Undereye Circles 101: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Solutions for Brightening Under Your Eyes

The skin under our eyes is often the first place to show signs of aging, fatigue, and stress. One of the most common complaints we hear from patients at TONE Dermatology is the appearance of dark undereye circles. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 50s, undereye circles can affect anyone—and while they may not pose a health risk, they can impact your self-esteem and how others perceive your energy levels and overall health.

But what causes undereye circles, and more importantly, what can you do about them? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the factors that contribute to dark circles and explore the most effective treatments, from lifestyle changes and topical creams to professional solutions like undereye dermal filler. Our goal at TONE Dermatology is to help you look and feel your best, and that includes treating those stubborn dark circles with a holistic approach.

Undereye circles are complex and can stem from a variety of factors. Understanding the root cause of your dark circles is key to choosing the best treatment options. Let’s explore the most common causes:

Unfortunately, genetics play a major role in whether you are predisposed to undereye circles. If your family has a history of dark circles, chances are you may develop them too, even with the best skincare routine. Aging further exacerbates this issue because, over time, the skin loses collagen and fat, especially around the eyes, leading to thinner skin and a more hollow appearance.

Dr. Robinson notes, “The skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most fragile area of skin on our body. This makes the area more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and discoloration as blood vessels below the surface become more apparent.”

Hyperpigmentation is another common cause of dark circles, especially for individuals with deeper skin tones. The increased production of melanin can lead to a darker appearance around the eyes. This is often triggered by sun exposure, inflammation, or the natural pigmentation of the skin that occurs just by virtue of producing more melanin.

Sleep deprivation is notorious for worsening the appearance of undereye circles. A lack of sleep can cause fluid to accumulate under the eyes, making them look puffy and darker. Stress, dehydration, and a diet high in salt and alcohol can also contribute to puffiness and the darkening of the undereye area.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, hydration, and a balanced diet can significantly improve undereye skin,” says Dr. Robinson. “Stress management and sun protection also play crucial roles in keeping the area bright and youthful.”

Seasonal allergies, congestion, and sinus infections can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to dilate, creating a darker hue. People who frequently rub their eyes due to irritation from allergies can also worsen the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles around the eye over time.

As we age, our skin loses fat and collagen, resulting in volume loss, especially around the tear trough (the area just below the lower eyelid near the bridge of the nose). This hollowness creates shadows that make the eyes appear darker. Volume loss can affect all skin tones.

Now that we’ve discussed the root causes, let’s explore the various treatments available to brighten and rejuvenate the undereye area. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and often a combination of treatments yields the best results.

Before jumping into products or procedures, it’s important to make sure that your lifestyle supports healthy skin. Simple changes like improving your sleep routine, reducing salt and alcohol intake, managing stress, and staying hydrated can make a noticeable difference.

As Dr. Robinson advises, “A healthy, balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep can go a long way in improving the undereye skin. Addressing allergies, using sun protection, and managing stress are equally important.”

While lifestyle changes are important, eye creams and serums can provide targeted treatment for undereye concerns. The key is selecting products with the right ingredients for your specific issue, whether it’s puffiness, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines.

Product Recommendation: Revision Skincare D·E·J Eye Cream is designed to strengthen the delicate eye area by targeting the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), a key area in maintaining skin strength and elasticity. It boosts collagen with peptides, improves firmness, smooths fine lines, and supports skin hydration. Antioxidants and prebiotics in the product also help protect and balance the skin, making it a comprehensive solution for aging around the eyes.

Some at-home remedies can provide temporary relief from puffiness and discoloration. Cold compresses, tea bags, or chilled cucumber slices can reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels under the eyes, giving a brighter, refreshed appearance.

“Cold therapy can be helpful for puffy eyes,” explains Dr. Robinson. “Using a roller, ice pack, or even a cold spoon can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of undereye circles, especially after a night of poor sleep.” 

This being said, these home remedies do not result in long term changes in the undereye skin and have to be frequently repeated for desired results.

If topical treatments and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to tackle your undereye circles, professional treatments can offer longer-lasting and more dramatic results. Here are the most effective options available at TONE Dermatology:

Dermal fillers, particularly those made from hyaluronic acid, are one of the most effective solutions for undereye hollowness and dark circles. By filling in the tear troughs, fillers can smooth the undereye area, reducing the appearance of shadows and giving you a brighter, more rested look.

“Undereye filler is a commonly performed aesthetic procedure that uses hyaluronic acid gel fillers to improve hollowness, darkness, shadows, and lines,” says Dr. Robinson. “It’s a quick procedure that can make a huge difference in overall appearance, with results that last 6-12 months.”

Benefits of Undereye Dermal Filler:

It’s important to manage expectations when treating undereye circles. While significant improvement is possible with the right combination of treatments, complete elimination of dark circles may not always be realistic, especially when genetic factors are involved.

“Undereye circles can often be improved, but in cases where genetics or deeper pigmentation are involved, full elimination may not be possible,” Dr. Robinson emphasizes. “That’s why we always set realistic goals with our patients at TONE Dermatology to ensure they are satisfied with the results.”

Undereye circles can result from various factors, including genetics, aging, lifestyle habits, and volume loss. With a combination of lifestyle changes, skincare, and advanced treatments like undereye dermal fillers, you can significantly reduce their appearance and restore a youthful look.

Ready to address your undereye circles? Book your consultation with TONE Dermatology today at this link and discover personalized solutions for brighter, rejuvenated eyes.

What causes undereye circles?
Undereye circles can be caused by genetics, aging, dehydration, lack of sleep, allergies, and the thinning of skin that reveals blood vessels underneath.

Can lifestyle changes help with undereye circles?
Yes, proper hydration, adequate sleep, sun protection, and managing allergies can all improve the appearance of dark circles.

How do under-eye dermal fillers work?
Under-eye fillers, typically made of hyaluronic acid, plump up hollow areas under the eyes, reducing the appearance of shadows and dark circles.

Are under-eye fillers safe?
When performed by a trained and experienced professional, under-eye fillers are relatively safe. However, it’s essential to consult a board-certified dermatologist to ensure you are a good candidate.What are the alternatives to under-eye fillers?
Alternatives include topical treatments like retinol or caffeine-based eye creams, chemical peels, laser treatments, and microneedling, depending on the underlying cause of your undereye circles.