5 Causes of Under-Eye Circles and the Treatments That Actually Work
Under-eye circles are one of the most common concerns we see at Core Aesthetic. Concealer can soften the look temporarily, but real change requires understanding what is happening beneath the skin. “Dark circles” are not one single condition — they can come from pigment, structure, blood vessels, or even lifestyle factors. The right treatment only works when the true cause is identified.
Below are the five most common causes and the treatment options that create meaningful, lasting improvement.
1. Pigmentation
For many patients, hereditary pigment sits just beneath the thin under-eye skin, giving a consistently darker appearance. This form of dark circle responds well to gentle lasers, pigment-targeting skincare, and long-term melanin-regulating treatments. We choose devices and topicals based on your Fitzpatrick type to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation.
2. Collagen Loss and Thinning Skin
As collagen naturally decreases with age, the skin becomes thinner and more transparent, exposing underlying vessels. PRP, RF microneedling, and laser resurfacing help thicken the skin, stimulate collagen, and smooth the texture for a more refreshed appearance.
3. Volume Loss and Hollowing
A hollow tear trough casts a shadow that looks like a dark circle, even when pigment is normal. When appropriate, carefully placed hyaluronic acid filler can restore contour and brightness. In some cases, PRF or collagen-stimulating options are safer or more natural. We evaluate anatomy closely before recommending filler under the eyes.
4. Vascular Redness or Bluish Tint
Some patients have visible vessels or a bluish tone from blood flow beneath thin skin. Vascular lasers help reduce these tones and create a clearer, more balanced under-eye appearance.
5. Lifestyle Factors
Fatigue, allergies, dehydration, and chronic rubbing can worsen the appearance of dark circles. Identifying triggers and correcting habits, when combined with targeted treatments, creates faster and more sustainable results.
The Core Aesthetic Approach
The under-eye area is one of the most delicate regions of the face. At Core Aesthetic, your plan is medically designed with safety as the priority, using combinations of lasers, PRP, filler, resurfacing, and lifestyle guidance. We focus on natural, subtle brightening — never overfilling or over-correcting.
Real results do not require filters.
