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Dark Circles Under Eyes

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Introduction

Dark circles under the eyes (periorbital hyperpigmentation) are a common cosmetic and psychosocial concern. In this blog, I explain how to remove dark circles from eyes, why dark spots under eyes appear, practical home remedies to remove dark circles, and discuss what is the reason for dark circles under eyes from both modern and Ayurveda perspectives.

What are the causes of dark circles under eyes?

There is no single main cause — what is the reason for dark circles under eyes – the answer is multiple factors.

Some people have more melanin (skin pigment) under the eyes, which makes the skin look darker.
In others, the skin around the eyes is very thin or translucent, so the tiny blood vessels underneath become visible, giving a bluish or purplish shade.
Loss of fat under the eyes or skin laxity with age can create hollows and shadows that look like dark circles.
They can also develop due to allergies or nasal congestion, which cause blood to pool under the eyes, or after inflammation or rubbing of the skin.
Genetics and skin tone play a big role—people with darker skin types are more prone to pigmentation changes.
Lifestyle and health factors such as lack of sleep, stress, smoking, alcohol use, and nutritional deficiencies (especially low iron or anaemia) can worsen dark circles.

In some cases, simply correcting these underlying issues can make the dark circles much lighter.

What are the symptoms of dark circles under eyes?

Symmetrical or asymmetrical bluish-brown or darker patches under the lower eyelids (may involve upper lids).
May be accompanied by mild puffiness, hollowness, or fine lines; allergic history (sneezing, nasal congestion) may point to vascular “allergic shiners”.
Usually chronic and cosmetically distressing rather than painful; changes with time of day (worse when tired) are common.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is clinical and starts with a careful history (sleep, allergies, family history, topical agents, trauma, medications) and examination to classify the mechanism (pigmentary, vascular, structural, or mixed). Investigations are targeted: CBC / iron studies if anaemia is suspected, allergy testing if allergic shiners are suspected, and dermoscopy or skin biopsy only rarely when diagnosis is unclear. The goal is to identify reversible or treatable contributors before pursuing cosmetic interventions.

Ayurvedic treatment for Dark Circles Under Eyes

Ayurveda views dark circles as a result of Vata–Pitta imbalance and depletion of Rasa and Rakta dhatus (nourishing and blood tissues).

Poor digestion (Mandagni) and inadequate nutrition weaken tissue nourishment, leading to dullness and pigmentation around the eyes.

Genetic tendency, stress, and lifestyle factors further aggravate doshas and skin changes.

Treatment focuses on correcting Agni, improving nutrition, ensuring good sleep, and restoring balance through Rasayana (rejuvenating) measures.

Traditional Kriyakalpas — topical/ocular procedures such as Akshi-Tarpana (Eye nourishment therapy), Vidalaka/Bidalaka (Herbal paste eye pack), Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda (Warm rice bolus therapy), Trataka (Gazing meditation), and localised oleation (external oleaginous pastes) — are described to nourish periocular tissues, reduce aggravated Vata and Pitta, and support local microcirculation. These procedures are soothing, may improve local tissue tone, and are used as adjuncts rather than replacements for systemic correction. Contemporary practice combines correction of systemic imbalances (nutrition, sleep, allergy control) with local Ayurveda kriyas tailored to the patient. Supportive care includes a routine, a wholesome diet, and avoiding late nights, eye rubbing, and excess screen time.

Home Remedies for Dark Circles Under Eyes

A few home remedies to remove dark circles are mentioned below.

Ayurveda home care aims to nourish tissues, calm Vāta–Pitta, improve circulation, and remove local inflammation — all of which can reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.

External (topical) remedies — easy to do at home

Gentle oil massage (Palming/Anjana-style care): Warm a few drops of cold-pressed sweet almond oil or medicated sesame oil and very gently apply around (not inside) the orbital rim with light circular motions for 2–3 minutes to nourish delicate periorbital skin and reduce dryness/hollowness. Massaging also improves blood circulation to the area and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Cold compresses: soaked rosewater cotton pads or chilled cucumber slices for 10 minutes help reduce vascular congestion and puffiness. Use it in the morning and evening as needed.
Rose water: Keep a small spray bottle of pure rose water; a light misting refreshes and soothes the area during the day.
Sandalwood + rose paste (mild pack): mix a pinch of pure sandalwood powder with rose water to a paste with rose water or warm milk. Apply briefly (5–7 minutes) and wash off. Do once or twice weekly — it avoids staining and is soothing.
Splash the eyes with fresh water to reduce the inflammation and improve circulation.
Rub your palms and place the warm palms over your eyes for 5 minutes. This reduces eye strain and helps to calm you down.
A wet palm rubbed on the eyes immediately after eating food protects and promotes eye health.
Gentle massage over the dark circle with aloe vera gel is also beneficial.

Internal/dietary support (daily habits)

Improve digestion (Agni): have warm, cooked meals; include easily digestible, nourishing foods (khichdi, soups, stewed vegetables) to support tissue rebuilding.
Rasayana foods: include Amla (Indian gooseberry) or fresh citrus in moderation.
Correct deficiencies: get tested for iron and treat if low — dietary iron (green leafy vegetables, legumes, and jaggery) plus vitamin C for absorption helps.
Hydration & sleep: regular sleep (same bedtime), 7–8 hours, and good hydration are simple high-yield measures.

Simple lifestyle & eye care tips

Avoid rubbing the eyes; protect from direct sun (wide-brim hat, sunglasses) and use broad-spectrum sunscreen gently around the eyes.
Reduce late nights, manage screen time, and treat allergic triggers (dust, pet dander) that cause rubbing and vascular darkening.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol — both worsen skin quality.

When to Seek the Doctors

See a clinician if there is a sudden onset, unilateral change, associated pain or vision change, signs of systemic disease (fatigue, pallor), or if dark circles are persistent despite lifestyle correction and simple measures.

Conclusion

Dark spots under eyes are often harmless but psychologically important. Best outcomes come from identifying the dominant mechanism(s), correcting systemic contributors (iron/sleep/allergies), and combining safe topical or procedural options when needed. Integrating Ayurveda local therapies (kriyakalpas) as supportive measures under qualified supervision.

FAQs

How to remove dark circles from eyes?

The following measures can be adopted to remove and reduce dark circles around the eyes. Correct reversible systemic causes (sleep, allergies, iron deficiency), protect from the sun, and use targeted topical or procedural treatments based on whether the problem is pigmentary, vascular, or structural.

What is the main cause of dark circles under eyes?

What is the reason for dark circles under eyes – the answer is multifactorial (melanin deposition, vascular visibility, skin thinning, hollowness, or post-inflammatory changes), often with genetic and lifestyle contributors. Identifying which mechanism predominates for an individual determines appropriate treatment.

What deficiency causes dark under-eye circles?

Iron-deficiency anaemia is commonly reported in clinical series as associated with periorbital darkening, and correcting anaemia has improved appearance in many patients. Other nutritional issues (e.g., certain B-vitamin states) have been proposed, but evidence is strongest for iron; targeted blood tests guide therapy.

What causes dark circles above the eyes?

Darkening of the upper eyelid or supraorbital area can be due to pigmentary changes, chronic rubbing or inflammation, or dermal melanin; structural shadowing or skin changes with age also contribute. As per Ayurveda, Pitta and Vata imbalance due to multiple factors can lead to dark circles around the eyes.

How can I recover my dark circles?

Recovery depends on the cause: some contributors (sleep deprivation, allergies, and anaemia) often improve with correction, while pigmentary or structural causes may require topical application or internal medicines, with realistic expectations. Combining lifestyle correction, sun protection, medical/procedural therapy as indicated, and—if desired—supervised Ayurveda kriya (for tissue nourishment) gives the best chance for visible improvement.

REFERENCES

Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: a comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(1):49–55. Available from:

Vrcek I, Ozgur O, Nakra T. Infraorbital dark circles: a review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Apr-Jun;9(2):65–72. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184046. Available from:

Sheth PB, Sheth AP, et al. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: a study of its prevalence, common causative factors and its association with personal habits and other disorders. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2014;59(2):151–7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.127675. Available from:

Mendiratta V, Sharma A, Maheshwari A, et al. Study of causative factors and clinical patterns of periorbital pigmentation. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):293–5. Available from:

A clinical study on Akshitarpana and combination of Akshitarpana with Nasya in Timira/myopia: randomized trial. Available from:

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