[2] Any condition that causes the eyes to itch can contribute to darker circles due to rubbing or scratching the skin around them.

[4] Also, dark circles from allergies are caused by superficial venous congestion[5] in the capillaries under the eyes.

[2] Circles may also gradually begin to appear darker in one eye than the other as a result of some habitual facial expressions, such as an uneven smile.

In 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration revoked its approval of hydroquinone for over the counter preparations, warning that it may cause cancer or have many other detrimental effects.

chemical compounds called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have been added as a beneficial ingredient to creams for dark circles.

[14] Low-level laser therapy, autologous fat transplantation and hyaluronic acid fillers are also alternative treatment options.

Caffeine is a potent vasoconstrictor that has been proven to improve the look of dark circles[16] by constricting, or tightening, the dilated vessels under eyes.