Nutritional deficiency: Iron and Vitamin-K deficiencies can cause discolouration under the eyes.

Peri-Orbital Edema: This is when fluid accumulates under the eye, making it look “puffy”. Allergies, salt and water retention, high blood pressure, medical disorders (e.g. liver, thyroid, kidney) and sinus infections are some of the reasons for Peri-Orbital Edema or puffiness, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Prominent vasculature: Due to the reduced thickness of the overlying skin, the underlying vasculature becomes more prominent, particularly around veins making the area around the eyes appear darker.

Ageing: As we age, collagen in our skin begins to degrade and hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles begin to appear. The skin under the eyes becomes thin, and the blood vessels become more prominent, making the area under the eye appear darker.

Tear trough depression: It is an age-related change which occurs due to the loss of fat content, the thinning of overlying skin, and the descent of the cheek area which results in a hollowing effect under the eye which casts shadows giving the appearance of dark circles.

Acanthosis Nigricans: This is a condition where the thickening of the skin gives a velvet-pigmented appearance around the eyes. It is related to an insulin hormone imbalance and other metabolic disorders.