Dark circles, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation can cause different shades of brown, blue, or purple under the eyes. Under-eye puffiness and dark circles are two main problems faced by this generation. Our eyes are the most sensitive organs in the body and the skin underneath is usually very thin and darker than other parts of the body. This is because the skin contains a lot of blood vessels, as it is sensitive it makes it more prone to puffiness. These things can make you look weak or dull, and treating this is important as it can become worse in the long run. In this blog, we will discuss all the possible causes, preventive measures, and treatments for under-eye dark circles and puffiness. 

Causes of dark circles and eye puffiness

Dark circles and eye puffiness can affect everyone but they are more common in adults, people with genetic disorders, and people who are easily prone to hyperpigmentation. The probable causes of these two problems are: 

  • Age 

As we age, our skin becomes prone to wrinkling, and the first place you can notice this is, under the eyes. As the skin is more sensitive, this results in eye puffiness. As the skin becomes more thinner, the darker vessels inside it become more visible resulting in dark circles. It is important to take care of your skin while you are young, to keep it healthy in the long run, and also to avoid dark circles or eye puffing. 

  • Fatigue 

While lack of sleep causes dark circles, oversleeping can cause eye puffiness. But puffiness due to oversleeping is temporary, it is mainly caused due to the fluid build-up that is created by sleep deprivation. Hence a perfect sleep cycle is important to prevent dark circles or puffiness and also aid in your overall health in the long run. 

  • Genetics 

Some people may experience dark circles and puffiness for no particular reason because it might be passed down their family line. 

  • Dehydration 

Dehydration can cause the skin to be sunken or darker than it usually is, as it can make the skin loose. So it is important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to prevent dark circles and puffiness of your eyes. 

  • Iron deficiency 

Lack of iron in your body can lead to poor oxygenation of blood, which can result in darker skin tone causing dark circles. Follow an iron-rich diet to keep the dark circles in check. 

Preventive Measures 

The best solution for dealing with puffiness and dark circles is to take preventive measures. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, protect your eyes from the sun, maintain a healthy diet, reduce salt intake, avoid rubbing your eyes, manage allergies, use a cold compress, moisturize regularly, quit smoking, and treat underlying health conditions.

Difference Between Dark Circles and Puffiness

Puffiness

Appearance: Under-eye puffiness is swelling of the skin around the eyes.

Cause: One of the lesser-known facts about dark circles is the accumulation of fluid called edema around the eyes. Other possible factors include lack of sleep, fluid retention, allergies, or aging.

Common Characteristics: Puffy eyes usually look swollen, and the skin feels stretched or bloated.

Dark Circles

Appearance: Dark circles are darker pigmentation under the eyes.

Cause: Caused by genetics, aging, lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure, allergies, or even rubbing the eyes. 

Common Characteristics: Dark circles usually appear beneath the eyes. The color can vary from brown to purple or blue.

Treatment for These Conditions

Dr. Health Clinic offers a wide range of treatment options depending on the skin type and the possible reason. The doctors first diagnose the condition and suggest the recommended treatment options. Treatments we offer at Dr.Health: 

  • External applications: We offer external application solutions such as chemical peels to reduce pigmentation. 
  • Oral medications: We provide oral medications such as tablets based on the condition and their intensity to reduce the effects in the starting stages. 
  • Dietary advice: Our experienced doctors with their expertise in skin care will provide you with dietary advice on what food you should take to control these conditions.
  • Skincare advice: Based on the conditions the doctors might recommend creams and lotions for the skin to keep these conditions in check. 


In conclusion, these two conditions are common in many adults, and it is advised to get these conditions checked with a professional skin care specialist for optimal results. Please make sure that you take the right preventive measures to keep your skin healthy and prevent it from puffiness or dark circles. If the conditions are persistent, consult a skin care professional and take the necessary treatment advised by them.

Website | + posts

Dr. Pranjal Shamsher is the first Skin Doctor in Bangalore to offer natural, non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for skin disorders. She is a Registered Medical Practitioner (Registration No A-6516) and a true pioneer in Skin-Friendly Treatments.