What should you know about chronic dark circles?

The colour may come from extra pigment, skin that is thin enough for vessels to show through, or rubbing after eczema or allergies. A hollow beneath the lower eyelid can also cast a shadow that looks brown, blue, or grey, especially under overhead light. Some people have more than one contributor, and inherited facial features, ageing, sun exposure, poor sleep, dehydration, and nasal congestion can make the appearance more noticeable. Dark circles are a symptom, not a diagnosis; the appearance alone cannot identify one cause. Atopic dermatitis can cause itchy, inflamed skin around the eyes, while tear trough hollows create a structural shadow rather than surface pigment.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser around the eye area, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing. Apply broad-spectrum sun protection to the surrounding skin and use sunglasses when outdoors. If itching, scaling, watering, or congestion is present, treating the underlying irritation or allergy may reduce rubbing and discolouration. Keep sleep regular and drink enough fluid for your needs, but do not expect lifestyle changes to correct a hollow or established pigment on their own. A dermatologist or experienced aesthetic clinician can separate pigment from shadowing and discuss options such as topical care, treatment of dermatitis, or carefully selected under-eye filler when structure is a major contributor.

Arrange a clinical assessment if the darkness develops suddenly, affects one side, follows swelling or a new rash, or comes with pain, vision changes, marked redness, or discharge. Seek prompt medical advice if you also feel unusually tired, short of breath, faint, or unwell, because under-eye changes may coexist with a broader health issue that needs assessment. For gradual, stable dark circles, a routine appointment is reasonable when the appearance concerns you or when home care has not helped.

Ask whether the main contributor is pigment, visible vessels, irritation, or tear-trough shadowing; whether your eye-area products could be causing contact dermatitis; which treatments suit your skin tone and anatomy; and what warning signs should prompt review after a procedure. Bring a list of products, allergies, medicines, and any photographs showing how the appearance changes with lighting or fatigue.