How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes? Causes and Treatments

Written by Michele Barclay
Published Date April 27, 2026
Close-up of a woman with visible under-eye dark circles in natural lighting

Key Takeaways

Treating dark circles effectively begins with understanding their cause, allowing for a more precise and considered approach to improving the under-eye area.

  • Different types of dark circles, whether pigmentation, vascular, or structural, require different approaches, often addressed with treatments such as Pico Laser, PRP, or tear trough filler.
  • The most effective results come from a personalised plan that combines targeted treatments like Profhilo or Mesotherapy with consistent at-home care.
  • Improvements develop gradually, with a brighter, smoother under-eye area emerging over time through consistent treatment, protection, and maintenance.

You have had a full night’s sleep. You are staying hydrated. Yet the shadows beneath your eyes remain, making you look more tired than you feel. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common aesthetic concerns, affecting people of all ages, skin tones, and lifestyles. Understanding which type you have changes everything about how it should be treated.

What Type of Dark Circles Do You Have?

Not all dark circles are the same, and this distinction is important when choosing the right approach. There are three recognised types, and many people experience a combination of more than one.

Pigmentation-Related

This type appears as brown or grey discolouration beneath the eyes, caused by excess melanin production. It is more common in individuals with darker skin tones. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, and post-inflammatory responses can all intensify this form of pigmentation. 

Vascular-Related

When small blood vessels beneath the delicate under-eye skin become more visible, they create a bluish or purplish tint. The skin in this area is naturally thin, which makes these vessels easier to see. Allergies are a common trigger, as histamine responses can cause vessels to expand. Fatigue, dehydration, and prolonged screen time may also make this type more noticeable.

Structural-Related

With age, the face gradually loses fat and collagen, particularly around the under-eye area. This can create a hollowed appearance along the tear trough, the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek. The resulting shadow is often mistaken for pigmentation but is actually related to changes in facial structure. It typically becomes more noticeable from the mid-30s onwards as skin loses elasticity and volume.

Factors That Can Worsen Dark Circles

Several factors can make under-eye shadows more noticeable, regardless of their underlying type:

  • Genetics and family history

  • Lack of sleep and fatigue

  • High salt intake and dehydration

  • Smoking and lifestyle habits

  • Sun exposure without protection

  • Age-related volume and collagen loss

These often overlap, which is why dark circles can appear more pronounced even when only one underlying cause is present.

Woman in consultation with a laser therapist in a clinic, discussing dark circles under the eyes

Can Dark Circles Be Treated?

The answer depends on the underlying type. Pigmentation-related concerns often respond well to targeted clinical approaches. Structural shadows caused by volume loss can be improved with appropriate injectable or regenerative options. Vascular-related concerns may require ongoing management, though consistent care helps keep them under control.

Across all types, professional treatments typically deliver stronger results than topical skincare alone. Home care still plays an important supporting role, but it is unlikely to address the cause on its own.

Advanced Dark Circle Treatments

A personalised plan is essential when addressing under-eye concerns, as each type responds differently. The following treatments are commonly used depending on the underlying cause.

Tear trough filler

Where volume loss creates shadowing, tear trough filler offers a direct way to restore a smoother, more rested appearance. Hyaluronic acid is placed precisely along the tear trough to reduce hollowness and soften the transition between the under-eye and cheek.

Close-up of a Profhilo injectable treatment on the cheek or under-eye area

Profhilo

To improve hydration and elasticity in the under-eye area, a bio-remodelling injectable can stimulate collagen and elastin production beneath the skin. Profhilo is particularly suited to thin or dehydrated skin, helping improve texture and reduce the visibility of underlying vessels.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

To support skin renewal beneath the eye, your own plasma delivers growth factors that encourage cellular repair. Platelet-Rich Plasma is often used for pigmentation-related concerns and suits those seeking an autologous option.

Pico Laser

For concerns related to excess pigmentation, ultra-short pulses of energy break down pigment while minimising heat impact on surrounding skin. Pico Laser is suitable for a wide range of skin tones, including darker complexions.

Close-up of Mesotherapy micro-injections in the under-eye or cheek area, performed in a clinic.

Mesotherapy

To improve dull or fatigued-looking skin, a blend of vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and brightening agents is delivered directly into the under-eye area using micro-injections. Mesotherapy involves minimal downtime and is typically carried out as a course of sessions.

Morpheus8

To improve skin thickness and elasticity beneath the eyes, a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy supports collagen remodelling. Morpheus8 helps reduce the visibility of blood vessels and improve the appearance of mild hollowness.

What to Expect After Treatment

Most treatments involve minimal downtime and fit easily into a regular routine. Some options, such as Mesotherapy and PRP, allow you to return to your day immediately. Others, such as Morpheus8, may involve a day or two of mild redness as the skin begins to respond, which settles quickly and is a normal part of the process.

Visible improvement typically begins within two to four weeks, with results continuing to develop over the following months. Treatments that support collagen production, such as Profhilo and Morpheus8, tend to show their full effect gradually as the deeper layers of the skin strengthen. Pico Laser may show earlier surface changes as pigmentation begins to clear.

Following your aftercare guidance between sessions helps the skin recover well and ensures each treatment builds on the last.

Woman applying eye cream or serum gently under the eyes

Supporting Your Results at Home

Professional treatments can create meaningful change, while a consistent at-home routine helps maintain and extend these results. In a sun-intense climate, applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily around the eye area is essential for protecting the skin and supporting long-term outcomes.

Look for targeted eye products that include:

  • Vitamin C to help brighten pigmentation

  • Retinol to support skin renewal and improve thickness

  • Caffeine to reduce puffiness and minimise vascular visibility

  • Peptides to support collagen and overall skin resilience

  • Hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and smooth the skin surface

Choosing well-formulated products that suit your skin helps reinforce and prolong the effects of professional treatments.

Which Dark Circle Treatment Is Right for You?

Under-eye concerns can stem from several overlapping causes, which is why a personalised approach is often the most effective. A detailed assessment of your skin, contributing factors, and goals helps guide the selection of the most appropriate option.

There is no pressure to proceed. The process is designed to provide clarity, answer questions, and support a confident, informed decision. Understanding the cause is the first step toward improving the appearance of your under-eye area.

Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, low levels of iron or certain vitamins may influence how the under-eye area appears. More often, however, dark circles are linked to factors such as pigmentation, skin thickness, or facial structure. A balanced approach that considers overall skin health is usually the most helpful starting point.

Dark circles are most commonly linked to natural factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skin characteristics rather than underlying health concerns. They are a very common feature and can often be improved with the right combination of care and targeted treatments.

The most effective starting point is identifying which type of dark circle you have. Pigmentation responds differently to volume loss or vascular concerns, which is why the same treatment will not work equally well for everyone. A short consultation is usually enough to determine the contributing factors and recommend the most suitable option for your skin.

Long-term improvement comes from understanding the cause and selecting treatments and skincare that genuinely suit your skin. This may include a combination of targeted treatments, supportive skincare, and simple lifestyle habits that help maintain a brighter, more refreshed look.

Dark circles can develop at any age and are not limited to older skin. Treatments are selected based on the type and contributing factors rather than age alone. Younger skin affected by pigmentation or vascular concerns responds just as well to targeted treatments as skin experiencing age-related volume changes.

Written by Michele Barclay

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