How to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, according to dermatologists

Dark circles under the eyes are extremely common and usually harmless, but dermatologists say they can be caused by a mix of genetics, aging, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors, and there are several ways to reduce their appearance.

Medically known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, dark circles can appear as brown, blue, purple, or black shadows under the eyes.

Experts say they are not caused by a single issue, but often by overlapping factors such as sleep, skin structure, and circulation changes.

What causes dark circles?

Dermatologists say genetics is one of the strongest predictors of under-eye darkness, meaning the condition often runs in families.

Aging is another key factor, as thinner skin and loss of collagen make blood vessels more visible beneath the eyes.

Other common triggers include allergies, which can cause swelling and rubbing that worsen discoloration, and lack of sleep, which affects blood flow and skin tone.

Fluid retention from diet, smoking, medications, or underlying health conditions can also contribute to puffiness and shadowing.

Sun exposure is another major factor, as UV rays can increase melanin production and weaken the skin, making under-eye darkness more noticeable over time.

At-home treatments that may help

Experts say the first step is usually topical skincare. Over-the-counter eye creams containing ingredients like caffeine, retinol, vitamin C, or vitamin K may help reduce puffiness, improve circulation, and brighten the under-eye area over time.

Dermatologists caution that these products are not instant fixes and typically require consistent use for several weeks to show visible results.

Some people also use cold green or black tea bags under the eyes, which may temporarily reduce swelling due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Daily sun protection is also essential. Wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats can help prevent further pigmentation and skin damage in the delicate eye area.

Medical and cosmetic treatments

If at-home care is not effective, dermatologists may recommend clinical treatments depending on the cause.

Prescription creams such as hydroquinone, retinoids, or acids like kojic and azelaic acid can target pigmentation more aggressively. However, these require medical supervision due to potential side effects.

For more persistent cases, procedures like dermal fillers can restore volume under the eyes, while laser therapy and chemical peels can help resurface skin and reduce discoloration.

In more advanced cases, surgical options such as blepharoplasty or fat transfer may be considered to correct structural causes of shadowing.

Can dark circles be prevented?

While not always fully preventable, experts say lifestyle habits can help reduce their appearance. These include getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a balanced, low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention.

Gentle under-eye care, including moisturizers and light facial massage, may also support healthier-looking skin over time.

When to see a doctor

Doctors recommend seeking medical advice if dark circles appear suddenly, worsen significantly, or are accompanied by swelling, pain, irritation, or congestion.

In such cases, an underlying condition such as allergies or a skin disorder may need to be ruled out before starting treatment.