How to Treat Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Dark circles under eyes are very common and can be influenced by factors such as sleep, hydration, genetics, and sun exposure. A consistent under eye skincare routine, paired with simple lifestyle habits, can help improve how the area looks over time. Using an eye cream with ingredients like vitamin C, caffeine, or hyaluronic acid supports brightness and hydration, while daily sun protection helps prevent further pigmentation. With regular care, the under eye area can appear fresher and more well-rested. 

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

1. Genetics and Skin Tone

Genetics play a key role in dark circles under eyes, particularly for those with naturally thinner skin or deeper skin tones. Increased pigmentation or visible blood vessels can make the under eye area appear darker, even with good sleep and skincare habits.

2. Lack of Sleep or Fatigue

Lack of sleep or ongoing fatigue can make dark circles more noticeable by causing the skin to look dull and shadows under the eyes to deepen. Poor sleep can also lead to fluid retention, contributing to tired-looking eyes and under eye shadows.

3. Thinner Skin as We Age

As we age, the skin under the eyes naturally becomes thinner due to collagen loss. This can make blood vessels more visible, leading to darker-looking under eyes. Age-related changes are gradual and completely normal as is updating your products to focus on ageing skincare.

4. Dehydration

Dehydration can cause the under eye area to look dull, sunken, or darker in appearance. When skin lacks moisture, under eye discolouration can become more noticeable, highlighting the importance of hydration and moisturising eye care.

5. Allergies or Sinus Congestion

Allergies and sinus congestion can contribute to dark circles under eyes by increasing blood flow and swelling in the area. Frequent rubbing of the eyes may also worsen under eye discolouration and sensitivity over time.

6. Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can increase melanin production, leading to under eye pigmentation and darker circles. Because the under eye area is delicate, daily sun protection is essential to help prevent further darkening and support even-looking skin.

Can Dark Circles be Removed Permanently?

Whether dark circles under eyes can be removed permanently depends on their cause. Lifestyle-related dark circles may improve with consistent skincare, sleep, and sun protection, while pigmentation can respond to brightening ingredients and SPF. Although permanent removal isn’t always possible, the right under eye skincare routine can help maintain a brighter, more refreshed appearance over time.

Below, we’ve selected expert-approved under eye products to support your routine.

Environ Skin EssentiA Bestseller Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel

From the Environ Skin EssentiA range, the Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel is ideal for targeting early signs of ageing and tired-looking eyes. This lightweight eye gel helps improve the appearance of dark circles under eyes while supporting skin firmness and hydration. Packed with antioxidants and peptides, it works to smooth fine lines and protect the delicate under eye area with consistent use.

Murad Environmental Shield Vita -C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector is designed to visibly brighten dark circles under eyes and improve radiance. Powered by vitamin C and light-reflecting pigments, it helps correct under eye discolouration while hydrating and smoothing the skin. Ideal for dull or tired-looking eyes, it delivers instant brightness with long-term skincare benefits.

IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel

The IMAGE Skincare Vital C collection is known for its brightening and hydrating benefits, and the Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel is no exception. This cooling eye gel delivers intense hydration while helping to soothe, brighten, and refresh the under eye area. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, it supports smoother-looking skin and helps reduce signs of fatigue. 

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Advanced

From SkinCeuticals, A.G.E. Eye Advanced targets visible signs of ageing around the eyes, including dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. Formulated to address glycation-related ageing, this advanced eye treatment helps improve firmness and smoothness while supporting a brighter, more rested under eye appearance with continued use. 

Treat Dark Circles with Millies 

If you’re looking to treat dark circles under eyes, Millies is your trusted destination for expert-led skincare. Discover a curated range of eye creams and treatments designed to brighten, hydrate, and refresh tired-looking eyes. Shop online at Millies.ie for professional advice, premium brands, and visible results. 

How to Treat Dark Circles FAQs 

What are dark eye circles a symptom of?

Dark eye circles are often a visible sign of lifestyle or environmental factors such as fatigue, dehydration, or allergies. They can also be linked to genetics, skin tone, or age-related changes. In most cases, dark circles under eyes are cosmetic rather than a sign of an underlying health issue.

What deficiency causes dark circles?

Dark circles under eyes are sometimes associated with nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, which can make the skin appear paler and under eye shadows more noticeable. A balanced diet and proper hydration support overall skin health, but persistent concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

What is the best treatment for tired eyes?

The best treatment for tired eyes focuses on reducing puffiness, dark circles, and dehydration. Cooling eye gels, hydrating eye creams, and gentle massage can instantly refresh the eyes, while consistent use improves tired-looking eyes over time.

Do eye creams really help with dark circles under eyes?

Yes, eye creams formulated for dark circles under eyes can help improve their appearance over time. Brightening and hydrating ingredients work best when used consistently, especially when paired with SPF and healthy lifestyle habits.