They may appear after late nights filled with laughter, early mornings chasing dreams, or even moments of stress. This delicate area of the face, where the skin is thinnest, easily reflects changes in our body—whether from lack of sleep, genetics, or the passage of time.
While we often associate dark under-eye circles with tiredness, they actually have multiple causes and types. And no matter where they come from, there might be times when you’d like to soften their appearance and brighten up your look.
Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about dark circles: what they really are, why they appear, and, of course, how to help reduce them.
Table of Contents
What are dark circles under eyes?
When you hear the term dark circles, you probably picture shadows or discoloration around the eyes. But they’re more than just a change in color—they’re little windows into our physical, emotional, and even genetic state. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on the face, almost like a veil that reveals what’s happening underneath: circulation, pigment buildup, or even signs of aging.
Though dark circles are often linked to tiredness or stress, that’s not always the case. Understanding their causes can help us manage them better—and even view them more kindly. At the end of the day, they’re part of your skin’s one-of-a-kind story.
What’s the reason for dark circles?
The cause behind dark circles isn’t the same for everyone, but they often stem from a few specific factors:
- Genetics: If your parents or grandparents have dark circles, you might have them too. It’s not a flaw—just a part of your genetic makeup, like your hair color or the shape of your nose. Genetics can affect pigmentation and skin thickness around the eyes, making dark circles more noticeable for some.
- Lack of sleep: Burning the midnight oil can leave its mark. Sleep is crucial for skin regeneration, and without enough rest, blood vessels in the eye area can become more visible.
- Aging: Over time, our skin changes, and the eye area is no exception. The natural decline of important building blocks such as collagen and elastin can make shadows under the eyes more prominent.
- Allergies: Seasonal congestion and reactions to external factors like pollen can cause temporary darkening around the eyes.
- Lifestyle factors: Every decision leaves an imprint. A balanced diet, movement, and self-care all help keep skin vibrant. But if that late night was worth it, just think of your dark circles as proof that you’re living life to the fullest.
Types of dark circles
Just as every person’s gaze is unique, dark circles come in different forms. Generally, there are three main types:
1. Pigmented dark circles
These tend to have a brown or yellowish tint. More common in deeper skin tones or those with a genetic predisposition, these circles result from melanin buildup (the color your skin produces to protect itself). If this sounds like you, remember: it’s completely natural and very common.
2. Vascular dark circles
Bluish, purplish, or even reddish, these dark circles reflect the activity beneath the skin. They often arise from dilated blood vessels or fluid retention, something totally normal in such a delicate area. If your dark circles vary in intensity depending on the day, they might be vascular.
3. Hollow dark circles
These aren’t so much about color but rather the play of light and shadow. They appear when volume is lost in the under-eye area, creating a slight indentation. They often develop over time, as a natural part of your skin aging journey.
What about puffy dark circles?
Congestion or puffiness happens when fluid builds up beneath the eyes—often due to sleep habits, diet (hello, salty snacks), or dehydration. In this case, you might notice puffy dark circles because the slight swelling casts a shadow, making any pre-existing circles appear darker.
Keep in mind: Dark circles and puffy under eyes can go hand-in-hand—but they’re technically two different skin concerns (each with its own set of solutions). Check out our 5 expert tips to reduce under-eye puffiness.
How to reduce the look of dark circles
The secret is in your skincare routine (and a few simple changes that can work wonders). When it comes to eye care, nothing beats step two: an eye contour solution. This essential step nourishes the delicate under-eye skin, visibly improving its appearance while also minimizing signs of skin aging.
Try a targeted eye cream for dark circles
K-Ox Eyes is a true multitasker designed to revive the under-eye area. Its advanced, award-winning formula is crafted to brighten, smooth, and reduce puffiness and dark circles, restoring your eyes’ natural radiance.
This eye cream features a powerhouse blend of ingredients, including vitamin K oxide, Haloxyl, Eyeliss, and hyaluronic acid. These work together to even out skin tone, reduce puffiness, deeply hydrate, and boost brightness.
Did you know? After four weeks of applying K-Ox Eyes daily, 93% of users observed a noticeable reduction in dark circles.¹
It’s your perfect eye cream if:
- You want to visibly reduce puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles
- You’re looking for a brighter, more even skin tone under your eyes
- You’d love a refreshing effect to wake up your eyes (even on the earliest mornings!)
Skincare is self-care
Now you have everything you need to tackle dark circles with confidence. However, beyond skincare, remember the importance of maintaining healthy daily habits.
Great skin starts from within. Getting enough rest, staying hydrated, eating well, and managing stress can help enhance the results of your favorite skincare solutions.
Begin your journey today and give your eyes the care they deserve. Because every gaze tells a story—and yours deserves to shine.
¹Data on file. ISDIN Corp. 2025. Morristown, N
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Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
