What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles, medically referred to as periorbital hyperpigmentation, appear as areas of discolouration, hollowness, or shadowing beneath the eyes. They often give the impression of tiredness or ageing, even when you’re feeling well-rested.

These shadows can result from a combination of factors, including visible blood vessels, thinning skin, or pigment changes in the delicate under-eye area. While lack of sleep can accentuate them, other contributors such as genetics, ageing, sun exposure, and allergies frequently play a role. Because the skin under the eyes is naturally thinner, even slight volume loss or vascular dilation can make the area appear darker or hollow.

At Omniya Clinic London, our specialists focus on identifying and treating the underlying cause of dark circles, whether it’s pigmentation, skin laxity, or tear-trough hollowing, rather than simply masking the symptoms.

Book a consultation to start your personalised dark circles treatment plan.

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What Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles can develop for many reasons, often linked to a combination of genetics, ageing, lifestyle factors, and skin health. Understanding the underlying cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment.

Common causes include:

Sleep and fatigue: Lack of rest can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to dark, puffy shadows around the eyes.
Ageing and thinning skin: As collagen and fat decrease with age, the skin becomes thinner, making underlying vessels and hollows more visible.
Genetics: Some people naturally inherit darker pigmentation, deeper tear troughs, or thinner skin under the eyes.
Dehydration: When the body lacks moisture, the skin can appear dull, dry, and sunken, accentuating the darkness.
Allergies and sinus congestion: Inflammatory responses and histamines can cause swelling, vascular dilation, and visible discolouration.
Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) damage can stimulate excess melanin production, leading to pigment-related dark circles.
Lifestyle factors: High salt intake, alcohol, and smoking can impair circulation and dehydrate the skin, worsening the appearance of dark circles.
Medical factors: Conditions such as anaemia or thyroid imbalance can contribute to under-eye darkness and fatigue.

At Omniya Clinic, our experts take a detailed medical and lifestyle history during your consultation to pinpoint the root cause, ensuring your dark circle treatment plan targets the source of the problem, not just the surface.

Book your consultation to find out what’s causing your dark circles and explore your tailored treatment options.

consultation and light eyes treatment for under eyes dark circle puffiness

What Treatments are Available at Omniya for Dark Circles?

Tear trough fillers rejuvenate the under-eye when the skin has thinned or ‘sunk’, due to age. Hyaluronic acid gel is injected into the hollow under the eye to lift and support the area, giving a smoother and brighter look to the under-eye.

Tear trough fillers Light Eyes Ultra

Solutions for Dark Circles

There’s no single solution for dark circles, and the right approach depends on what’s causing them. At Omniya Clinic in Knightsbridge, our team considers the type, severity, and underlying cause before recommending treatment.

Depending on your assessment, you may benefit from one or a combination of the following:

Advanced skincare and topical treatments to improve pigmentation and skin texture.
Injectable treatments such as tear trough fillers or polynucleotides to restore lost volume and reduce shadowing.
Regenerative therapies like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or microneedling, which stimulate collagen and strengthen under-eye skin.
Laser and light-based treatments to target pigmentation, redness, or vascular causes.
Lifestyle and medical considerations, such as reviewing sleep quality, hydration, and hormonal or nutritional factors that may influence skin tone.

During your consultation, your clinician will discuss the most suitable combination for your needs, along with expected results, treatment timelines, and aftercare advice.

Book a consultation to discover which treatments could help reduce your dark circles and rejuvenate your under-eye area.

Omniya Clinic Room with with all the equipment

Dark Circles FAQs

Are dark circles caused by lack of sleep?

Not always. While tiredness can make dark circles more noticeable, the underlying cause is often genetic, vascular, or pigment-related. Sleep deprivation may lead to puffiness or dullness, which can temporarily worsen shadows, but it’s rarely the only factor.

Can skincare help reduce dark circles?

Yes, targeted skincare can make a difference. Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF, vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides can help brighten, thicken, and strengthen the delicate under-eye area. At Omniya Clinic, we can recommend medical-grade products tailored to your skin type and concerns.

What are the best treatments for dark circles?

That depends on the cause. Tear trough fillers, Light Eyes Ultra, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and polynucleotides can improve hollowness and tissue quality, while laser or mesotherapy treatments target pigmentation and vascular causes. During your consultation, your clinician will determine which combination best suits your skin.

How long do dark circle treatments last?

It varies. Tear trough fillers typically last 6-12 months, while Light Eyes Ultra or polynucleotide treatments are often delivered as a short course with maintenance every few months. PRP and laser treatments build results gradually over time, with longevity depending on skin type and lifestyle.

Do men get dark circles too?

Absolutely. Dark circles affect both men and women, often for the same reasons – fatigue, lifestyle, ageing, or skin thinning. Treatments are equally effective for male patients, with a focus on natural, refreshed results that maintain masculine definition.