Dark circles under the eyes are usually more noticeable when you're tired. Other lifestyle factors that may contribute to dark circles under the eyes are smoking, drinking too much alcohol and stress.
Sometimes, what looks like dark circles may be shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under the eyes that develop with aging.
Some of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes are:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Contact dermatitis
- Fatigue
- Genetics
- Rubbing or scratching your eyes
- Skin changes that happen with aging
- Changes in skin color. These changes may be from melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, both of which are more common in people with brown or Black skin.
- Sun exposure
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Feb. 27, 2024
- Friedmann DP, et al. Dark circles: Etiology and management options. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2015;42:33.
- Vrcek I, et al. Infraorbital dark circles: A review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. Journal of Cutaneous Aesthetic Surgery. 2016; doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184046.
- Kelly AP, et al., eds. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/periorbital hyperpigmentation. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed July 20, 2023.
- Sarkar R, et al. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2016;9:49.
- Sawant O, et al. Management of periorbital hyperpigmentation: An overview of nature-based agents and alternative approaches. Dermatologic Therapy. 2020; doi:10.1111/dth.13717.epub 2020 Jul 2.
- Friedmann DP, et al. Dark circles: Etiology and management options. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.cps.2014.08.007.
- Lauren M, et al. Treatments of periorbital hyperpigmentation: A systematic review. Dermatologic Surgery. 2021; doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000002484.
- Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen. Accessed Jan. 30, 2023.
- AskMayoExpert. Sunburn. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Sept. 19, 2023.