Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most searched skincare concerns in the UK—and for good reason. Whether they’re caused by fatigue, genetics, or something else entirely, they can make you look tired, stressed, or older than you feel.
But not all dark circles are the same, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In this post, we’ll break down the causes, latest research, and evidence-based strategies—including diet, lifestyle and natural methods—that can help reduce their appearance.
What Are Dark Circles—And Why Do We Get Them?
Dark circles are typically the result of one or more of the following:
- Hyperpigmentation (due to sun exposure, genetics or post-inflammatory change)
- Thin skin revealing underlying blood vessels
- Blood pooling or sluggish circulation
- Volume loss or hollowness under the eyes (due to ageing)
- Allergies and sinus congestion
- Poor sleep, dehydration or stress
According to a 2022 review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, periorbital dark circles are a multifactorial issue. The main types identified are:
- Pigmented: Excess melanin
- Vascular: Poor microcirculation causing a bluish hue
- Structural: Shadowing due to hollowness
- Mixed type: A combination of any or all of the above
Understanding which type you have is key to choosing the right treatment.
1. Address Underlying Causes
✅ Prioritise Sleep
Sleep deprivation is one of the most common and reversible causes of dark circles. Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Research published in Sleep Health(2023) confirms that poor sleep increases inflammation and cortisol, both of which worsen under-eye puffiness and discolouration.
✅ Manage Allergies
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can cause histamine release, leading to blood vessel dilation and fluid retention under the eyes. Use antihistamines during allergy season and avoid rubbing your eyes, which can worsen pigmentation.
2. Diet: Fuel from the Inside Out
🥦 Increase Iron-Rich Foods
Iron deficiency anaemia can cause paleness and accentuate dark under-eyes. Include sources such as spinach, lentils, red meat, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so pair iron-rich meals with citrus or peppers.
🫐 Boost Antioxidants
Free radical damage can thin skin and increase pigmentation. A 2021 study in the Journal of Dermatological Sciencehighlighted that antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E help protect the delicate eye area from oxidative stress.
Good sources:
- Vitamin C: Berries, citrus, peppers
- Vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds
- Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens
💧 Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make skin appear dull and accentuate shadows. Aim for 6–8 glasses of water per day. Herbal teas and water-rich fruits like cucumber and melon also help.
3. Natural Remedies That Soothe and Brighten
🥒 Cucumber Slices
Cool cucumber slices are more than just a spa cliché. They contain antioxidants like cucurbitacins and vitamin K, which may help reduce puffiness and improve circulation under the eyes. Their high water content also hydrates and cools the skin.
How to use: Place chilled slices over closed eyes for 10–15 minutes. Use daily or several times per week for best results.
🍵 Cooled Tea Bags
Both green and black tea contain caffeine and polyphenols, which help shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling. Green tea also contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.
How to use: Steep two tea bags, then chill in the fridge. Apply to closed eyes for 10–15 minutes. Ideal first thing in the morning.
❄️ Cold Compress with Rose Water
Rose water is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and rich in antioxidants. A cold compress soaked in rose water can calm tired eyes and refresh the skin.
How to use: Soak reusable cotton pads or a clean flannel in chilled rose water. Apply under the eyes for 10 minutes.
4. Facial Oils and Massage for Circulation and Drainage
Facial massage not only promotes lymphatic drainage and circulation but also enhances product absorption. When paired with a nourishing face oil, it can help reduce puffiness, ease tension and bring a natural glow to the under-eye area.
💆♀️ Choose the Right Oil
For the delicate under-eye area, choose gentle, non-comedogenic oils that won’t clog pores or irritate the skin :
- Jojoba oil: Closest to the skin’s natural sebum
- Apricot kernel oil: Rich in vitamin E, light in texture
- Rosehip oil: Contains natural retinoids and antioxidants
- Macadamia oil: High in oleic acid and deeply moisturising
👇 Simple Eye Massage Routine
- Warm a drop of oil between your ring fingers (the weakest fingers, ideal for this delicate area).
- Gently tap from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye, encouraging lymphatic flow.
- Lightly sweep in a circular motion around the orbital bone. Avoid tugging or pressing too hard.
- Finish with a few slow, upward strokes at the temples to release tension.
Do this daily, especially in the evening, to support overnight repair.
5. Daily Habits That Make a Difference
🧴 Always Wear SPF
Sun exposure worsens pigmentation, especially in people with darker skin tones. Use an SPF30+ around the eyes daily—even on cloudy days.
📱 Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Too much screen exposure at night interferes with melatonin and impacts sleep quality. Aim for a screen-free wind-down routine at least 30 minutes before bed.
Final Thoughts
Dark circles are complex and often influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment. While there's no instant cure, simple, natural habits—from tea bags and cucumber to facial oils and massage—can make a visible difference over time.
As with all skincare, consistency is key. Focus on overall wellbeing, nourishment from within, and treating the delicate eye area with care.