what causes dark circles around the eyes in adults
Dark circles around the eyes in adults are usually caused by a mix of genetics, aging, fatigue, allergies, and skin pigmentation changes. They can also be linked to rubbing the eyes, sun exposure, dehydration, smoking, anemia, thyroid issues, dermatitis, or certain medications.
Common causes
- Lack of sleep or fatigue. This is one of the most common reasons people notice darker under-eye skin.
- Genetics and skin tone. Some people naturally have more visible under-eye shadowing or pigmentation, and this is more common in people with darker skin tones.
- Aging. Thinner skin and loss of fat under the eyes can make blood vessels and hollows look more prominent.
- Allergies and rubbing. Hay fever, eczema, contact dermatitis, and frequent eye rubbing can darken the area.
- Sun exposure and hyperpigmentation. Too much sun can increase melanin and deepen color under the eyes.
Other possible contributors
- Dehydration or poor lifestyle habits. Not drinking enough fluids, smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet can make circles look worse.
- Medical causes. Iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems, hormonal shifts, poor circulation, and some liver or kidney diseases can contribute in some cases.
- Medication effects. Certain eye drops used for glaucoma and other medicines may play a role.
When to pay attention
If dark circles appear suddenly, are one-sided, come with swelling, pain, itching, or other symptoms, or are getting worse quickly, it’s worth getting checked by a clinician. Dark circles are often cosmetic, but sometimes they reflect an underlying issue.
Simple examples
A person with seasonal allergies may rub their eyes and develop darker under- eye skin over time. An older adult may develop deeper tear troughs and thinner skin, making shadows look like dark circles even without any illness.
| Cause | How it shows up |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | Paler skin and more visible shadows under the eyes |
| Allergies/rubbing | Inflammation, irritation, and darkening |
| Aging | Thinner skin and hollowness that cast shadows |
| Hyperpigmentation | More melanin in the under-eye skin |
TL;DR
In adults, dark circles are most often due to sleep loss, genetics, aging, allergies, or pigmentation changes, but they can sometimes be linked to anemia, thyroid problems, or other health issues.