What Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common cosmetic concerns. They can make a person appear tired, older or unwell, even after a good night's sleep.

While many people assume that dark circles are simply caused by lack of sleep, there are actually many factors that contribute to their appearance. Ageing, genetics, skin thickness, facial anatomy and lifestyle all play a role.

Understanding the underlying cause is the first step towards understanding why dark circles develop and why they vary so much from person to person.

New to facial ageing? We recommend starting with “The Science of Skin Ageing”, which explains the structural changes that occur throughout the face over time.

What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles refer to the darker appearance of the skin beneath the eyes.

They may appear:

• Brown

• Blue

• Purple

• Grey

• Black

Some people also notice hollowness, puffiness or eye bags occurring alongside dark circles, although these are separate concerns that often share similar causes.

Why Do Dark Circles Develop?

There is rarely one single cause. Instead, several factors often combine to create the appearance of dark circles.

1. Thinning of the Skin

The skin beneath the eyes is the thinnest skin anywhere on the body.

As we age:

• Collagen gradually declines.

• Skin becomes thinner.

• Blood vessels become more visible.

• The skin reflects light differently.

This often makes the under-eye area appear darker, particularly in people with fair skin.

Want to understand why this happens? Read “How Collagen Changes as We Age” to learn how collagen supports skin strength and elasticity.

2. Facial Volume Loss

One of the most important contributors to dark circles is facial volume loss.

Changes in the fat pads around the eyes gradually alter facial contours, creating hollowing beneath the lower eyelids. These hollows create shadows that many people mistake for pigmentation.

Common changes include:

• Tear trough formation

• Hollow under-eyes

• Loss of cheek support

• Increased shadowing

Learn more: “Why Facial Volume Changes with Age” explains how changes in facial fat and bone influence the appearance of the eyes.

3. Genetics

Some people naturally have darker under-eye areas from childhood or early adulthood.

Genetics influence:

• Skin thickness

• Pigmentation

• Bone structure

• Fat distribution

• Visibility of blood vessels

If other family members have dark circles, genetics may play an important role.

4. Pigmentation

In some individuals, particularly those with darker skin tones, increased melanin contributes to brown pigmentation beneath the eyes.

Sun exposure can make this pigmentation more noticeable over time.

Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation is one of the simplest ways to support healthy skin.3

Read: “How Daily Sunscreen Helps Protect Your Skin”.

5. Visible Blood Vessels

Because under-eye skin is naturally very thin, the small veins beneath the skin may become easier to see.

This often creates:

• Blue colouring

• Purple tones

• A tired appearance

As collagen gradually declines, these blood vessels often become more visible.

6. Sleep and Fatigue

Poor sleep does not usually cause permanent dark circles.

However, fatigue may temporarily make them appear more noticeable by causing:

• Paler skin

• Increased shadowing

• Mild puffiness

This explains why many people notice darker under-eyes after several nights of poor sleep.

7. Allergies

Hay fever and seasonal allergies commonly contribute to dark circles by causing:

Eye rubbing

Inflammation

Dilated blood vessels

Increased pigmentation over time

Managing allergies may reduce some of these changes.

8. Ageing

Dark circles often become more noticeable because ageing affects every layer of the face.

Over time:

• Skin becomes thinner.

• Collagen decreases.

• Facial fat shifts.

• Bone structure changes.

• Ligaments gradually lose support.

Together, these changes alter the appearance of the entire eye region.

Continue reading: “Understanding Facial Muscles and Expression” to learn how facial anatomy contributes to visible ageing.

Dark Circles vs Eye Bags

Although people often use these terms interchangeably, they are different conditions.

Dark Circles

Usually caused by:

• Pigmentation

• Thin skin

• Visible blood vessels

• Facial volume loss

• Shadowing

Eye Bags

Usually caused by:

• Protrusion of orbital fat

• Skin laxity

• Fluid retention

• Age-related tissue changes

Many people experience both at the same time.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Dark Circles

Several lifestyle factors can make dark circles appear more noticeable.

These include:

• Smoking

• Poor sleep

• Chronic stress

• Excessive sun exposure

• Dehydration

• Allergies

Although healthy habits support skin health, genetics and ageing remain important contributors.

Why an Individual Assessment Matters

Dark circles rarely have one single cause.

For some people, pigmentation is the main concern.

For others, facial volume loss or thin skin plays a much larger role.

This is why clinicians assess:

• Skin quality

• Facial anatomy

• Bone structure

• Volume distribution

• Pigmentation

• Overall facial balance

A comprehensive assessment helps identify the factors contributing to your individual concerns.

Find out what clinicians assess during your first appointment: “What Happens During a Cosmetic Consultation”?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dark circles caused by lack of sleep?

Not usually. Poor sleep may make dark circles appear more noticeable temporarily, but ageing, genetics and facial anatomy are often the main causes.

Why are my dark circles becoming more noticeable?

Changes in collagen, skin thickness, facial volume and bone structure occur naturally with age, making the under-eye area appear darker or more hollow.

Are dark circles hereditary?

Yes. Genetics often influence skin thickness, pigmentation, bone structure and facial anatomy.

Can sunscreen help?

Daily sunscreen protects against UV damage and may help reduce worsening pigmentation caused by sun exposure.

Are dark circles and eye bags the same thing?

No. Dark circles usually involve pigmentation or shadowing, while eye bags are generally related to fat protrusion, skin laxity or fluid retention.

The Bottom Line

Dark circles are one of the most common concerns around the eyes and usually develop due to a combination of genetics, ageing, skin thinning, facial volume loss and lifestyle factors. Because eachperson's anatomy is unique, understanding the underlying cause is essential when assessing the under-eye area.

If you're concerned about dark circles or changes around your eyes, a consultation with a qualified clinician can provide an individual assessment and discuss the options that may be appropriate for your individual concerns.

Continue exploring our facial ageing guides:

• What Causes Forehead Lines?

• What Causes Jowls?

• Why Facial Volume Changes with Age

• Understanding Facial Muscles and Expression

• The Science of Skin Ageing