What’s Causing Your Under Eye Circles?

The best treatment for dark circles depends on the cause

We’ve all been there. You look in the mirror and notice them. The dark eye circles.

You might be wondering why they’re there. Did you stay up too late last night? Are you dehydrated? Whatever the cause, this common condition is annoying.

But there’s good news. They’re easily treatable. Here’s what to know about those pesky circles.

What are under eye circles?

“Having under eye circles means the area beneath your eyes looks darker than normal,” says Eric Yang, MD, dermatologist at Geisinger. Depending on your skin tone, those circles may take on a few different colors, including:

Black
Brown
Blue
Purple

Older adults and people with darker skin tones may be more likely to have them.

What causes under eye circles?

It’s more than just tiredness. Lots of things can cause dark circles under your eyes.

“The most common cause of under eye circles are visible blood vessels or increased pigment in the area,” Dr. Yang says.

Besides needing more rest, other common causes of dark circles include:

Aging
Genetics
Allergies
Anemia
Dehydration
Excessive alcohol use
Thyroid conditions

Poor diet, stress and smoking may also be a cause.

How to get rid of dark circles

To get rid of dark rings under your eyes, start with these easy methods:

Cold compresses

Cold compresses cause blood vessels to constrict. To reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles, gently apply a cold compress around the eyes. To make a cold compress, wrap an ice pack in a towel. Or fill a bag with ice cubes. Don’t have ice handy? Use a bag of frozen vegetables instead.

Eye cream

Want to banish dark circles? Consider investing in a good eye cream. Look for one that has any of these ingredients to help your skin look its best:

Caffeine
Hyaluronic acid
Vitamin K

Other methods to reduce the appearance of dark circles include chemical peels, laser therapy or fillers.

Elevating your head when you sleep

Keeping your head slightly raised when you sleep can help stop fluid from pooling beneath your eyes. This can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Not sure how to keep your head propped? Try adding an extra pillow or, if possible, raise the head of your bed.

“Often treatments can help reduce how prominent dark circles look, but, depending on the cause, it can be difficult to get rid of them completely,” says Dr. Yang.

Preventing dark circles

A few good habits will help you avoid dark circles in the first place. Start with these to look as fresh faced as possible:

Catch your Zzz’s

The blood vessels beneath your eyes are delicate. When you don’t get good rest, those blood vessels can dilate, increasing blood flow to the area. That can cause skin to darken. Getting adequate sleep can help regulate blood flow around the eyes, reducing the likelihood of having dark circles.

Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen is a critical ingredient to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. When you apply your SPF, don’t forget the area around your eyes. Because that skin is thin and delicate, it’s more susceptible to sun damage. That can worsen the appearance of dark circles.

“Appropriate sun protection is important in protecting this area and minimizing the risk of developing dark circles,” Dr. Yang says.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration helps your body in so many ways. Did you know it can even reduce the appearance of under eye circles? Dehydration can make your skin look dull. It can even make you more prone to retaining fluid. Fluid can accumulate around the eyes, leading to dark circles.

By staying hydrated throughout the day, you can help stop dark eye circles in their tracks.

Minimize alcohol use

Another way to avoid dark circles under your eyes? Limit how much and how often you drink alcohol. “And if you are drinking, remember to stay hydrated,” Dr. Yang reminds.

Drinking alcohol can also impact sleep, which can lead to dark circles.

Avoid smoking

The ingredients in cigarettes affect more than just your lungs. They can also have an effect on your skin. Nicotine and other chemicals can break down the elastic in your skin, leading to eye bags and dark circles. Smoking can also cause blood vessels in the skin to narrow and fluid to pool, leading to under eye darkness.

When to see a healthcare provider

Under eyes circles are harmless and usually go away on their own. However, if your dark circles aren’t going away with treatment, or you only have a dark circle under one eye, consider talking with your healthcare provider.

They can help identify the underlying cause and help you find the right treatment.