark Under-Eye Circles

What causes dark under-eye circles?

The skin under our eyes is much thinner than anywhere else on the body, and it’s packed with tiny blood vessels. Because this area’s so delicate, even small changes that affect blood flow, color, or tissue can be highly visible, says Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Austin. Texas. 

“There are many causes of under-eye circles, and it is important to know what exactly is contributing to the appearance of dark under-eyes in order to best treat,” says Farah Moustafa, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Laser and Cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center. That’s why eye creams aren’t a cure-all. Some ingredients can help with specific issues, but they won’t work for everyone, adds Dr. Reed. 

1. Aging

As we age, our skin naturally loses volume. This structural change creates a hollow, shadowed look that makes under-eye circles appear darker, Dr. Moustafa explains. 

Maturing skin also becomes thinner and “crepey,” making the bluish or purple blood vessels beneath more visible. “Patients who have a lot of allergies or congestion may experience this earlier in life,” she adds. 

Treatments

A dermatologist can help you restore lost volume. “This is one use of hyaluronic acid fillers,” Dr. Moustafa says. For loose skin or pockets of fat, a procedure called a lower blepharoplasty can help. She also suggests Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX—but notes that this is a temporary fix.

For skin with a “crepey” appearance, Dr. Moustafa recommends:

• Retinol-based eye treatments that can thicken the skin around the eye.
• Caffeine-based eye creams, which can shrink the blood vessels, reducing the blue and purple tones and swelling.
• Laser treatments to thicken the skin and target visible vessels. 

2. Genetics

For some people, under-eye circles simply run in the family. Certain inherited traits—such as thinner under-eye skin, higher pigmentation, and facial structure—can make it more likely for dark circles to appear. A past study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology documented 22 family members with dark under-eyes across six generations, highlighting this strong genetic link. 

Treatment

You can’t change your genetics, but consulting a dermatologist can help you explore treatment options tailored to your features. 

3. Allergies and sinus issues

“The most common medical conditions that contribute to under-eye circles are chronic sinus issues and allergies,” Dr. Moustafa says. These issues cause inflammation around the eyes, leading to puffiness, water retention, and increased blood vessel visibility. 

Allergies also trigger histamine release, which can make under-eye blood vessels stand out even more. These dark circles are known as “allergic shiners” and can also result from chronic sinus congestion, Dr. Reed says. 

Treatment

Addressing the underlying allergy or sinus issue—and avoiding known triggers—can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles. 

4. Scratching or rubbing your eyes

Itchy, dry eyes easily trigger an instinct to rub or scratch—but aggravating this fragile area makes under-eye circles even worse.

Allergies are a major culprit for this eye discomfort, but the urge-to-itch can also stem from:

• Dry eye disease.
• Eye strain from staring at screens for too long.
• Contact lens discomfort.
• Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, around the eyelids.
• An eye infection or stye.

Treatment

Like allergies, addressing the root cause of dry, itchy, uncomfortable eyes will reduce discomfort. 

But if you need a quick fix, the Cleveland Clinic recommends applying a warm compress or using artificial tear drops for relief. Or, try placing cucumber slices on your eyes. According to 2025 research in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, cucumber is known to:

• Soothe and hydrate skin, reducing irritation and inflammation.
• Brighten the under-eye area, reducing puffiness and dark circles.

5. Too much screen time

While it’s a cause of dry, itchy eyes, spending long hours in front of screens also puts extra stress on nearby blood vessels, making them enlarge and appear darker. 

This issue is so common that it has a name: computer vision syndrome (CVS). In addition to dark under-eye circles, this condition can cause headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes. 

Treatment

Limiting screen time is ideal, but not always practical. That’s why experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule: stop every 20 minutes to stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

6. Sun exposure

The skin around the eyes is constantly exposed to the environment, says Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon in New York City. “Therefore, it is subject to sun damage.” He says sun exposure stimulates melanin production—causing pigmentation—which can worsen the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet.

This type of pigmentation can occur in anyone, but it’s more common in people with Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian descent, Dr. Moustafa adds.

Treatment

Sun protection, including sunscreen for the eyes and UV-protective sunglasses, is the best way to prevent skin browning.

Reversing existing skin pigmentation is more challenging, Dr. Moustafa says, but dermatologists may recommend treatments such as:

• Non-ablative fractional resurfacing
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections
• Picosecond lasers
• Topical glutathione 

For an at-home approach, “Ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol can help reduce hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Reed says.

7. Diet and lifestyle

Puffy eyes often make dark circles more prominent, and certain foods and drinks can worsen this effect. In particular: “High-salt and processed foods can cause more under-eye puffiness, casting shadows,” Dr. Reed says. 

“Alcohol, although not directly causing dark circles, can make them appear more obvious through dehydration, sleep disruption, and dilated [enlarged] under-eye vessels,” she adds. Caffeine can have a similar effect by causing water retention. 

Treatment

Limiting salty and processed foods can reduce eye puffiness—and drinking enough water helps, too. “Dehydration can accentuate circles,” Dr. Reed notes.

But if skipping your morning coffee isn’t realistic, she says that certain skincare ingredients can help tame eye puffiness and improve hydration, minimizing the appearance of under-eye circles. She recommends looking for products containing: 

• Peptides
• Retinol
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Caffeine (drinking it can puff up your eyes, but applying it topically can actually calm things down.) 

8. Some medications

Certain medications and supplements can indirectly exacerbate under-eye circles, says Dr. Reed. “Some chemotherapy medications as well as other meds may affect pigmentation of the skin, leading to this area appearing darker,” she explains. “Blood thinners may make the under-eye blood vessels more prominent, leading to a darker tint.”

Dr. Moustafa adds that Bimatoprost is a medication used to treat glaucoma—but more recently, it’s often used for eyebrow and eyelash growth as well. “[This] can cause problems with darkening the skin around the eye,” she says. “It should be used with caution.” 

Treatment

If you suspect that a medication you’re taking is causing dark under-eye circles, talk to your doctor. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without medical guidance. 

9. Makeup and skincare

Makeup is meant to hide dark circles, but sometimes, it can make them worse. If your makeup or skincare product is too irritating—or you’re allergic to an ingredient—this can lead to eyelid swelling, inflammation, and pigmentation around the eyes, says Dr. Moustafa. 

Treatment

To stay on the safe side, if you notice your under-eye area looking particularly rough after using a new product, steer clear. You can also look out for common irritants and allergens in skincare and makeup products. According to 2025 research published in Cosmetics, these can include:

• Fragrances and essential oils.
• Preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK).
• Heavy metals, such as nickel and iron oxide.
• Chemicals used in lash tinting.

10. Sleeping position

Even if you get a full night’s rest, the way you sleep could explain dark circles under your eyes, according to Harold Lancer, MD, FAAD, a celebrity dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California. He says that lying on your side or belly while asleep can put strain on the delicate skin around your eyes. 

Treatment

“Try to sleep on your back, which doesn’t just benefit your face, but also prevents wrinkles from potentially forming on your chest,” Dr. Lancer suggests. “You may also want to consider sleeping with an extra pillow when your eyes are extremely puffy, since elevating your head will get the fluid to move away from your lids.” 

How to improve dark under-eye circles

The most effective way to reduce dark circles is to identify and address the underlying cause. But a quality eye cream can go a long way, too, says Dr. Reed. “Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, peptides, caffeine, hydroquinone, and tranexamic acid all can assist with various contributors to dark circles.” 

Still, even the best eye cream can’t overcome lifestyle factors. Dr. Reed says that staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and limiting alcohol, processed foods, and excess salt can make a big difference in the appearance of the skin under your eyes. 

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