Dark Circles
A clear guide to under-eye dark circles, why they appear, and the approaches a doctor may consider after assessment.
- Registered medical practitioner
- Standardised 3D imaging
- A written, personalised plan
What are dark circles?
Dark circles are areas of darker colour or shadow beneath the eyes. They are common, they affect people of all ages, and they are not usually a sign of disease.
The skin under the eyes is among the thinnest on the body, so what lies beneath it can show through. The cause may be pigment, blood vessels, shadowing from the shape of the area, or a combination.
Dr Marie-Claire will assess which type you have, because the approach depends on the cause. Some causes respond to skincare, some to other approaches, and some are worth reviewing with your GP.
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles rarely have a single cause. Several factors can contribute at the same time.
Thin skin and visible vessels
The skin beneath the eyes is thin, so small blood vessels can show through as a bluish or purple tone.
Pigmentation
Extra pigment in the under-eye skin can create a brown tone. It is more common in deeper skin tones and can be influenced by sun exposure.
Shadowing from volume change
Natural changes in fat and bone over time can create a hollow or groove that casts a shadow, even where the skin colour is even.
Genetics
Dark circles often run in families, and they can be present from a young age.
Lifestyle and ageing
Poor sleep, rubbing the eyes, allergies and the gradual thinning of skin with age may all make dark circles more visible.
Common influences
Influences differ from person to person, and some can be adjusted with simple changes.
- Poor or irregular sleep
- Allergies and frequent rubbing of the eyes
- Sun exposure, which may darken pigment in the area
- Fatigue or dehydration for some people
- Natural changes in skin thickness and volume with age
- Underlying medical factors such as thyroid conditions or low iron
Types of dark circles
Dark circles are usually grouped by their main cause, and many people have features of more than one.
Pigmented dark circles
A brown tone that stays similar when the skin is gently stretched. Extra pigment in the skin is the main cause.
Vascular dark circles
A bluish, pink or purple tone from small blood vessels showing through thin skin. The colour may look stronger when you are tired.
Structural or shadow circles
Shadowing from a hollow or groove beneath the eye. The shadow often changes with lighting and the angle of the head.
Mixed dark circles
A combination of pigment, visible vessels and shadowing. This is common, and a layered approach is usually discussed.
How are dark circles treated?
The plan depends on the cause, so assessment comes first. Dr Marie-Claire will examine the area and discuss options in consultation. Individual results vary.
Skin health and sun protection
A gentle routine and daily sun protection support the delicate under-eye skin and help limit pigment from darkening. Dr Marie-Claire will outline an approach for your skin.
Discover moreEnergy-based treatments
Laser may be considered to support collagen in the thin under-eye skin, which may change how underlying vessels show through. Evidence for laser around the eyes is limited, and it suits only some types of dark circles. Suitability is assessed carefully in consultation.
Discover moreMedical review
If allergies, thyroid conditions or low iron may be contributing, Dr Marie-Claire may suggest a review with your GP alongside any skin-focused plan.
Other options and referral
Other options, including referral where appropriate, are discussed at consultation after assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have dark circles even when I sleep well?
Sleep is only one possible factor. Dark circles are often related to the thin skin beneath the eyes, pigment, visible blood vessels, shadowing from the shape of the area, or family traits. A medical assessment helps work out which type you have and which approaches, if any, may be suitable. Individual results vary.
Can dark circles be treated?
Approaches depend on the cause. Some pigment may respond to skin health and sun protection, vascular tones and shadowing may be considered with other approaches, and some causes are worth reviewing with a GP. Dr Marie-Claire will assess the area and discuss a realistic plan. No outcome is guaranteed.
Can laser help with under-eye dark circles?
Laser may be considered to support collagen in the thin under-eye skin, which may change how underlying vessels show through. Evidence for laser around the eyes is limited, and it suits only some types of dark circles. It is not suitable for every type of dark circle, and the area needs careful assessment first. Dr Marie-Claire will examine your skin and explain whether it is an option for you.
Could a medical condition be causing my dark circles?
In some people, allergies, thyroid conditions or low iron levels may contribute to dark circles. If your history suggests this, Dr Marie-Claire may recommend a review with your GP. Treating any underlying cause may be part of an appropriate plan alongside skin-focused care.
How much does dark circle treatment cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends on the area, the approach and the number of sessions, and it is set out in a written plan after consultation. UltraClear treatment prices are published on the pricing page. A consultation at her St Kilda studio lets Dr Marie-Claire examine the area and discuss the options before anything is agreed.
Treatments that may be considered
Every plan starts with an assessment. Individual results vary.
UltraClear laser
A fractional fibre laser that may be considered for skin texture, pigmentation and scarring after assessment at a St Kilda consultation.
Discover more
Skin health
A tailored daily skincare regimen and sun protection plan, based on an assessment of your skin in St Kilda.
Discover moreRelated conditions
Important information
All medical and aesthetic procedures carry risk. Suitability, risks, recovery and expected outcomes are discussed in a private consultation with Dr Marie-Claire before any treatment is planned. Consultations are not available to anyone under 18. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Treatment is planned only after a full consultation, and options are discussed after assessment, only where clinically appropriate.
Start with a consultation.
Dr Marie-Claire will assess your skin, talk through your options and explain the risks before any treatment is planned.