How Is Liver Health and Dark Circles Related?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Geetanjali Gupta
Written By Kirti Saxena
on Jan 8, 2026
Last Edit Made By Kirti Saxena
on Jan 8, 2026
Dark circles under the eyes are a common sign when you stay up late or lose sleep. However, dark circles can also be a warning sign of underlying health conditions, such as kidney or liver problems.
Do you have dark circles under your eyes? Is it due to staying up late or insufficient sleep? Or anything else? Many people think dark circles are only due to a lack of sleep. However, in some cases, it may be a warning sign of a health condition, such as kidney or liver problems.
In this blog, we explore how the liver and dark circles relate.
What Are Dark Circles?
Dark circles are the dark areas under your eyes. They can make you look tired or older than you are. Most people notice them with both eyes. Sometimes they are faint. Other times, they are deep and noticeable.
There are many causes of dark circles, such as staying up late. Others are more complex, like skin changes or health problems. Most of the time, dark circles are harmless. But persistent dark circles could be a sign your body needs attention.
Common Causes of Dark Circles
Before we link dark circles to liver health, let's look at general causes.
Dark circles can appear because of:
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Allergies
- Thin skin
- Genetic traits
- Iron or vitamin deficiency
- Fluid retention
- Fatigue
In some cases, medical issues such as thyroid disease, kidney problems, or liver dysfunction may contribute.
Dark Circles and the Liver Connection
The liver controls blood detoxification and chemical balance. When the liver does not function properly, waste products and toxins remain in the blood longer.
Furthermore, this may cause changes in skin color. Yellowing of skin and eyes indicates jaundice and is a well-known sign of severe liver problems. It may cause dark circles and a dull skin tone.
Why Do Liver Issues Cause Dark Circles?
Here is how liver health connects to dark circles:
1. Toxin Build-Up Affects Skin
When the liver struggles to remove toxins, they remain in the bloodstream for an extended period. Poor blood circulation under the eyes can cause discoloration and a darker tone in the undereye area.
2. Fluid Imbalance Leads to Puffiness
A damaged liver may not regulate fluid balance well. When fluids leak into tissues, puffiness can form under the eyes. That puffiness can make shadows and dark circles more visible.
3. Poor Blood Circulation
The skin under the eyes is very delicate. Poor blood circulation makes blood vessels more visible. This can give a bluish or dark tint.
4. Hormonal Imbalance
The liver helps balance hormones. When it struggles, hormones can become imbalanced. Hormonal imbalance can indirectly affect skin tone and color around the eyes.
How to Tell If Dark Circles Are Liver-Related
Not all dark circles show liver issues. Most of the time, dark circles are due to simple lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep or dehydration. But if you have dark circles despite good sleep and hydration, consider other causes. Here are some common causes of dark circles that indicate liver health issues:
- Dark circles appear even after a full night's sleep
- Your face looks dull or sallow
- Feeling tired all the time
- You have digestive issues
- Your skin shows other signs, like slight jaundice or puffiness
If you notice multiple signs together, consult a doctor. Your doctor may suggest a liver function test to assess how well your liver is functioning.
Other Facial Signs of Liver Strain
Dark circles are not the only facial sign of liver dysfunction. Some other signs are:
1. Jaundice
Jaundice is one of the most common and noticeable signs of liver dysfunction. The condition develops when the liver cannot properly process bilirubin.
- Common symptoms of jaundice include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Constant fatigue
- Persistent itching
Jaundice requires immediate medical attention. It may signal severe liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or blockage of the bile ducts.
2. Acne and Pimples
Sometimes, acne can affect liver health. The liver helps regulate hormones and remove toxins from the body. When the liver fails to perform these functions, excess hormones and toxins can increase oil production in the skin. This leads to clogged pores and acne formation.
Liver-related acne often shows as:
- Long-lasting breakouts on the face, back, or chest
- Red, inflamed, and painful pimples
- Hormonal acne that worsens around menstrual cycles
3. Itchy Skin (Pruritus)
Constant itching without a visible rash may indicate liver problems. This symptom occurs in conditions such as cholestasis, in which bile flow from the liver slows or becomes blocked. Bile acids then accumulate in the skin, causing intense itching. Liver-related itching often:
- Worsens at night
- Affects hands and feet
- Does not improve with moisturizers
4. Spider Angiomas
Spider angiomas are tiny, web-like blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They commonly appear in individuals with liver disease, especially cirrhosis, where liver scarring disrupts normal blood flow and hormone balance.
These marks usually appear on:
- The face
- Neck
- Upper chest
- Arms
5. Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Liver dysfunction can trigger flare-ups, dryness, redness, and irritation.
6. Skin Rashes and Hives
Skin rashes or hives may signal liver stress. When the liver cannot filter toxins efficiently, the immune system may react, causing redness, swelling, itching, and hives.
Lifestyle Habits That Help Both Liver and Dark Circles
Make these simple lifestyle changes to improve your liver health and reduce dark circles.
- Eat Liver-Friendly Foods- Include foods that support liver detox and regeneration in your diet:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Fruits rich in antioxidants
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
Good nutrition supports liver function, improves blood quality, and may improve skin health.
- Limit Alcohol and Processed Food- Alcohol and excess processed food put stress on the liver. However, avoiding taking these may help your liver work better.
- Stay Hydrated- Drinking more water supports liver detoxification and skin health. Dehydration worsens dark circles and makes your skin dull.
- Manage Stress and Sleep Well- Get a good and peaceful sleep. When you sleep, your body repairs itself. Manage stress with meditation, light exercise, or breathing exercises.
- Get Regular Health Checkups- If you notice dark circles under your eyes for a long time, without any apparent cause, it's time for a health check. Get your liver function test (LFT) done at Redcliffe Labs to check how well your liver is functioning.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if:
- Dark circles persist even with good sleep
- You feel tired all the time
- You have abdominal pain
- Your eyes or skin turn yellow
- You notice swelling in the feet or abdomen
- You have unexplained dizziness or nausea
- These may indicate liver or other health issues that require medical care.
The Final Words
Dark circles under your eyes may seem like a small issue, as they are harmless. But sometimes, they hint at deeper issues like poor liver health.
The liver plays a significant role in detoxification and chemical balance. When the liver is struggling, toxin buildup, fluid imbalance, and poor circulation can worsen dark circles. If you have dark circles for a long time, they might be signalling that something is wrong. Do not ignore these signs and take a step forward.
Improving liver health through diet, hydration, and lifestyle changes can benefit your body, including your skin and eyes. Consult your doctor and schedule regular health checkups to reduce dark circles and improve liver health.
FAQ's
Q Are Dark Circles Related to the Liver?
The answer is yes. Dark circles under the eyes may indicate chronic liver disease. Studies suggest that nearly 20% of people with liver disease have dark circles under the eyes.
Q: What Are the Four Warning Signs of a Damaged Liver?
The four common warning signs are yellowing of the skin (Jaundice), swelling in the legs and ankles, itchy skin, dark urine, and pale stool. Other signs include constant tiredness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Q Do Liver Problems Affect Your Eyes?
Yes, liver problems affect the eyes in several ways. Common eye-related signs include yellow eyes from jaundice, dark circles from poor blood detox, puffy eyes from fluid imbalance, and dry or irritated eyes from nutrient imbalance.
Q What Health Problems Cause Dark Circles?
Dark circles can result from various health and lifestyle factors, including liver disorders, kidney problems, iron deficiency (anemia), vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid imbalance, allergies or sinus issues, chronic stress, and poor sleep quality.
