What causes dark circles?

Dark circles are not one condition. They are a color or shadow under the eyes that can come from several causes, and most people have more than one. Genetics plays the biggest role. Thin under-eye skin lets the blood vessels and muscle beneath show through as a blue or purple tint. Extra pigment shows as brown and is more common in medium and darker skin tones, including many Asian, South Asian and Middle Eastern people. A hollow under the eye casts a shadow that looks dark in overhead light. Aging adds to the problem as the skin thins and the tear trough deepens. Allergies, eye rubbing, poor sleep, dehydration and sun exposure make every type look worse.

How dark circles are assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor looks at the area in natural and overhead light and may gently stretch the skin to see how the color changes. Dark circles are usually grouped as:

Vascular: blue or purple, often more visible when tired
Structural: a shadow from a hollow that changes with lighting
Pigmented: brown color that stays when the skin is stretched
Mixed: the most common pattern

Getting the type right matters. Filler will not lighten brown pigment, and a laser will not fill a hollow. Our guide to pigmentation types explains how brown marks differ.

Treatment options for dark circles

Rejuran Eye

Rejuran Eye(Rejuran I) is a fine polynucleotide formula designed for the thin lower eyelid. By supporting repair and helping the skin look thicker, it can make blue or purple vessels less visible. Your doctor chooses it for vascular and thin-skin dark circles, usually as 2–3 sessions a few weeks apart. Improvement is gradual and subtle. Because PN does not add volume, it is a gentle first step if you are not ready for filler.

Under-Eye (Tear Trough) Filler

Under-eye filler places a soft hyaluronic acid along the tear trough to fill the hollow that casts a shadow. Your doctor chooses it for structural dark circles, where the darkness changes with lighting. It is not used for pigment, and small amounts are placed carefully to avoid puffiness or a bluish tint. Results typically last 9–12 months, and HA can be dissolved if needed.

What about brown pigment?

Pigmented circles respond better to gentle laser and skincare than to injections. Your doctor may suggest low-energy pico toning with brightening products and strict sun protection. Results take several sessions, and the eye area needs careful settings and eye shields. Toning is kept gentle and spaced out, because overly strong laser near the eyes can irritate the skin or leave uneven color.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
Rejuran Eye (Rejuran I)	Thin skin shows blue or purple	Mild swelling for 1–2 days	₩189,000 (1cc)
Under-Eye (Tear Trough) Filler	A hollow casts a shadow	Possible swelling or bruising for 2–5 days	₩290,000 (1cc)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Combination plans

Because most dark circles are mixed, plans often combine approaches: Rejuran Eye to strengthen the skin, filler for a hollow and gentle toning for pigment. Compare the two injectables in under-eye filler vs Rejuran Eye, or see our Eye Rejuvenation package.

At-home care and prevention

Use sunscreen and sunglasses, because UV darkens pigment and thins skin.
Treat allergies and avoid rubbing your eyes.
Sleep with your head slightly raised if you wake up puffy.
Try an eye cream with vitamin C, niacinamide or caffeine, and expect modest results.
A peach or orange color corrector under concealer helps cover blue tones.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

Rejuran Eye fits a short trip, with mild swelling for a day or two. Filler can bruise, so book it early and avoid it right before photos or a flight. If you need a series, your doctor can give you a plan to continue at home. If pigment treatment is part of your plan, read sun protection after laser. Book a consultation to find out which type you have.

When dark circles may be medical

Dark circles that appear suddenly, or come with tiredness, puffiness, breathlessness or weight changes, should be checked by a doctor. Anemia, thyroid problems, allergies, eczema and kidney conditions can all affect the under-eye area. Injectables are avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can dark circles go away for good?

Most dark circles have a genetic component, so they can be improved but usually not erased for good. Treating the right type and protecting the skin from sun and rubbing helps results last.

Will filler fix my dark circles?

Only if the darkness comes from a hollow casting a shadow. Filler does not lighten brown pigment or thicken thin skin, which is why your doctor checks the type first.

Does Rejuran Eye help dark circles?

It can make blue or purple circles less visible by helping thin skin look thicker. Improvement is gradual over 2–3 sessions.

Do eye creams work for dark circles?

Creams with vitamin C, niacinamide or caffeine can brighten slightly and reduce morning puffiness. They cannot fill a hollow or change skin thickness significantly.

Why do my dark circles look worse when I am tired?

Tiredness and dehydration make skin paler and vessels more visible, and fluid can collect under the eyes. Good sleep makes vascular circles look lighter.

Related treatments

Rejuran Eye — for thin, vascular circles
Under-eye filler — for shadow-type circles
Pico toning — for brown pigment

Prices and results

Rejuran Eye price — cost per session
Rejuran Eye results — how skin improves
Under-eye filler results — what to expect

Related concerns and areas

Under-eye hollows — grooves that cast shadows
Under-eye bags — puffiness and fat bags
Under-eye treatments — all options for this area

Guides and packages

Pigmentation types explained — brown marks and how they differ
Eye Rejuvenation package — a combined eye-area plan

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Dark Circle Treatment in Seoul