Dark circles under the eyes may look purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on skin color.
These circles are rarely a cause for concern, but people may wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
In some cases, dark circles under the eyes can indicate a need for lifestyle changes, such as improvements to sleep habits or diet.
The area under the eyes can appear darker due to constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or from thinning of the skin around the eyes.
All causes of dark circles under the eyes include:
- lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits
- allergies, including hay fever
- hyperpigmentation, which happens when the body produces more melanin
- reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes
- thinning skin under the eyes
- anemia from iron deficiency
- overexposure to sunlight
- frequent rubbing of the eyes
- aging
- smoking
- inherited genes
- thyroid conditions
- dehydration
- dermatitis
- eye drop treatment for glaucoma, such as bimatoprost