Dark circles & under-eye
CONCERNS
Shadowed or hollow under-eyes are one of the most common concerns we're asked about, and one of the trickiest areas to improve with skincare alone. Dark circles aren't a single problem, they can be about colour, shape, or both, which is why the approach is different for everyone.
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What causes dark circles?
Dark circles usually develop from a combination of factors:
Genetics:
Naturally thin under-eye skin that shows shadowing.
Volume loss:
Hollowing beneath the eye creates shadow and depth.
Pigmentation:
Excess pigment that darkens the under-eye skin.
Thinning skin:
Ageing skin reveals the blood vessels beneath.
Allergies and congestion:
Can cause pooling and darkening under the eyes.
Lifestyle factors:
Fatigue, dehydration and sun exposure all contribute.
The concerns we can help with
dark circles
Darkened or shadowed skin beneath the eyes.
Dark circles are usually about colour rather than shape. The under-eye skin is the thinnest on the face, so the blood vessels and muscle beneath can show through as a bluish or purplish tone. In some people, excess pigment in the skin itself adds a brown tint. Genetics play a large part, and fatigue or dehydration can make them more noticeable.
under-eye
pigmentation
Brown or darker-toned skin beneath the eyes.
Pigmentation under the eyes is caused by excess melanin in the skin, and is more common in darker skin tones and certain ethnic backgrounds. Sun exposure, rubbing the eyes and some skin conditions can make it more pronounced. Because it sits in the skin itself, it's assessed differently from shadowing caused by hollows.
under-eye hollows
A groove or hollow beneath the eye that casts a shadow.
Under-eye hollows are about shape rather than colour. As the fat and bone that support the midface reduce with age, a groove - the tear trough, can deepen between the lower eyelid and cheek. Light falling across this groove creates a shadow, which is why hollows are often mistaken for dark circles.
crepey under-eye
skin
Fine, thin, crinkled skin beneath the eyes.
The under-eye skin has very little collagen and no oil glands, so it's among the first areas to show thinning and fine crinkling. Sun exposure and natural ageing reduce elasticity further, creating a crepe-paper texture that can make the eye area look older than the rest of the face.
What to expect at your consultation
Under Australian advertising guidelines (TGA), we're unable to discuss specific cosmetic treatments on our website. To find what's right for you, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered nurses. During your consultation we'll take a full medical history, assess your skin, discuss suitable options and costs, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.
Other treatments we offer
At W.D.I Clinic, a selection of other professional treatments may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to the under-eye area. Suitability is always determined during a required consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What causes dark circles?
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They can come from a mix of genetics, thin skin, loss of volume creating shadows, pigmentation and fatigue, which is why they're assessed individually.
Are dark circles caused by lack of sleep?
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Sometimes, but not always. Fatigue can make them more noticeable, but many people have dark circles regardless of how well they sleep, due to genetics, skin thickness or volume loss.
What's the difference between dark circles and under-eye hollows?
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Dark circles are usually about colour, pigmentation or visible blood vessels. Hollows are about shape, a loss of volume beneath the eye that creates a shadow. Many people have a combination, and the approach differs for each.
Can dark circles be treated without surgery?
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Yes, we offer non-surgical options. The right approach depends on what's causing your dark circles, which is assessed at your consultation.
Can under-eye pigmentation be treated?
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Under-eye pigmentation is assessed individually, as it can have several causes. Your nurse will discuss whether it's likely to respond to treatment and what options may be suitable.
Will one treatment be enough?
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This varies from person to person. Your nurse will discuss a realistic plan with you at your consultation.
Does W.D.I Clinic offer this near me?
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We're based in Dubbo and travel to Gunnedah, Mudgee, Walgett, Cobar and Forbes on a regular schedule. Check our Locations page for the next clinic day near you.
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles usually develop from a combination of factors:
-
Genetics: Naturally thin under-eye skin that shows shadowing.
-
Volume loss: Hollowing beneath the eye creates shadow and depth.
-
Pigmentation: Excess pigment that darkens the under-eye skin.
-
Thinning skin: Ageing skin reveals the blood vessels beneath.
-
Allergies and congestion: Can cause pooling and darkening under the eyes.
-
Lifestyle factors: Fatigue, dehydration and sun exposure all contribute.