What should you know about dark circles below eyes?

The appearance may be brown, blue, purple, or grey, and more than one factor can be present. Looking closely at the skin and the surrounding contour helps determine whether the main issue is colour, shadow, or both.

Thin under-eye skin can make blood vessels easier to see, while sun exposure or post-irritation pigment can deepen colour. Rubbing the eyes, eczema-prone skin, allergies, and dryness may add inflammation or temporary darkness. An inward contour beneath the lower eyelid can also cast a shadow even when the skin itself is not darker.

Dark circles are usually a cosmetic concern rather than a diagnosis by themselves. They can occur with inherited facial structure and may look stronger after poor sleep, dehydration, or congestion. Atopic dermatitis can involve itchy, dry skin around the eyes; a separate [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) explanation may help if those features are present. [Tear Trough Hollows](/conditions/tear-trough-hollows/) describes contour-related shadowing.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser around the orbital area, avoid rubbing, and protect the skin from daylight with sunglasses and sunscreen suitable for the face. If itching, flaking, or watering is present, seek advice before adding active products near the eyes; stinging can worsen irritation.

A clinician can assess whether pigment, vessels, hollows, or skin texture is dominant. Options may include treating an underlying skin condition, topical products, selected light or laser procedures, or contour treatment. Under-eye filler is not appropriate for every hollow or skin type and requires an experienced medical assessment; read about [Under-Eye Filler](/treatments/injectables/tear-trough-filler/) before considering it. Set expectations around gradual change and possible maintenance.

Arrange a medical assessment if the change is new and affects only one side, develops quickly, or comes with swelling, redness, pain, warmth, a rash, marked itching, or vision changes. Seek urgent care for significant eye pain, sudden vision loss, severe swelling, or an eye injury.

If dark circles persist despite gentle care, a dermatologist or eye clinician can examine the eyelid skin and the area beneath it. Bring details about new cosmetics, rubbing, allergies, sleep disruption, medicines, and whether the colour changes with lighting or facial expression. For a general overview, see [Dark Circles](/symptoms/dark-circles/).

Ask: Is the darkness mainly pigment, visible vessels, irritation, or a shadow from contour? Could eczema or allergy be contributing? Which products or procedures suit the thin skin around my eyes? What side effects should I watch for, and how long should I wait before judging the result?