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Dark circles under eyes

Dark circles under the eyes happen when the skin beneath both eyes becomes darker than usual.

Dark circles under the eyes are usually more noticeable when you’re tired. Other lifestyle factors that may contribute to dark circles under the eyes are smoking, drinking too much alcohol and stress.

Sometimes, what looks like dark circles may be shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under the eyes that develop with aging.

Some of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes are:

Dark circles under the eyes usually aren’t a medical problem. If you notice changes under just one eye that get worse over time, talk to a healthcare professional.

If you want to improve the look of the under-eye area, you might try makeup and home remedies. If they don’t help, talk with a doctor who specializes in conditions of the skin. This type of specialist is called a dermatologist.

Your doctor may suggest prescription creams and other treatments to improve the look of your skin. Laser therapy or chemical peels can be helpful to some people. Injectable fillers can smooth the hollows that cause shadows. Other options are platelet-rich plasma injections and surgery to reduce puffy lids.

Self-care

Mild to moderate dark circles often respond well to habits and home remedies, such as:

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