Why We Get Dark Circles Under Our Eyes and How to Treat Them

Learn how dark circles under your eyes are more than a sign of being tired and what you can do to prevent them.

By Monica Cull
Jan 27, 2025 10:45 PMJan 27, 2025 10:41 PM
woman-with-dark-circles-under-eyes-looking-in-mirror
(Credit: Kmpzzz/Shutterstock)

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Having dark circles under your eyes could be a tell-tale sign of several things. They usually appear if you’re tired but can also be genetic, or a sign of stress, among others. Dark circles can happen to almost anyone of any age and gender, and there are several ways to lighten their appearance and help them fade. 

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes? 

Whether you’ve had a long and stressful week at work or pulled an all-nighter studying for an exam, you’ve likely experienced dark under your eyes. Dark circles under the eyes usually appear purple, blue, brown, or black, similar to a bruise. While there are several reasons as to why they appear, oftentimes, it’s associated with being tired. 

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