Why Do We Get Dark Circles—and Can We Do Something About It?

 

Dark circles. We all have them at some point—after pulling an all-nighter, during our period, when we're stressed, or sometimes, just because. They're those pesky shadows that make us look more tired than we actually are (or maybe they’re just telling the truth 😅).

But let’s unpack this properly, like you’re chatting with a wellness coach friend who also hoards concealers and correctors like they’re gold.

💬 So what causes dark circles?

Several things:

Fatigue and lack of sleep – Your skin becomes dull and pale, letting dark tissues and blood vessels show through.

Dehydration – Your eyes can look sunken, and the skin gets darker.

Genetics – Some people just have naturally thinner skin under the eyes.

Aging – As we get older, we lose collagen and fat around the eyes.

Allergies and rubbing – This causes inflammation and broken blood vessels.

Vitamin deficiencies – Lack of iron, vitamin K, or vitamin B12 can also cause darkening under the eyes.

🧃 Can vitamins help?

Yes! Especially:

Vitamin C – Boosts collagen production and brightens skin.

Vitamin E – Protects and heals.

Vitamin K – Reduces discoloration and helps with blood clotting under the skin.

Iron or B12 – If your dark circles are caused by anemia or low energy levels.

Be sure to consult your primary healthcare provider before taking any supplements! 

And yes, topical products that contain these vitamins can help! Vitamin C serums are great for overall brightness, while some eye creams now include vitamin K or mild retinoids to strengthen thin under-eye skin and even out tone.

🏠 Home remedies?

We love a good DIY moment:

Cold spoons or refrigerated green tea bags—these reduce puffiness and refresh the area.

Aloe vera or almond oil—massage lightly under the eyes before bed.

Staying hydrated, avoiding salty food before sleep, and sleeping on your back with your head elevated can also help a lot.

You can also try beauty eye masks. A lot of Korean beauty brands carry those. I know I tried one from The Face Shop before. If I see one of those again, I'll be sure to buy it, and post a review. 

🎯 Are dark circles permanent?

Not necessarily! Some can be managed with better sleep, skincare, and nutrition. Others may stick around due to genetics or skin structure. But with the right approach, you can definitely minimize how they look.

💄 My personal secret weapon

If there’s one product that deserves a spotlight in my hit-pan hall of fame, it’s this: Bobbi Brown Corrector. This little pot has been with me through sleepless nights, deadlines, and hormone swings. It’s creamy but not greasy, blendable, and instantly neutralizes darkness under the eyes. I love using it with just my finger on rushed days. I didn't even buy the concealer anymore as it already works soooo good! 

You’ll see it featured in my Top Concealers post here. Maybe you can also find some concealers that would be a part of your everyday kit in that post or in this blog. Just type 'concealer' in the search box. 

 

Whether you're a work-from-home mama or a city girl boss, tired eyes don’t have to define your day. Hydrate, nourish, correct, and most of all—rest. ✨

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And just a little footnote: apart from being an internationally certified Life, Health, and Nutrition Coach, I also trained in makeup artistry—so when I say this corrector is gold, I mean it from both a wellness and beauty pro POV.