What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes—and Can Skincare Help?

Dark circles are an extremely common concern, but there isn’t one single cause. Understanding what may be contributing to their appearance is important when deciding what can realistically help.

The appearance of dark circles can be influenced by factors including pigmentation, visible blood vessels, facial anatomy and shadows, thinning skin, genetics, and lifestyle factors.

Specific skincare and eye creams may help improve the appearance of certain types of dark circles.

Why do I have dark circles even when I get enough sleep?

Lack of sleep can make the eye area look more tired, but sleep isn't the only reason you may notice dark circles.

Genetics can play a role, as can pigmentation and the natural structure of the eye area. Hollowness or shadows underneath the eyes can create the appearance of darkness even when the skin itself isn't significantly darker.

 That's why simply “getting more sleep” isn't always enough to change how dark circles look.

Does skin around the eyes change with age?

The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the skin on your face, and much more delicate. As skin changes over time, differences in texture, hydration, and the appearance of fine lines can make the eye area look different as well.

Changes in facial volume and anatomy may also create more noticeable shadows underneath the eyes.

It’s helpful to think about the eye area as a whole rather than treating every dark circle as a pigmentation problem.

Can skincare improve the look of dark circles?

It can, depending on what's contributing to their appearance and the specific formula you're using.

Eye products can be formulated to target concerns such as the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, dryness, or fine lines. But no single ingredient should be expected to address every possible cause of under-eye darkness.

Look at the benefits and clinical testing of the complete formula rather than choosing a product simply because it contains one trending ingredient.

RoC’s Derm Correxion Eye Repair Dark Circle Eye Cream features four different key ingredients:

Patented Clinical Retinol: targets grey tones

Niacinamide: targets brown tones

Resveratrol: targets red tones

Proxygen: targets blue/purple tones

What else can you do for the under-eye area?

Start with the basics.

Be gentle when cleansing or removing eye makeup, and avoid unnecessary rubbing or pulling around that delicate area. Keep the area hydrated with products designed for your needs, and use daily sun protection.

Lifestyle factors like sleep may influence how tired the eye area looks for some people, but persistent dark circles can also simply be part of your natural anatomy.

When should you ask a dermatologist about dark circles?

If your dark circles bother you, a dermatologist can help determine what may be contributing to their appearance, which is important because the best approach might be different based on their cause.

What’s the dermatologist takeaway?

Dark circles aren't one-size-fits-all.

Several factors can contribute to their appearance. Skincare can improve the look of certain concerns, and choosing a well-formulated product with multiple active ingredients is more useful than searching for one “miracle” ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dark circles always caused by lack of sleep?

No. Sleep can influence how tired the eye area appears, but genetics, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, anatomy, and other factors can also contribute.

Can an eye cream get rid of dark circles completely?

Skincare can help improve the appearance of dark circles, depending on the formula and their cause, but it cannot address every underlying factor.

Why do my dark circles look worse as I get older?

Changes in the skin and facial anatomy over time can make shadows, hollowness, and other features of the eye area appear more noticeable.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If you're concerned about persistent dark circles or aren't sure what's causing them, a dermatologist can evaluate your skin and recommend a personalized approach.

*A physician giving advice on a brand site should carry an "educational" purpose and is not medical advise