Women applying cream under the eyes

Dark Circles Under Eyes: Causes & How to Manage Them

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Dark circles under the eyes are a common skin concern that can be caused by a multitude of factors, from lifestyle to genetics. The color of the dark circles can vary depending on skin tone1

Although they are often harmless, dark circles under the eyes can be a cosmetic concern for those who have them. Learn about what causes dark circles under the eyes and how to reduce their appearance with the Eucerin® Radiant Tone Eye Cream Dark Spot Corrector.

What causes dark circles under eyes?

Some common causes of dark circles under the eyes include:

Genetics

Having dark circles can be genetic and run in families2.

Uneven skin tone from sun exposure

Uneven skin tone means that some areas of skin are darker than others. The most common cause for dark spots and uneven skin tone is sun exposure, and these effects are known as photoaging. Since our faces are exposed to the elements year-round, it’s not uncommon for sun-induced dark spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone to develop around the eyes if proper sun protection methods aren’t consistently taken.

Aging

Dark circles around the eyes are common for those with mature skin. As we get older, our skin gets thinner and this can give the appearance of dark circles under the eyes3.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Certain lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, stress, drinking alcohol, and exposure to  sun can contribute to developing dark under-eye circles3.

How to reduce the appearance of dark circles under eyes

Although there is no way to completely get rid of dark circles around the eyes, depending on the cause, there are several ways to help reduce their appearance:

Under eye cream

Some eye creams for dark circles can help reduce their appearance as well as help nourish the skin, giving it a radiant look and reducing the look of wrinkles around the eye, also known as crow’s feet.

We recommend Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Circle Corrector Eye Cream formulated with Thiamidol to help visibly reduce the look of dark circles due to sun exposure, aging and imperfections , over time with regular use. Light-reflecting pigments enriched, this formula support a brighter, more illuminated appearance. It is also effective in instantly reducing the look of eye puffiness using a metal applicator and with the Hyaluronic Acid-enriched formula. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for all skin types.
Note: Limit the collective use of Radiant Tone products to 4 times a day (excluding Cleansing Gel). Do not apply to active acne breakouts or irritated skin.

Eucerin Radiant Tone products formulated with Thiamidol

Eucerin’s line of Radiant Tone products formulated with Thiamidol help fight against the look of dark spots caused by sun exposure, imperfections and aging for a more even skin tone appearance over time with regular use

Incorporating the Radiant Tone Eye Cream into an overall skincare routine with other Radiant Tone products can help visibly reduce the look of dark spots caused by sun exposure, imperfections and aging when used as directed.

Explore Eucerin Radiant Tone

Lifestyle changes

Adopting the following lifestyle habits can help support your skin and address lifestyle-related dark circles:

  • Get sufficient sleep
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Don’t smoke, or if you are already a smoker, quit
  • Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals
  • Avoid environmental allergens that may cause you to want to rub your eyes

Sun protection

Use facial SPF every day year-round in conjunction with other sun-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of the day. Learn more about how much sunscreen to apply to your face.

Eucerin® Radiant Tone Daily Lotion SPF 30 formulated with Thiamidol helps to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots due to sun exposure, aging, and imperfections while providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, and it also helps to prevent the reappearance of dark spots when used regularly. This day cream has a lightweight texture, is non-comedogenic, and improves skin’s radiance in as little as two weeks with regular use. Use as directed.

Dark circles FAQs

Here are some common questions you may encounter around dark circles under your eyes:

Does having dark circles under my eyes mean something is wrong?

Dark circles under the eyes are often a harmless cosmetic feature. If you notice any changes under your eyes or it gets worse over time4, or if you’re concerned that your dark circles may be caused by an underlying medical condition, contact your doctor for further advice.

Can dark circles go away?

If dark circles are showing up due to fatigue or lifestyle factors such as smoking, it is possible that they may go away when the root cause is addressed.

Can you manage dark circles so they go away completely?

Management of dark circles depends on the root cause. If dark circles are caused by lifestyle choices, it is possible that they may resolve with lifestyle adjustments4. Contact a dermatologist to determine how much you can expect to reduce the appearance of your dark circles depending on their cause.

What is the best eye cream for dark circles?

Look for an eye cream specially formulated to manage dark spots, such as Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Circle Corrector Eye Cream.

What makes dark circles show up?

Dark circles can be caused by several factors including genetics, age, sun exposure, skin conditions, rubbing the eyes, fatigue, and more.

Is having dark circles genetic/hereditary?

Having dark circles under the eyes can be hereditary.

Eucerin Radiant Tone for the look of dark circles

Dark circles are a common complaint, but thankfully, they can often be managed. Eucerin® Radiant Tone Eye Cream Dark Circle Corrector is specially formulated to help visibly reduce the look of dark circles over time with regular use. Its formula containing Thiamidol, Hyaluronic Acid, and light-reflecting pigments works to address the look of dark spots while supporting a brighter, more illuminated appearance.

Related Products

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

  1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
  2. Improve the appearance of the skin
  3. Achieve healthier-looking skin 

Sources:

1. Dark Circles Under The Eyes: Causes & Treatments. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23128-dark-circles-under-eyes

2. Rana, S.; Mendiratta, V.; Jassi, R.; Chander, R. Study of Causative Factors and Clinical Patterns of Periorbital Pigmentation. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2019, 10 (3), 293. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_158_18

3. Dark Circles Under The Eyes: Causes & Treatments. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23128-dark-circles-under-eyes

4. Dark circles under eyes Causes - Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/causes/sym-20050624?p=1

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