What the color of your dark circles says about your health and how to fix them
Written by lina.lA color-Coded Guide to Your Under-Eyes:
Your Dark Circles Are More Than Just Fatigue—They’re Sending You a Message
You’ve done everything right—gotten a full night’s sleep, stayed hydrated, and followed a skincare routine. Yet, those stubborn dark circles won’t budge. Sound familiar? The truth is, different dark circle colors can reveal a lot about your overall health. Whether they’re blue, brown, red, or even green, they might be signaling anything from poor circulation to toxin buildup.
The good news? Once you identify the cause, you can take the right steps to correct them. In this guide, we’ll break down what each color means and give you expert-backed solutions to brighten up your under-eyes for good.
What Different Dark Circle Colors Mean About Your Health
1. Blue or Purple Dark Circles
Poor circulation and oxygenation issues.
If your dark circles have a bluish or purplish tint, it’s often due to poor blood circulation around the eyes. The skin under your eyes is extremely thin, making it easy for underlying blood vessels to show through—especially if they aren’t getting enough oxygen.
Common causes:
Lack of sleep (reduces oxygen flow in the blood)
Poor circulation due to a sedentary lifestyle
High levels of stress
Iron deficiency (low hemoglobin levels lead to less oxygen in the blood)
How to fix it:
Increase iron intake with foods like spinach, lentils, and red meat.
Get moving! Exercise helps improve blood flow and oxygenation.
Try cold compresses to constrict blood vessels and reduce discoloration.
Use caffeine-infused eye creams to stimulate circulation and brighten the area.
Try these:
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – Reduces puffiness and boosts circulation.
Skinceuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex – Contains peptides to strengthen under-eye skin.
2. Brown or Dark Brown Dark Circles
Hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Brown-toned dark circles are usually a sign of hyperpigmentation caused by excessive melanin production. This can happen due to genetics, sun exposure, or rubbing your eyes too much.
Common causes:
Overexposure to UV rays
Allergies that cause frequent eye rubbing
Genetic predisposition (especially in deeper skin tones)
Hormonal imbalances (such as during pregnancy or menopause)
How to fix it:
Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen daily—yes, even under your eyes!
Apply brightening agents like vitamin C, kojic acid, or licorice extract.
Avoid rubbing your eyes—switch to hypoallergenic eye makeup removers.
Try gentle chemical exfoliation with ingredients like lactic acid to fade pigmentation over time.
Try these:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Protects against sun-induced pigmentation.
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream – Hydrating and packed with ceramides to repair the skin barrier.
3. Red or Reddish-Purple Dark Circles
Inflammation and blood vessel expansion.
If your dark circles have a reddish or purplish hue, it might be due to dilated blood vessels and inflammation under the eyes. This often happens due to allergies, eye strain, or sinus congestion.
Common causes:
Seasonal allergies or hay fever
Chronic sinus infections or nasal congestion
Excessive screen time causing eye fatigue
How to fix it:
Manage allergies with antihistamines or natural remedies like quercetin (found in apples and onions).
Use a cool chamomile tea bag compress to soothe inflammation.
Limit screen exposure by following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
Try a soothing eye cream with anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera or green tea extract.
Try these:
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector – Neutralizes redness and enhances brightness.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer – Covers discoloration with skincare benefits.
4. Green Dark Circles
Lymphatic congestion and toxin buildup.
Greenish dark circles are a sign of lymphatic stagnation, meaning your body isn't efficiently draining fluids and toxins. This can happen due to dehydration, poor diet, or sluggish detox pathways.
Common causes:
Poor lymphatic drainage
High intake of processed foods or excess sodium
Dehydration leading to fluid retention
Liver congestion or detoxification issues
How to fix it:
Drink more water and incorporate detoxifying herbal teas like dandelion or milk thistle.
Reduce sodium intake and eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and avocados.
Gently massage the under-eye area to encourage lymphatic drainage.
Use jade rollers or gua sha tools to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness.
Try these:
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – Hydrating and lightweight for a natural finish.
Jade Roller & Gua Sha Set – Aids in lymphatic drainage and reduces puffiness.
Natural Solutions for Dark Circles
If you prefer natural remedies, here are some highly effective treatments to brighten your under-eyes:
Korean Honey Coffee Mask: Mix honey and finely ground coffee, apply under the eyes for 10 minutes, and rinse. The caffeine boosts circulation, while honey hydrates and brightens.
Argan Oil & Castor Oil Blend: A few drops under each eye before bed deeply nourish and improve skin elasticity.
Cold Cucumber Slices: Naturally hydrates and reduces puffiness.
Almond Oil & Honey: Apply overnight for deep nourishment and improved circulation.
Turmeric & Yogurt Mask: Reduces inflammation and brightens dark circles.
Green Tea Bags: Caffeine and antioxidants help shrink blood vessels and de-puff the area.
Rose Water Soak: Refreshes tired eyes and soothes irritation.
Potato Juice: Contains natural bleaching properties to lighten pigmentation.
You Can Brighten Your Under-Eyes!
Dark circles aren’t just about being tired—they can reveal key insights into your overall health. Whether they’re blue, brown, red, or green, understanding the root cause is the first step toward brighter, healthier-looking skin.
With the right lifestyle changes, targeted treatments, and a bit of patience, you can absolutely reduce their appearance. Remember: consistency is key—and you’re on the right track to waking up with fresher, more radiant under-eyes every day!
What’s your go-to remedy for dark circles? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear!