# Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/dark-circles-under-the-eyes

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-14

> **Summary:** Dark circles under the eyes are usually not a medical problem; fatigue, lack of sleep and stress contribute, but the main cause is usually heredity and skin structure. Depending on the type and cause, they can be eased with sleep, diet and home remedies or treated under specialist supervision with creams, peels, filler or laser.

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## When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if dark circles appear under one eye only or with marked swelling. Certain kidney conditions can also cause them. A specialist dermatologist is the first port of call to identify the cause.

## Types
Clinically, dark circles are classified as:
- **Pigmented (brown):** build-up of melanin or haemosiderin in the skin (hyperpigmentation).
- **Vascular (blue and purple):** thin skin makes the vessels beneath more visible; observed particularly in people of African and Asian origin.
- **Structural or shadowed:** a hollow in the tear trough.
- **Mixed.**

The treatment approach varies with the type.

## Causes
- Genetic predisposition, ethnic characteristics, skin changes with ageing, uneven skin tone
- Lack of sleep, fatigue, stress, long journeys
- Unhealthy eating, iron deficiency, very salty food, dehydration
- Smoking and alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure, hyperpigmentation
- Allergies, hay fever, eczema, blocked sinuses, constant eye rubbing
- Contraceptive medication, pregnancy
- Heart, liver, kidney and thyroid conditions
- Glaucoma medication and drops

## Home Measures
- **Regular sleep:** a sleep routine, a pillow and the right sleeping position.
- **Healthy eating:** darkening can signal iron or vitamin deficiency.
- **Cold compress:** narrows the blood vessels.
- **Cucumber slices:** rich in vitamin C and water, moisturise the skin.
- **Cooled tea bags:** reduce swelling and darkness; green tea in particular can even out the tone.
- **Make-up:** concealer as a temporary cover.
- **Skincare products** suited to the skin type.

## Treatments Under Specialist Supervision
- Topical vitamin C serum, topical vitamin K cream
- Chemical peeling
- Azelaic acid
- Filler (for example where the skin has thinned)
- Laser
- Sun protection with SPF and low-dose retinoid or retinaldehyde products against pigmented darkening
- Surgery, only as a last resort

Darkening that forms with age cannot be cleared with natural methods, but filler and similar approaches can prevent a dark appearance.

## References
- Dark Circles Under The Eyes: Causes & Treatment, Cleveland Clinic
- Dark circles under eyes: Causes and definition, Mayo Clinic