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Dr Rupert Critchley MD · Founder, VIVA Skin Clinics · JCCP member
Medically reviewed by Dr Rupert Critchley MD, founder of VIVA Skin Clinics. Member of Save Face and the JCCP.
Dark circles can make you look tired, older and run down, even after a good night’s sleep. The good news is that most dark circles can be improved, and the right treatment depends on what is causing yours.
In this guide, our doctors and nurses explain the most effective options in 2026: polynucleotides, tear trough filler, Hydrafacial, laser and skincare. We also cover the lifestyle changes that help every treatment work better.
Dark circles usually come from one of three things, and many people have a mix:
This is why there is no single cure. At your free consultation, we assess which of these is behind your dark circles before recommending a treatment.
Polynucleotides are one of the most exciting under-eye treatments available today. Instead of filling the area, they help repair and strengthen the skin itself.
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, usually derived from salmon or trout. When injected into the skin, they support the skin’s natural repair process and stimulate collagen and elastin. Over time, under-eye skin becomes thicker, firmer and better hydrated, so the darkness underneath shows through less.
Polynucleotides are best for:
What to expect: treatment takes around 20–30 minutes. Most patients need a course of 3 sessions, spaced 2–3 weeks apart. You may have small bumps at the injection points for a day or two, and some people get mild swelling or bruising. Results build gradually over the weeks after your course and typically last 6–12 months, with a top-up session recommended to maintain them.
Who isn’t suitable: polynucleotides are not suitable if you have a fish or salmon allergy, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your practitioner will check your medical history at consultation.
Polynucleotides or filler? They work well together. Filler treats hollowing, while polynucleotides treat skin quality. If your under-eye skin is very thin, we often recommend polynucleotides first, as they improve the skin before any filler is considered.
At VIVA we offer polynucleotide under-eye treatment, including Lumi Eyes. Learn more on our polynucleotide under-eye treatment and Lumi Eyes pages.
Tear trough filler is the most effective treatment when dark circles are caused by hollowing. A small amount of hyaluronic acid filler is placed under the eye to replace lost volume, which softens the shadow and makes you look more rested.
Treatment takes around 15–20 minutes and results are visible straight away. Tear trough filler can last up to 12–18 months. Bruising and swelling are the most common side effects, and settle within a week or two for most people.
At VIVA we use Juvéderm Volbella for under-eye filler. It is a soft, smooth filler that gives a natural result and helps avoid the puffy “sausage roll” look that overfilling can cause. The under-eye area is one of the most delicate places to treat, so always choose an experienced doctor or nurse.
Tear trough filler at VIVA starts from £365. Learn more on our tear trough filler page.
If you’d rather avoid needles, a Hydrafacial is a good maintenance option. It deeply cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin using serums packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients.
A Hydrafacial won’t fix hollowing or deep pigmentation on its own, but it brightens dull skin and helps the eye area look fresher. There is no downtime, and many of our patients book it regularly alongside injectable treatments. Learn more on our Hydrafacial page.
When dark circles are caused by brown pigmentation, laser treatment can help. Lasers target melanin in the skin and break it down, which gradually lightens the area.
Laser near the eyes is specialist work. Several sessions are usually needed, and you may have some redness or sensitivity afterwards. Results also depend on your skin type, so laser isn’t the right choice for everyone. Always have a medical consultation first so your practitioner can confirm that pigment is the cause.
The right skincare can soften mild dark circles and support your in-clinic results. Look for eye products containing:
Skincare works slowly and is best for mild dark circles or as maintenance. For stubborn pigmentation, speak to one of our practitioners, as stronger prescription treatments are available after a medical consultation. You can shop our clinic skincare at shop-viva.com.
The best treatment depends on the cause of your dark circles:
| Main cause | What you’ll notice | Best treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Hollowing | A shadow or groove under the eye | Tear trough filler |
| Thin, crepey skin | Blue or purple tone, fine crinkly lines | Polynucleotides |
| Pigmentation | Brown discolouration | Laser, brightening skincare, SPF |
| Dull, dehydrated skin | Tired-looking, lacklustre skin | Hydrafacial, skincare |
Many patients have more than one cause, so a combined plan, such as polynucleotides followed by tear trough filler, often gives the best result.
Lifestyle matters too. Good sleep, staying hydrated, a balanced diet, lower stress and daily SPF all help prevent dark circles and make your treatment results last longer.
Not sure which treatment you need? Book a free consultation with one of our doctors or nurses at our Fitzrovia, Chelsea or Tunbridge Wells clinics, or at our new Weybridge clinic, opening November 2026.
Book online here. Payment plans are available, and VIVA CLUB members get 10% off every treatment through the VIVA app.
Every treatment at VIVA is carried out by qualified nurses and doctors, so you’re in safe, experienced hands from consultation to aftercare.
Consultations are always free, giving you the chance to talk through your goals, ask questions and get an honest recommendation before you commit. Payment plans are also available across our treatments with Clearpay and Klarna.
You’ll find us at three clinics, with a fourth opening in Surrey this November:
Download the VIVA app to join VIVA CLUB and get 10% off all treatments, plus easy booking and appointment management.
We offer new client bookings and exciting offers monthly, so book soon to secure your appointment. Our consulations are free and we offer flexible finance.
Book online here or through the VIVA app. For any questions, call us on 02037 332199 (Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm).
We have two convenient locations in London and one in Kent located in beautiful Tunbridge Wells. Click below to find your nearest VIVA!
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