Dark Circles
Treating under-eye darkness and puffiness
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 19 Aug 2026
Common Causes of Dark Circles
Genetics & Pigmentation
Hereditary hyperpigmentation around eyes, more common in darker skin tones
Thin Skin & Visible Vessels
Blood vessels show through delicate under-eye skin, creating blue-purple tint
Hollowing & Shadows
Age-related volume loss creates shadows; this is structural, not pigmentation
Dark under-eye circles have multiple causes, and identifying yours is essential for effective treatment. What appears as darkness might be pigmentation, visible blood vessels, shadowing from hollows, or a combination. Different causes require different approaches.
Identifying Your Type
Blue/Purple Circles
Usually blood vessels visible through thin skin. Worse when tired. Responds to caffeine and cooling.
Brown Circles
Hyperpigmentation. Often genetic or from sun/friction. Responds to brightening ingredients.
Shadows/Hollows
Structuralcaused by volume loss or bone structure. Skincare has limited effect; fillers most effective.
Puffiness
Fluid retention causing shadows below. Related to sleep, salt, allergies. Responds to lymphatic drainage.
Helpful Ingredients
Caffeine
Constricts blood vessels, reduces puffiness and dark appearance
Retinol
Thickens skin over time, making vessels less visible (use gentle eye-specific formulas)
Tips for Dark Circles
Dark circle guides
- What causes dark circles under the eyes? — work out your type first
- How to get rid of dark circles — what actually helps, by cause
- Does caffeine eye cream work?
- Best eye cream & eye serum UK — our product picks
In this guide
Short, practical reads on Dark Circles — tap any topic for the full guide.
What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
The four types of dark circles — pigmentation, vascular, structural and lifestyle — and simple tests to work out which type you actually have.
Read the guide
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles: What Actually Helps
What genuinely reduces the look of dark circles, organised by cause: pigmentation, vascular and structural, plus lifestyle, ingredients, concealer and when to see a GP.
Read the guide
Does Caffeine Eye Cream Work? What It Can and Can't Do
An honest look at how caffeine works on the under-eye, what it helps (puffiness, vascular darkness), what it won't fix, plus how and when to apply it.
Read the guide
Best Eye Cream and Eye Serum UK: A Buyer's Guide by Concern
Eye creams and eye serums are not interchangeable. This Academy guide sorts professional eye care by concern — dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and crepiness, dryness — and by format, so you can pick the texture and strength that suits your skin rather than buying on packaging alone.
Read the guide
How to Grow Longer, Fuller-Looking Eyelashes: A UK Guide
Key Ingredients for Dark Circles
The actives most worth knowing for this concern — tap any to read the full ingredient guide.
Not sure where to start?
Take our free skin type test to get routine and ingredient recommendations tailored to your skin.
Find Your Skin TypeNeed Personalised Advice?
Our skincare specialists can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.