Dark Circles Under Eyes: Causes, Identification & Best Treatment Options

Many clients come to us asking about under-eye filler as a solution for dark circles under the eyes. While fillers can create great results in some cases, the under-eye area is incredibly complex, and dark circles under eyes can stem from multiple causes. Every case requires a unique treatment approach, making accurate diagnosis essential. The wrong treatment can be costly and may even make dark circles under eyes worse.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The most common causes of dark circles under eyes
• How to identify your dark circle type
• The best treatment options for each condition
• Scientific insights into why dark circles under eyes form
• Emerging treatment options for long-term results

An Allure Aesthetics client who received dark circles under eyes treatment.

What Causes Dark Circles Under  Eyes?

Dark circles under eyes generally fall into five main categories, though many people experience a combination

1. Vascular Dark Circles Under Eyes (Bluish or Purplish)

Cause: Poor circulation, thin skin, or visible blood vessels under the eyes.

Appearance: Blue, purple, or reddish tones, especially in fair skin tones.

• Worsens with lack of sleep, dehydration, or eye strain.
• More noticeable in lighter skin tones.
• Improves when you gently stretch the skin or apply a cold compress.

Why It Happens: The skin under the eyes is one of the thinnest on the body, making underlying blood vessels more visible. Poor circulation leads to blood pooling, creating a bluish tint. Chronic rubbing, allergies, or sinus congestion can further dilate these vessels, worsening darkness. Blood vessel dilation due to allergic reactions or nasal congestion can also contribute to this effect, creating a persistent shadow under the eyes.

2. Structural Dark Circles Under Eyes (Hollowness & Shadows)

Cause: Loss of fat, deep-set eyes, or prominent bone structure, creating shadows.

Appearance: Sunken or hollow under-eyes with dark shadows.

• More common with aging or naturally deep eye sockets.
• Shadowing from bone structure—permanent darkness even without volume loss

Why It Happens: The natural fat pads around the eyes shrink with age, making tear troughs more pronounced. Some people naturally have deeper-set eyes, which cast a permanent shadow under the lower eyelid. Loss of collagen and bone volume further worsens the effect over time, making the area look more fatigued and shadowed.

3. Puffy Under Eyes (Swelling & Fluid Retention)

Cause: Fluid retention, fat pads, poor lymphatic drainage, or allergies.

Appearance: Puffy bags under the eyes with dark shadows beneath.

• Worsens in the morning or after salty meals .
• Allergies & sinus congestion dilate blood vessels and cause swelling.
• Chronic eye rubbing can lead to pigmentation over time.

Why It Happens: Fluid accumulates in the lower eyelid area overnight, worsening puffiness in the morning. Allergies cause inflammation, worsening under-eye swelling and discoloration. This can also be linked to poor lymphatic drainage, where the body struggles to remove excess fluid from the under-eye area efficiently. Persistent swelling over time can stretch and thin the skin, leading to a more pronounced dark circle appearance.

4. Pigmented Dark Circles Under Eyes

Cause: Excess melanin, sun exposure, chronic eye rubbing.

Appearance: Brown, gray, or dark discoloration, especially in medium to deeper skin tones.

• More common in people with higher melanin levels.
• Worsens with sun exposure, eczema, or eye rubbing.
• Does not change with lighting.

Why It Happens: UV exposure stimulates melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation. Chronic eye rubbing due to allergies or eczema can further darken the skin. Additionally, hormonal influences and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can cause deep, stubborn discoloration.

5. Thin or Crepey Skin

Cause: Loss of collagen and elastin, making the skin appear dull or crepey.

Appearance: Wrinkled, fragile skin that lacks elasticity and absorbs light poorly.

• More common with aging, sun damage, or frequent rubbing.
• Doesn’t create deep shadows but causes a tired, sunken appearance.

Why It Happens: As collagen declines, skin loses its ability to reflect light, making it appear darker. This is particularly noticeable in those with fair or very thin skin, as underlying blood vessels become more visible.

A before and after of an Allure Aesthetics client who received our trademarked Full Face Refresher, which included treatment for dark circles.

Best Treatment Options for Dark Circles Under Eyes

Successful treatment depends on the cause of your dark circles.

1. Vascular Dark Circles Under Eyes (Bluish or Purplish)

• Cold Compresses – Temporarily shrinks blood vessels and reduces swelling.
• Caffeine-Based Eye Creams – Constricts blood vessels to reduce darkness.
• Laser Treatments – Reduces the appearance of visible blood vessels.
• Collagen-Stimulating Therapies – Thickens skin to better conceal underlying vessels.

Why They Work: These treatments help by improving circulation, reducing swelling, or thickening the skin to conceal blood vessels.

Common Treatment Mistakes:

• Adding filler to this area can increase volume, which may further highlight vascularity and worsen discoloration.

2. Structural Dark Circles Under Eyes (Hollow Undereyes & Shadows)

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – Restores lost volume to lift shadows.
• Microneedling – Boosts collagen to improve skin thickness.
• Fat Transfer – Uses your own fat for long-term volume replacement.
• Peptide & Retinol Eye Creams – Stimulates collagen to enhance skin elasticity.

Why They Work: These treatments either replace lost volume or augment naturally hollow areas to restore a smoother contour.

Common Treatment Mistakes:

• Chemical peels, lasers, and skincare will not correct structural hollowness.
• Regenerative fillers are most effective for age-related hollowness but provide only minimal volume replacement. Traditional fillers offer the most volume for genetic hollowness.

3. Puffy Under Eyes (Swelling & Fluid Retention)

• Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Helps move fluid buildup to reduce puffiness.
• Cold Compresses & Caffeine Creams – Minimize morning swelling.
• Dietary Adjustments – Reducing salt intake helps limit fluid retention.
• Lower Eyelid Surgery – Removes excess fat pads for a permanent solution.

Why They Work: These treatments help improve fluid drainage, reduce inflammation, or remove excess fat contributing to puffiness.

Common Treatment Mistakes:

• Adding filler or PRP/PRF can worsen puffiness and contribute to lymphatic drainage issues in patients with preexisting conditions.

4. Pigmented Dark Circles Under Eyes

• Daily Sunscreen – Prevents further pigmentation from UV exposure.
• Brightening Ingredients (Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide) – Reduces excess melanin.
• Chemical Peels – Exfoliates pigmented layers to even out skin tone.
• Laser Treatments – Breaks up melanin to lighten discoloration.

Why It Works: These treatments help by preventing new pigmentation and breaking down existing excess melanin.

Common Treatment Mistakes: Filler or PRP/PRF will not affect pigmentation, as this is a skin color issue rather than a volume or vascular issue. Caffeine creams will not improve pigmentation since the issue is not v

5. Thin or Crepey Skin

• Collagen-Stimulating Injectables – Helps rebuild skin structure and thickness.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & Growth Factor Therapy – Encourages skin regeneration.
• Energy-Based Treatments (Radiofrequency, Microneedling, Ultrasound) – Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin.
• Hydrating & Peptide-Based Eye Creams – Improves elasticity and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Lower Blepharoplasty – Surgically removes excess loose skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.

Why It Works: These treatments focus on tightening, firming, or hydrating the skin to improve texture and elasticity.

Common Treatment Mistakes:

• Adding filler or PRP/PRF can make the area look worse, as the skin is too thin and loose. Using enough filler to compensate for laxity can lead to puffiness, heaviness, and drooping, resulting in an unnatural look.
• Lasers designed for pigmentation treatment will not effectively address thin or crepey skin; CO2 and skin-tightening lasers are required.
• Significant laxity will require surgery for noticeable improvement.

Lifestyle & Maintenance Tips

To prevent dark circles under eyes from worsening and maintain treatment results, consider the following:

• Prioritize Sleep & Hydration – Poor sleep and dehydration can exacerbate vascular dark circles under eyes and fluid retention. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and stay well-hydrated.
• Reduce Eye Strain – Excessive screen time or reading in dim light can contribute to vascular congestion. Take breaks and adjust lighting to reduce strain.
• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes – Chronic rubbing can lead to pigmentation issues and worsen thin skin concerns. If allergies are a factor, treat them appropriately.
• Protect Against Sun Exposure – UV rays accelerate skin thinning and pigmentation. Daily sunscreen application and wearing sunglasses help prevent further damage.
• Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine – Using hydrating eye creams, collagen-stimulating serums, and antioxidant-rich products can support skin health.
• Manage Allergies & Sinus Issues – Treating underlying allergies and congestion can prevent excessive blood vessel dilation and swelling.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet – A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3s can support skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.
• Follow Up on Treatments as Needed – Most treatments require periodic touch-ups for long-term results. Regular consultations ensure optimal maintenance.

Conclusion

Dark circles under eyes can be frustrating, but the right treatment starts with understanding the cause. While this guide can help give you a sense of where to start, it is always best to have a professional assess you to determine the proper treatment.

Whether your concern is hollowness, pigmentation, vascular discoloration, or puffiness, a personalized approach ensures the best results. At Allure Aesthetics, we specialize in tailored solutions designed to enhance your natural beauty while maintaining a refreshed, well-rested look.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation today, and let’s create a plan that works for you!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to call or text us at 610-393-1253 or email us at info@allureaestheticsllc.com.

To learn more about some of our options for under eye treatments, be sure to read our Dermal Fillers for Under Eyes blog and our PRF EZ Gel blog!