Skin concerns

Under-Eye Concerns

Dark circles, puffiness and fine lines under the eyes are some of the most common skin concerns, and they're usually not a sign of a health problem. Because they have many different causes, the first step is understanding what's behind yours. Then the right care can help the area look brighter and more rested.

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Close-up of a woman’s face and eye area

What are under-eye concerns?

The skin under your eyes is some of the thinnest on your body. That makes changes in colour, volume and texture easier to see. The most common concerns are:

  • Dark circles: skin under the eyes that looks darker than the rest of the face. In Indian skin, this is often brown pigmentation.
  • Shadows and hollows: with age, the area under the eyes can lose volume, creating shadows that look like dark circles.
  • Visible blood vessels: thin skin can let blood vessels show through, giving a bluish or purple tint.
  • Puffiness and bags: swelling or fat pads under the eyes that cast shadows.
  • Fine lines: the first signs of ageing often appear here.

Many people have more than one of these at the same time.

What causes them?

Under-eye concerns usually have several causes working together:

  • Genetics: dark circles often run in families.
  • Pigmentation: extra melanin under the eyes is common in medium to darker skin tones.
  • Rubbing or scratching: often linked to allergies or eczema, rubbing can darken and thicken the skin over time.
  • Ageing: thinner skin and loss of volume make shadows and blood vessels more visible.
  • Tiredness and lifestyle: lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol and stress can make existing circles more noticeable.
  • Sun exposure: can darken pigmentation around the eyes.

How dermatologists treat under-eye concerns

Because the causes vary, a dermatologist will first look at what's behind your concern. Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

  • Topical treatments: creams that target pigmentation or support the thin skin around the eyes.
  • In-clinic procedures: for pigmentation, options such as gentle peels or lasers; for hollows, treatments that restore volume.
  • Treating the trigger: for example, managing allergies or eczema that cause rubbing.

Eye creams can help reduce the appearance of dark circles to some degree, but they work best when the cause is understood and addressed.

Daily care that helps

  1. Be gentle

    Don't rub or tug the skin around your eyes. Pat products in with your ring finger.

  2. Protect the area from the sun

    Apply sunscreen around the eyes (avoiding the eyes themselves) and wear sunglasses.

  3. Use a dedicated eye product

    Eye-area formulas are designed for thinner, more sensitive skin.

  4. Remove makeup gently

    Use a mild remover, and never sleep in eye makeup.

  5. Look after sleep and allergies

    Good sleep helps, and treating allergies can stop the urge to rub.

  6. Cut back on smoking and alcohol

    Both can make circles more noticeable.

Sainera products for under-eye concerns

Your dermatologist can tell you whether it suits your under-eye concern and how to use it with any other treatment.

  • Activance Eye Contour

    Activance™ Eye Contour

    Helps improve the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.

    View Eye Contour

When to see a dermatologist

See a dermatologist if:

  • Dark circles or puffiness appeared suddenly, or only affect one eye
  • The area is itchy, flaky, red or swollen
  • Your under-eye area hasn't improved with good home care
  • You're interested in in-clinic treatment and want to know what suits your skin

If dark circles come with tiredness, breathlessness or other symptoms, check in with your doctor, as they can occasionally be linked to other health issues.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about under-eye concerns.

What causes dark circles under the eyes?

Dark circles have many causes, including genetics, pigmentation, thin skin, visible blood vessels, loss of volume with age, rubbing, and tiredness. Most people have a mix of these, which is why a dermatologist's assessment helps.

Do eye creams really work for dark circles?

Eye creams with well-studied ingredients can help reduce the appearance of dark circles to some degree, especially when pigmentation is the cause. They won't change shadows caused by hollows, which need a different approach.

Is under-eye pigmentation common in Indian skin?

Yes. Brown pigmentation under the eyes is very common in medium to darker skin tones and often runs in families. Gentle care, sun protection and avoiding rubbing all help.

Can I use sunscreen under my eyes?

Yes. Apply it gently around the eye area, avoiding the eyes themselves. Sunglasses add extra protection.

For clinics

Treating periorbital concerns in your clinic? Ask us for Sainera under-eye protocols, home-care guides for patients and training for your team.

Request protocols Find a provider
Sources
  1. Mayo Clinic: Dark circles under eyes
  2. MDedge Dermatology: Dark circles under the eyes
  3. American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs

This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Please see a dermatologist for advice about your skin.