By Dr Alice Rudd – Dermatologist at Skindepth Dermatology, St Kilda East, Melbourne
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Why do I look so tired even after a full night’s sleep?” — you’re definitely not alone. As a dermatologist, I get asked about dark circles under the eyes all the time.
The good news? There are plenty of things you can do — and yes, some of them actually work.
What Really Causes Dark Circles?
Before we jump into treatments, let’s break down why you might have them in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not always about lack of sleep.
1. Loss of Volume
One of the biggest culprits is volume loss in the under-eye area. As we age, our cheeks slowly move south, creating a hollow. That hollow absorbs light, not reflects it — making the area look dark or shadowed. It’s not pigment, it’s structure.
2. Dermatitis or Skin Irritation
If you’ve had eczema, allergies, or irritation on the face, you might also get dark circles. When the skin heals, it can leave behind a little discolouration.
3. Iron Deficiency (Yep, Really)
Low iron means less oxygen getting to your skin — and your under-eyes are one of the first places it shows.
4. Poor Sleep (Of Course)
No surprise here. When you’re not sleeping well, your skin can look dull, and puffiness can cast shadows under your eyes.
5. Allergies
If your eyes get itchy and puffy from allergies, it can leave you with dark, tired-looking circles. Antihistamines can help, but it’s best to chat with your GP or dermatologist if it’s a constant thing.
So, What Can You Do About It
💄 Colour Correcting Makeup
Want a quick fix? Try a peach- or pink-toned colour corrector under your concealer. Pink works well on fair skin, peach for olive tones. It's a great little makeup hack when you're not ready to dive into treatments.
💉 Dermal Fillers
If volume loss is the issue, tear trough fillers (that’s the fancy name) can work wonders. We use hyaluronic acid to gently lift and smooth the area, which helps reduce the shadow and brings back that refreshed look.
🎯 Skin Tightening
Got crinkly or crepey skin around the eyes? Treatments like radiofrequency or microneedling can help tighten things up and smooth out fine lines.
At-Home Tips (Because Sometimes You Just Need a Quick Fix)
When you’ve got an event or just want to feel a bit more human — try these:
🥒 Cucumber slices – classic for a reason: cool, calming, and full of antioxidants
🫖 Cold tea bags – the caffeine helps shrink blood vessels and reduce puffiness
🧊 Cold compress – wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth, pop it on your eyes and relax
🥑 DIY Avocado Mask – mix half an avo with oats for a skin-loving treatment full of vitamins and antioxidants
💦 Gel masks – hydrating, cooling, and great after a long day or big night
Can You Prevent Dark Circles?
You bet. Here’s what I always recommend to my Skindepth clients:
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Drink water – it helps flush salt and reduce puffiness
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Get enough sleep – and elevate your head at night to stop fluid from pooling
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Sunscreen always – my fave? The Colorescience SPF powder stick for quick top-ups over makeup
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Treat your skin gently – rubbing or scratching can cause irritation and pigmentation
FAQs – Straight from the Clinic
I'm a guy. Are these treatments for me too?
Absolutely. We treat plenty of men at Skindepth with subtle, effective results — no one needs to know!
My baby has dark circles — should I worry?
Dark circles in kids are usually from tiredness or teething. But if they linger, chat with your GP for peace of mind!
Is it just pigmentation under my eyes?
Often, no. Many people think dark circles = pigment, but it’s usually about structure, blood flow, or lifestyle factors.
Let’s Fix Those Dark Circles Together
Whether you want a quick at-home remedy or you’re ready to explore professional treatments, we’re here for you at Skindepth Dermatology in St Kilda East.
Come in and chat to myself, Dr Alice Rudd, or one of our amazing cosmetic nurses or dermal clinicians. We’ll help you find a solution that suits your skin, lifestyle, and goals.
👉 Ready to get started? Book online today at Melbourne’s trusted skin clinic – Skindepth.
