Dark circles are usually easy to identify by the presence of darkened skin under the eyes. This area may appear bluish, purplish, brown, or black, depending on your skin tone and the underlying cause. The discoloration is typically symmetrical, affecting both eyes, and it doesn’t go away with regular washing or basic skincare.
You may also notice that the skin under your eyes looks thinner, and in some cases, blood vessels may be visible. A hollow or sunken look—sometimes called a tear trough—can make the darkness appear worse. In some people, puffiness or eye bags may accompany the dark color, giving a tired or aged appearance.