Dark Circles Under The Eyes
People ask if you’re tired, even when you slept well. Concealer helps in the morning, but then settles into lines and shadows by lunch. Dark circles are often the first sign of aging people notice and the hardest to cover. They can make you look exhausted even on a good day, and tend to become more visible the longer they’re left unaddressed.
Not all dark circles are the same. Some are pigment, where the skin itself is darker, while others are shadow, caused by under-eye hollowness. Some are caused by thin skin showing the blood vessels beneath. Many people have a mix, which is why the first step is working out which type you have.
What are dark circles?
Also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, dark circles simply refer to the darkening or shadowing in the lower eyelid. They may appear bluish, brownish, purplish, or greyish, sometimes alongside hollowing under the eye, depending on your skin tone and the underlying cause.
What are the different types of dark circles?
There are four main types of dark circles, classified based on their color, structure, and underlying cause.
- Vascular dark circles: bluish, pinkish, or purplish in color, commonly due to poor microcirculation of the eye contour. Slow or weak circulation causes the blood pigments to gather and not flow or clear properly, leading to a bluish/purplish tint under the eyes.
- Pigmented dark circles: brown, dark brown, or grayish black in color. Several factors can contribute, including genetics, excessive pigmentation, acanthosis nigricans, skin laxity, and frictional damage. Rubbing the eyes due to irritation or allergies can also contribute to brownish dark circles.
- Indented dark circles: sunken eyes or tear trough hollows that cast a dark shadow over the lower eyelid. They could be due to aging, lack of sleep, or a medical condition, and can be accompanied by fine lines and sagging skin.
- Mixed dark circles: a combination of discoloration (brown or blue), visible blood vessels, and shadowing (hollowness). Contributing factors include hyperpigmentation, thin skin showing veins, and age-related volume loss. Mixed dark circles are the most common type of under-eye concern.
What causes dark circles?
Several factors can cause your under-eye area to appear darker.
- Aging – skin naturally thins and loses collagen, making underlying blood vessels more visible.
- Allergies – allergic reactions can cause inflammation and swelling that can make the under-eye area look darker or pigmented.
- Dermatitis – skin irritation or inflammation in the eye area can lead to discoloration.
- Fatigue – tired skin can look pale, making underlying blood vessels and shadows more visible.
- Genetics – a family history of prominent dark circles or eyebags can increase your likelihood of developing them.
- Lifestyle factors – smoking, alcohol, and dehydration can all affect how the under-eye area looks, worsening discoloration and puffiness.
- Rubbing your eyes – repeated friction can worsen pigmentation over time.
- Sleeping patterns – insufficient or poor-quality sleep is commonly associated with a tired-looking under-eye area.
What can help?
At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we take a layered, doctor-led approach to under-eye concerns. Depending on the type and cause, your doctor may recommend a combination of medical treatment, skin care, or lifestyle changes.
Medical (doctor-led)
- Dermal Fillers – helps restore volume loss in hollow areas that cast a shadow.
- PDLLA - stimulates collagen production, helping build tissue and thicken skin that shows dark blood vessels underneath.
- Monopolar RF - tightens skin gradually, ideally for mild laxity contributing to shadowing.
- Doctor-Led RF Skin Tightening – tightens the skin and underlying tissue, addressing looseness that deepens shadowing.
- Pico Laser – targets excess pigment, improving the look of brown or pigmented dark circles.
- RF Microneedling with Erbium Glass Laser – helps improve skin texture and thickness, addressing thin skin and mild pigmentation.
- Skin Boosters – improve hydration and skin quality, addressing dullness and thin under-eye skin.
Aesthetic (therapist-led)
- Chemical Peels – exfoliate surface layer, addressing pigmented dark circles and other types of discoloration.
- VI Peel – a medium-depth peel that targets pigmentation and uneven tone. It can be used on the delicate skin directly under and around the eyes.
Skincare and lifestyle (Non-medical approaches)
- Use an eye cream with vitamin C, caffeine, retinol, or peptides
- Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and sunglasses
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Take regular breaks from screens to rest your eyes.
- Use a warm compress to help soothe dry eyes
What to Expect
The number of sessions, downtime, and timeline depend on the treatment and the type or cause of dark circles. Some treatments, like dermal fillers, can show visible change shortly after a session, while others, like PDLLA or RF-based treatments, work gradually over weeks to months as collagen rebuilds.
Depending on the treatment, downtime ranges from none to mild swelling or redness for a few days. Your doctor will go through what to expect for your specific plan during your consultation.
At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we identify what’s causing your concerns, then match you with the right medical treatment, whether an injectable, device-based therapy, or no treatment at all.
When Treatment Isn't the Answer
If dark circles are mainly linked to poor sleep, allergies, or constant eye rubbing, addressing those factors first may improve their appearance. If the area is persistently swollen, itchy, or irritated, it may be worth seeing a general practitioner or dermatologist to rule out an underlying skin condition before considering an aesthetic treatment.
FAQs
Can I permanently remove dark circles under the eyes?
This depends on the cause. Some factors, like genetics or skin thinning with age, are ongoing, so treatment is more about managing appearance over time. A consultation can help set realistic expectations based on the underlying cause.
Are under-eye fillers safe?
When administered by a skilled and experienced doctor, dermal fillers are safe to be used for under-eye hollowing. As with any injectable, there are risks and considerations, which your doctor will go through with you during the consultation.
How can you treat dark circles at home?
Lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, using sun protection, and avoiding eye rubbing help. Using an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine or vitamin C may help with mild cases, particularly those linked to lifestyle factors.
How many sessions will I need for optimal results?
This depends on the type and severity of your dark circles, as well as the recommended treatment. Your doctor will outline a plan tailored to you after an assessment.
How much does dark eye circle removal treatment cost in Singapore?
The price of dark eye circle removal depends on the treatment type, number of sessions, and individual treatment plan. You will have more information about the cost during a consultation.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and does not replace a proper diagnosis. Every case is different, so the right next step is a consultation with our medical team.
Ready to find out what's behind your eye concern?
Book a personalized consultation with us to talk through what you're concerned about and explore the treatment options that suit your skin and your goals. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to book a consultation at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore.
