In aesthetic medicine, dark circles under the eyes are a common concern across all ethnicities, but they may be particularly prominent in the setting of skin of colour due to higher concentrations of melanin.1 Regardless of the Fitzpatrick scale,2 before determining the best way to manage dark circles under the eyes, it is always useful to assess what the specific contributing factors are. Specifically, within the setting of skin of colour (SOC), the universal causes of dark circles must be considered, such as tear trough deformity; however, the approach to treatment may be modified appropriately. For instance, higher baseline concentrations of melanin may significantly accentuate underlying hollowness and hyperpigmentation can cause dark circles even in the absence of tear trough hollowing, especially in SOC.1,3-6
Perhaps the first thing to consider in dark circles is the underlying anatomy around the eye, including the nasojugal fold.1 The orbicularis oculi muscle and the levator palpebrae superioris control…
