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Dark circles

Dark circles have several different causes, and the right approach depends on which one is yours. Here's how we tell them apart, and what tends to help.
Dr Adham Chakhachiro
Medically reviewed by Dr Adham Chakhachiro, NHS Dermatology Registrar. Last reviewed October 2026
At a glance
Often looks like
Shadows, darkness or hollows under the eyes
Common drivers
Hollowing, pigment, thin skin
Usual approach
Assess first, then tailor
Change usually seen
2–12 weeks

What it is

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by hollowing that casts a shadow, pigmentation in the skin, blood vessels showing through thin skin, or puffiness — and many people have a combination. Because each cause responds to something different, working out which you have is the most important step.

Shadows from hollowing may soften with tear trough filler, while thin, crepey under-eye skin often responds better to polynucleotides. Pigmentation needs a skincare-led approach, and puffiness is often about lifestyle, allergies or anatomy rather than treatment. We’ll be honest if a treatment isn’t likely to help.

Under-eye concerns are among the most common reasons people visit us in Notting Hill, often from Kensington, Chelsea and across West London — and among the areas where honest assessment matters most.

What's driving it

Hollowing

Loss of volume in the tear trough creates a groove that casts a shadow, especially under overhead light.

Pigmentation

Extra pigment in the under-eye skin, more common in deeper skin tones, causes brown or darker circles.

Thin skin and vessels

Very thin skin lets blood vessels show through, giving a bluish or purple tone.

How we approach it

Every concern is assessed through The Platina Method™. These are the domains that shape the plan for this concern.
Clinical
Identifying which cause — or combination — is behind your dark circles.
Barrier
Supporting the delicate under-eye skin with gentle, suitable products.
Renewal
Improving thin, crepey skin quality over time.
Lifestyle
Sleep, allergies, screen time and salt can all affect puffiness and shadows.
Prevention
Sun protection to stop under-eye pigmentation darkening.
Structure
Softening hollows where volume loss is the main cause.
Highlighted domains are the ones we'd focus on for this concern.

In deeper skin tones

Dark circles in deeper skin tones are more often due to pigmentation than hollowing. We assess this carefully, as filler won't help pigment and some treatments can make it worse. Our approach to skin of colour

When to get it checked first

Sudden puffiness, swelling around one eye, or dark circles alongside symptoms such as unusual tiredness should be checked by your GP first.

Frequently asked questions

What causes dark circles under the eyes?

Common causes include hollowing, pigmentation, thin skin with visible vessels, and puffiness. Many people have more than one.

Can filler get rid of dark circles?

Only those caused by hollowing. Filler won't help pigmentation and can make puffiness worse, so assessment comes first.

Are dark circles genetic?

Often, yes. Under-eye anatomy and pigmentation run in families, though lifestyle can make dark circles more noticeable.

Will more sleep fix my dark circles?

Sleep helps puffiness and a tired look, but it won't change hollows or pigmentation.

Which treatment is right for me?

It depends on the cause. We examine the area in different lights and explain what is likely to help — and what isn't.

Is treating the under-eye area safe?

It is a delicate area that needs careful technique and medical training. We discuss the risks in detail at consultation.

Related concerns

Jowls and jawline definition
Fine lines

Not sure what's driving your skin concern?

Book a consultation for an honest, doctor-led assessment of what's going on and what's worth doing.

Book a skin consultation