Dark Eyelids: Causes, Remedies, And Treatments

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Medical News TodaySubscribe9 causes of dark eyelidsMedically reviewed by Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Written by Jessica Caporuscio, PharmD — Updated on August 28, 2024

Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Seeing a doctor
Summary

Dark eyelids can many possible causes. These can include poor sleep, inflammation, pregnancy, certain drugs, and aging. Some people are also more prone than others to developing dark eyelids.

Many people believe that dark eyelids make them look tired. Although this symptom is not dangerous, it can sometimes affect a person’s well-being and self-esteem.

Depending on the cause of dark eyelids, a doctor may be able to suggest ways in which a person can reduce their appearance. Some preventive remedies can also help people who have risk factors for dark eyelids.

Keep reading to learn more about the different causes of dark eyelids and the treatments and remedies. We also cover some prevention methods.

Causes

a close up of a womans eye with a dark eyelid — Pregnancy, genetics, and hyperpigmentation are all possible causes of dark eyelids.

There are several possible causes of dark eyelids. Knowing the cause can help a doctor recommend the most appropriate treatments.

1. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, people may notice changes to their skin. One of the most common skin conditions that occurs during pregnancy is melasma. A pregnant person with melasma will notice brown or gray-brown hyperpigmented patches on their face.

When these patches appear on the eyelids, they may cause dark eyelids.

The dark spots are patches of skin with increased melanin, which is a pigment that the skin cells produce to give the skin color. In hyperpigmented areas, the cells produce too much melanin.

Some doctors think that melasma may appear during pregnancy because of changes in hormone levels, but the exact cause is still unclear.

2. Genetics

Some researchers have suggested that our genes may influence the development of dark eyelids. This symptom may affect some members of the family more than others.

These researchers also note that people have reported noticing dark eyelids during childhood that darkened further with age. Some individuals also reported that the darkening worsened when they were stressed, while rest and good health lessened the dark color.

3. Hyperpigmentation due to inflammation

Chronic eczema and allergic inflammation of the eyes can cause hyperpigmentation and dark eyelids.

Some people develop dark eyelids from rubbing and scratching the skin around their eyes. Fluid accumulation from allergies can result in dark eyelids as well.

4. Dermal melanocytosis

Melanocytes are skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. People with dermal melanocytosis may have melanocytes within the dermis of the skin, which can cause dark eyelids. Typically, people with dermal melanocytosis have gray or blue-gray patches on their eyelids.

Dermal melanocytosis can result from acquired or congenital causes. Some acquired causes of dermal melanocytosis include:

sun exposure
hormonal changes in pregnancy
chronic eczema

5. Increased number of blood vessels

Another common cause of dark eyelids is the thinning of the skin and the presence of blood vessels around the eyelids. People may notice a darkening of the skin around the eyes during menstruation. Usually, increased vascularity causes darkening under the eyes.

Doctors can confirm the diagnosis of increased vascularity under the skin around the eyes by manually stretching the skin. If the cause is an increased number of blood vessels, the color will not fade or blanch when the doctor stretches the skin.

6. Drugs

Some medications can cause dark eyelids.

Prostaglandin analogs that doctors use to treat glaucoma — such as latanoprost (Xalatan) and bimatoprost (Lumigan) — can cause dark eyelids after about three to six months of use. Doctors have noticed that when people stop using bimatoprost, the darkening can fade completely.

Examples of other medications that can cause pigmentation, which can affect the skin and skin of the eyelids, include:

antibiotics, mainly tetracyclines
antimalarials
chemotherapeutic agents
heavy metals

7. Tear trough with aging

With age, people can develop tear troughs, which are depressions in the area under the eyes and near the nose. Tear troughs develop as a result of the loss of fat and thinning of the skin in the area.

These age-related changes appear to hollow out the rim around the eyes, and shadowing can highlight the appearance of dark circles.

8. Swelling around the eyes

Both systemic and local causes can increase swelling around the eyelids. A person with dark eyelids that appear worse in the morning or after eating a salty meal may have swelling around the eyes that decreases throughout the day.

9. Environmental causes

Ultraviolet radiation can aggravate dark eyelids.

Although clinical studies have not yet confirmed them, doctors suggest that other environmental factors may also cause or worsen dark eyelids. These factors include:

inadequate sleep
stress
alcohol misuse
smoking

Treatment

Although there are no official treatment guidelines for dark eyelids, dermatologists recommend using existing treatments for melasma to treat dark eyelids. However, before choosing a specific treatment option, doctors need to determine what is causing the appearance of dark eyelids.

Depending on the cause, certain lifestyle changes can improve the appearance of dark eyelids. Some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help include:

getting enough sleep, if darkening worsens with inadequate sleep
reducing salt intake, if darkening becomes more apparent after eating a salty meal
wearing sunscreen, if the eyelids look darker after sun exposure
applying cold compresses, if swelling from allergies or other causes worsens dark eyelids
elevating the head during sleep, if darkening seems worse in the morning

Many of these lifestyle changes can not only improve the appearance of dark eyelids but also improve overall health.

Doctors may also suggest different topical agents, depending on the cause of dark eyelids.

Depigmenting creams

Some people may wish to try bleaching agents or depigmenting creams to reduce the appearance of dark eyelids. These include:

hydroquinone
tretinoin
kojic acid
azelaic acid
topical retinoic acid

These agents work by blocking the conversion of dopa to melanin in the skin cells. Reduced production of melanin can improve the appearance of dark eyelids. People may need to use depigmenting agents for a few months to notice a significant effect on the color of their eyelids.

The skin around the eye is sensitive. People should exercise caution when using products in this area. They may also need to try some of these agents under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Natural treatments

Some natural treatments that people can try include topical vitamin C and arbutin. Arbutin comes from the leaves of the bearberry shrub and the cranberry, pear, and blueberry plants. Some boast that its effects are similar to those of hydroquinone, but high dosages of arbutin can cause hyperpigmentation.

Other treatments

Some experts suggest that vitamin C can improve the appearance of dark circles because it promotes collagen production and conceals the color of blood that is flowing poorly in the vessels at the skin’s surface.

Physical therapies, such as chemical peels, surgical corrections, and laser therapy, can also help reduce the appearance of dark eyelids.

Prevention

Pregnant people may not be able to prevent melasma. The spots can fade or disappear after giving birth, but some may have spots that last for years. Dermatologists advise that pregnant people can prevent melasma from worsening by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outside.

Limiting direct sun exposure is important to maintaining skin health. People should apply sunscreen or moisturizers containing sunscreen to their face and eyelids daily. Although some people have risk factors for the development of dark eyelids, limiting sun exposure may help minimize the darkening.

Noticing when dark eyelids appear can help people determine their cause and which factors may have contributed. Limiting salty foods and avoiding rubbing the eyes during allergy season may also help prevent their development.

Some people may also use makeup to conceal dark eyelids. Concealing dark eyelids does not prevent or treat them, though.

When to see a doctor

Doctors have classified dark eyelids into four categories, depending on their appearance:

pigmented (brown)
vascular (blue/pink/purple)
structural (skin color)
mixed

Depending on the cause and type of hyperpigmentation, some treatments may be inappropriate for some people, and others may not work.

Some medications may cause dark eyelids. People should continue taking their medications and consult a doctor first before stopping.

Dark eyelids are usually a cosmetic problem, and people may not always need to consult a doctor. However, people who feel that dark eyelids are affecting their quality of life or causing poor self-esteem should speak with a doctor before trying to resolve dark eyelids on their own.

Summary

Dark eyelids are a common cosmetic problem that dermatologists treat. They have many possible causes, including inadequate sleep, salty foods, allergies, pregnancy, genes, and others. Some people are more prone than others to developing dark eyelids.

Depending on the cause of dark eyelids, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or physical treatments, such as chemical peels and laser treatment. People often need to use treatments for several months before seeing a significant effect.

Some lifestyle habits can help prevent or reduce the appearance of dark circles. These include regularly getting better quality sleep and applying sunscreen daily.

Dermatology
Blood / Hematology
Eye Health / Blindness
Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Coleman SR, et al. (2006). The anatomy of the aging face: Volume loss and changes in 3-dimensional topography. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19338976
Chua RF, et al. (2023). Dermal melanocytosis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557408/
Dark circles can arise from health issues, lifestyle and genetics. (2023).https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/dark-circles-can-arise-health-issues-lifestyle-or-genetics
Goldman A, et al. (2021). Periorbital Hyperpigmentation — Dark Circles under the Eyes; Treatment suggestions and combining procedures.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/2/26
Hyperpigmentation. (n.d.).https://www.aocd.org/page/Hyperpigmentation
Ohshima H, et al. (2009). Effects of vitamin C on dark circles of the lower eyelids: Quantitative evaluation using image analysis and echogram. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19626722
Sarkar R, et al. (2016). Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756872/
Skin conditions during pregnancy. (2018). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
Sun safety facts. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html
Tisack A, et al. (2024). Drug-induced pigmentation: A review.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40265-024-02062-z
Weidmayer SL, et al. (2024). Conjunctival and macular hyperpigmentation associated with tetracyclines: Case reports and review of literature.https://clinicalinsightsineyecare.scholasticahq.com/article/91890-conjunctival-and-macular-hyperpigmentation-associated-with-tetracyclines-case-reports-and-review-of-literature
Y.Lim H, et al. (2021). Periocular dark circles: Correlates of severity.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8460477/

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Medically reviewed by Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Written by Jessica Caporuscio, PharmD — Updated on August 28, 2024

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