Click here to set your nearest clinic
Click here to set your nearest clinic

Common Concerns: Dark Circles

About Dark Circles


Dark under-eye circles are a common concern that can affect individuals of all ages and skin types. They often appear as shadows or discoloration beneath the eyes and can be caused by a variety of factors. While often associated with tiredness or lack of sleep, they may also result from ageing, genetics, dehydration, or hyperpigmentation in the area. Although dark circles are usually harmless, they can make the face appear tired or aged. Sometimes, a good night’s sleep is enough to reduce their appearance, but if your dark circles tend to linger, come and talk to us about your treatment options!

Signs of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can result from a combination of factors, including pigmentation, volume loss, and skin changes. Identifying the common signs can help you understand what may be contributing to their appearance.

  • Discolouration – The skin under the eyes appears darker than the surrounding area, often in shades of blue, purple, brown, or black depending on skin tone.
  • Shadowing or Hollowness – A sunken appearance or tear troughs can create shadows that make the area look darker.
  • Puffiness or Swelling – Fluid retention from lack of sleep or allergies can cause puffiness, which casts shadows under the eyes.
  • Thin or Translucent Skin – Thinner skin can make underlying blood vessels more visible, contributing to a darker look.
Book a Free Consultation - it’s time to put your body first.

Causes of Dark Circles

Dark under-eye circles can be caused by a range of factors.

Lack of sleep can dilate blood vessels and cause fluid retention, making the under-eye area appear darker and puffier. Genetics and skin structure also play a role, some people naturally have thinner skin or more visible blood vessels, especially those with higher melanin levels. Dehydration can cause the skin to look dull and sunken, further emphasizing dark circles.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can impair circulation and skin health, making dark circles more noticeable. Understanding these causes is key to choosing the right treatment and prevention strategies.

Our Treatments  for Dark Circles

Observ 520 Skin Analysis

Using the advanced Observ Skin Analysis technology, we can get to know your skin on a deeper level, identify your underlying concerns and let’s create a treatment and skincare plan for your best skin yet!

MesoInfus™ Microneedling

One of the only skin treatments that can be performed safely on the undereye area. MesoInfus™ Microneedling will help to boost collagen, increase blood circulation, lymphatic drainage & reduce pigmentation, helping to improve the overall tone & texture of the under-eye area.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular and effective treatment for improving the appearance of under-eye circles, especially those caused by hollowness or volume loss. They work by adding volume to the hollowed area & plumping the skin. The results of dermal fillers can typically last between 9 months to 1 year.

Dark Circles FAQs

Are all Dark Circles the same?

No, there are different types:

  • Pigmented dark circles – Caused by excess melanin.
  • Vascular dark circles – Caused by visible blood vessels under thin skin.
  • Structural/hollow dark circles – Caused by fat and collagen loss.
Can skincare and makeup completely remove Dark Circles?

No, but eye creams with ingredients like caffeine, retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can help improve their appearance. Concealers can temporarily cover dark circles but do not address the root cause.

Does sun exposure make Dark Circles worse?

Yes, UV rays can increase melanin production, making pigmentation more noticeable. Wearing sunscreen and sunglasses can help prevent this.

Can dehydration and diet affect Dark Circles?

Yes, not drinking enough water can make the skin look dull and sunken. Iron deficiency (anemia) can also contribute to a tired, darkened under-eye appearance.

Which Dark Circles are treatable with skincare?

Yes, not drinking enough water can make the skin look dull and sunken. Iron deficiency (anemia) can also contribute to a tired, darkened under-eye appearance.

Schedule an Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

Find Your Clinic

Find My Nearest Clinic
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
Hawkes Bay
Nelson
Northland
Otago
Southland
Waikato
Wellington
Botany
SPO151 Botany Town Centre 588 Chapel Rd East Tamaki Auckland 2016
View Clinic
Glenfield
Glenfield Rd and Downing St Glenfield Auckland 0629
View Clinic
LynnMall
Shop S87,3058 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0640
View Clinic
Manukau
Shop S004, Westfield Manukau, Cnr Great South And Manukau Station Roads, Manukau, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
View Clinic
Milford
Milford Shopping Centre Shop M-154D/24 Milford Road, Milford, Auckland 0620
View Clinic
Newmarket
S219 Westfield Newmarket 309 Broadway Newmarket AUCKLAND
View Clinic
Ponsonby
63 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
View Clinic
Queen St
Tenancy L3.3 & Tenancy 0.2 246 Queen Street Auckland 1010
View Clinic
Sylvia Park
Shop N051, Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, 286 Mount Wellington Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand
View Clinic
WestCity
Shop 237, 7 Catherine St Henderson Auckland 0612
View Clinic
Tauranga Crossing
Shop RS101, Tauranga Crossing Shopping Centre, 2 Taurikura Drive Tauranga 3171
View Clinic
Rotorua
Retail Tenancy 2, 1282 Tutanekai street, Rotorua 3010
View Clinic
Bayfair
Shop SP01109, Bayfair Shopping Centre Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
View Clinic
Christchurch CBD
112 Cashel Street, Christchurch, 8011, NZ
View Clinic
Hornby
Shop 46, The Hub 418 Main S Rd Hornby Christchurch 8042
View Clinic
Riccarton
Westfield Riccarton, 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
View Clinic
Napier
36 Tennyson Street Napier South, Napier City
View Clinic
Richmond
S25 Richmond Mall, Corner Queen, Croucher and, Talbot Street Richmond, Nelson 7020
View Clinic
Whangarei
Retail Tenancy: 49 Cameron st, Whangārei 0110
View Clinic
Queenstown
Shop 42 Five Mile Centre, 20 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown
View Clinic
Invercargill
Shop 71, Invercargill Central, Esk Street Invercargill Southland 9810
View Clinic
Centre Place
Shop 87 Centre Place South 501 Victoria St Hamilton, 3204
View Clinic
North City
Shop 133, North City 2 Titahi Bay Rd Porirua Wellington 5022
View Clinic
You have item in your cart
Saved
Cart Total: