Great skin is a journey, not a
destination
Dr Eckstein
Under Eye Circles
Under eye circles are one of the most common aesthetic concerns and can make you look tired, stressed, or older than you feel. Dark circles may appear as brown pigmentation, bluish shadowing, hollowness, or a combination of all three. Because multiple factors contribute to their development, successful treatment requires accurate diagnosis. At Dr Mélanin, we provide dermatologist-led assessment and treatment for under eye circles in Grays, with specialist expertise in treating melanin-rich skin safely and effectively.
Under eye circles are not caused by lack of sleep alone. Several structural and pigment-related factors may be involved. One common cause is tear trough hollowing. As we age, volume loss beneath the eyes creates a groove that casts a shadow, making the area appear darker. Thin skin under the eyes can also reveal underlying blood vessels, producing a bluish tone. In melanin-rich skin, hyperpigmentation is another frequent contributor. Increased melanin production in the under eye area can create brown discolouration, which may be genetic or triggered by inflammation, rubbing, or eczema. Often, dark circles result from a combination of volume loss and pigmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accurate assessment is essential because treatment depends on the underlying cause. Pigmented dark circles are usually brown in colour and more common in darker skin tones. They may be genetic or related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from rubbing, allergies, or dermatitis.
Structural dark circles are caused by volume loss under the eyes. The hollow creates a shadow effect, particularly in overhead lighting. This type of concern typically responds well to carefully placed dermal filler.
Vascular dark circles appear bluish or purple and are caused by visible blood vessels beneath thin under-eye skin. They may worsen with fatigue or dehydration.
Melanin-rich skin is more prone to pigmentation-related dark circles. Even mild inflammation from rubbing, eczema, or harsh skincare can trigger increased melanin production in this delicate area. Because the under-eye skin is thin and sensitive, treatments must be selected carefully to avoid irritation or further pigmentation. At Dr Mélanin, we use tailored protocols designed specifically for skin of colour.
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. A personalised consultation is essential before proceeding. For clients with structural hollowing, carefully placed dermal filler can restore volume and reduce shadowing. When performed with precision, tear trough treatment creates a subtle, refreshed appearance without looking overfilled. Not all clients are suitable candidates, and detailed assessment is required.
Pigmented dark circles are managed with medical-grade skincare designed to regulate melanin production and improve skin turnover. Gentle chemical peels may be considered in selected cases, but aggressive treatments are avoided to prevent further irritation. Strict sun protection is essential, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation.
Collagen-stimulating treatments such as polynucleotides may improve overall skin thickness and resilience, helping reduce visibility of underlying vessels and improve texture over time. Hydration, sleep, and allergy management also play an important role in reducing flare-ups.
Tear trough filler typically lasts between 6 and 12 months depending on individual metabolism and product used. Pigmentation treatments require ongoing maintenance and consistent skincare to sustain improvement. Because under eye concerns often involve multiple factors, combination treatment may provide the best results.
Improvement is usually noticeable, but complete removal depends on the underlying cause. Realistic expectations are discussed during consultation.
When performed by a medically trained professional with detailed anatomical knowledge, tear trough filler can be safe and effective in the short-term; however, we do not generally recommend tear trough treatments due to the long consequences which often occur with tear trough filler treatments. which will be discussed with you during your consultation. Proper assessment is essential.
A professional assessment is the most reliable way to determine whether your concern is structural, pigmented, vascular, or a combination.
Yes. However, pigmentation-prone skin requires careful selection of treatments to minimise irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.