Dark circles: why they appear and how to get rid of them

Dark circles appear for three very different reasons: blood vessels visible beneath thin skin, excess pigment, or volume loss in the tear trough. Eliminating dark circles effectively starts with identifying which of these causes applies to you, because the treatment that works for one does not work for the others.

That is why so many creams and home remedies disappoint: they are applied without knowing what type of dark circle is actually present. In this guide you will learn how to recognise each type, why they appear, which medical treatments have real evidence behind them, and what you can realistically expect from each option.

What types of dark circles are there?

There are three main types of dark circles: vascular, pigmented, and those caused by volume loss. Many people present a combination of several, which is why the same under-eye area may require more than one treatment. Knowing how to tell them apart is the first step to making the right choice.

A simple trick can help you get your bearings at home. Gently stretch the skin beneath the eye. If the colour disappears, it is likely vascular or caused by superficial pigment. If the shadow becomes more pronounced when you look upward, there is usually a volume component.

Vascular dark circles

They have a bluish, purplish, or pinkish tone. They are caused by blood vessels showing through very thin skin. Fatigue, allergies, and poor circulation make them more visible. They are common in fair-skinned individuals and in younger people.

Pigmented dark circles

They present a brown colour, are usually symmetrical, and stem from an excess of melanin. Genetics, sun exposure, and previous skin inflammation — such as dermatitis — all play a role. They are more common in medium and darker skin tones.

Dark circles caused by volume loss

Here the problem is not colour but shadow. The tear trough becomes sunken due to fat descent and bone loss with age, and this depression casts a shadow that mimics a dark circle.

Why do dark circles appear?

Dark circles appear due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and ageing. In a review of 200 patients with periorbital hyperpigmentation, 81% were women and the most affected age group was 16 to 25 years, accounting for 47.5% of cases (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2016). This confirms something we see every day: dark circles are not just a matter of tiredness.

Genetics sets the starting point. Skin thickness, the tendency to accumulate pigment, and the shape of the tear trough are all inherited. That is why some people have dark circles from adolescence even when they get enough rest and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Lifestyle acts as an amplifier. Insufficient sleep, smoking, alcohol, excessive salt intake, and rubbing the eyes all worsen the appearance of the area. Sun exposure without protection particularly aggravates pigmentary dark circles — one more reason to take care of sun protection on the Costa del Sol throughout the year.

Age adds a third factor. Over the years, the skin loses collagen and becomes thinner, facial fat descends, and bone is reabsorbed. All of this deepens the tear trough and causes shadows to become more pronounced than they were at twenty.

How to eliminate dark circles according to their type?

To eliminate dark circles with real results, the medical treatment is chosen according to the type. There is no single solution: what corrects a shadow caused by volume loss does nothing against excess pigment. A precise diagnosis avoids wasting time and money on therapies that will not work in your case.

At Clínica Valorian, Dr. Florian A. Vallecillo Cabrera first assesses the type of dark circles through clinical examination and, when appropriate, dermatoscopy, before proposing a plan. This evidence-based medicine approach aims for the most lasting improvement with the fewest number of interventions.

Treatment for vascular dark circles

Vascular dark circles improve with vascular lasers and therapies that stimulate microcirculation, such as platelet-rich plasma. Topical products containing caffeine or vitamin K can provide modest improvement. The goal is to reduce the visibility of blood vessels and slightly thicken the skin.

Treatment for pigmentary dark circles

Brown dark circles respond to gentle chemical peels, topical depigmenting agents such as vitamin C, azelaic acid, or arbutin, and certain lasers. If you would like to better understand this technique, take a look at our guide on chemical peels. Consistency and photoprotection are essential to maintaining the result.

Treatment for dark circles caused by volume loss

Hyaluronic acid filler is the gold-standard non-surgical treatment for the tear trough. Available studies report very high satisfaction rates among patients treated with this technique, which fills the depression and eliminates the shadow. The effect typically lasts between 10 and 15 months before gradually being reabsorbed.

What home care routines help improve the appearance of the eyes?

Home care routines do not replace medical treatment, but they enhance its results and help prevent dark circles from worsening. The most important measure is daily sun protection, because sun exposure intensifies pigmentation and accelerates thinning of the skin around the eyes.

A simple routine makes a difference. Use a caffeine-based cream in the morning to reduce puffiness, vitamin C to even out skin tone, and retinol at night to stimulate collagen — always introducing it gradually. Choose active ingredients based on your skin type and avoid layering too many irritating products at once.

Lifestyle habits matter just as much as skincare products. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep, cutting back on salt and alcohol, staying well hydrated, and avoiding rubbing your eyes all help reduce inflammation in the area. Cold compresses offer temporary relief by constricting blood vessels, which is useful on mornings when puffiness is at its worst.

What can you realistically expect from each option?

It is worth keeping expectations grounded: significant improvement is achievable, but complete elimination is not always possible. Dark circles caused by volume loss and vascular circles tend to respond very well. Pigmentation-related circles of genetic origin can be reduced, though they are rarely erased entirely.

Time is also a factor. Peels and lasers require multiple sessions and deliver gradual improvement. Fillers offer an almost immediate change, but the results are temporary and require maintenance. Mixed dark circles — the most common type — call for a combination of techniques to address each contributing factor separately.

Honesty during the consultation is part of the treatment itself. A serious professional will tell you which aspect of your dark circles can be corrected and which is more resistant to treatment. That clarity prevents frustration and allows you to make an informed decision about whether a given option is worthwhile for you.

If your dark circles concern you and you want a concrete answer, the most useful step is a medical assessment to identify your exact type. Book a diagnostic consultation at Clínica Valorian to leave with a personalised plan and a realistic idea of the results you can expect.