Dark circles can appear for a variety of reasons, including genetics, ageing, allergies and lifestyle factors. In some cases, the tiny blood vessels under the skin become dilated or the skin becomes inflamed, which can make the circles more visible. This is especially common in people with allergies.

As we age, the natural fat padding beneath the eyes gradually thins. Without that cushioning, the under-eye area can look more hollow, allowing shadows to form more easily. This loss of volume makes dark circles more noticeable.

For many people, dark circles are also hereditary, so if your parents have them, you’re more likely to develop them too. Over time, sun exposure and natural skin ageing can also cause increased pigmentation, which can make the under-eye area appear darker, even if the skin is otherwise healthy.

You can identify the type of dark circles you have with a simple test:

• Pigmentation-based dark circles – Gently pinch the skin under your eyes and lift it slightly. If the skin itself appears discoloured when lifted, the darkness is likely due to pigmentation within the skin.
• Vascular dark circles – If lifting the skin makes the discolouration fade, the darkness is likely caused by underlying blood vessels showing through thin skin.

Both types are completely normal and, in many cases, can be genetic.

At Thames Skin Clinic, treatments for dark circles aim to brighten and plump the delicate under-eye area by addressing blood vessels, volume loss and skin thinning. 

Your bespoke treatment plan could include options such as tear trough fillers to restore lost volume, chemical peels to tackle pigmentation or ThermaVein to treat unwanted veins.

The exact timing varies by treatment: you might notice refreshed under eyes almost immediately after ThermaVein or tear trough fillers. However, treatments focused on strengthening skin layers or boosting collagen, such as chemical peels or skin boosters, often unfold over several days to weeks.