The skin under the eyes is exceptionally delicate and thin, making underlying changes in blood or pigment highly visible. While most dark circles appear blue or purple from deoxygenated blood, a distinct green or yellow-green discoloration signals a different physiological process. This hue indicates the body is actively breaking down a substance in the tissue beneath the eye.
The Science Behind the Color
Green discoloration results from the body’s cleanup process following the leakage of red blood cells into surrounding tissue. This occurs when hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein within red blood cells, is released from damaged vessels. Macrophages, a type of immune cell, engulf the hemoglobin and dismantle it in a multi-step enzymatic process.
The iron-containing heme molecule is separated from the globin protein chains. Heme oxygenase then converts the heme into biliverdin. Biliverdin is a tetrapyrrole molecule that possesses a distinct emerald-green color, which is visible as discoloration under the skin. This localized appearance of biliverdin is a temporary metabolic stage in blood component breakdown.
Biliverdin reductase subsequently converts biliverdin into bilirubin, a distinctly yellow compound. This chemical sequence explains why a bruise often progresses from purple-blue to green, and finally to a fading yellow before disappearing entirely. The visibility of the green phase confirms that red blood cell breakdown is actively occurring in that area.
Localized Causes: Trauma and Healing
The most frequent cause of temporary green discoloration is a localized injury resulting in a bruise (contusion). The thin skin and rich capillary network of the periorbital area mean that minor trauma, such as a bump or excessive eye rubbing, can rupture blood vessels. When blood leaks out, the hemoglobin breakdown begins, making the green biliverdin phase visible as the bruise resolves.
Post-procedural effects from cosmetic treatments, such as dermal filler injections or minor eyelid surgery, can also trigger this process. Any procedure disrupting capillaries and causing micro-bleeding results in temporary green or yellow-green bruising. This localized discoloration represents the body’s normal reabsorption of leaked blood components.
A chronic, localized cause is “allergic shiners,” often linked to chronic nasal congestion. Severe inflammation from allergies can cause small veins beneath the eyes to become dilated and congested. This persistent congestion increases pressure, leading to pooling and occasional leakage of blood products, which can present with a greenish tint.
Systemic Causes and Pigment Accumulation
While localized trauma is common, persistent or widespread green-yellow discoloration may indicate a systemic issue related to pigment processing. The liver is primarily responsible for conjugating bilirubin to allow for its excretion. If the liver cannot process bilirubin effectively, jaundice occurs, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.
In cases of impaired liver or gallbladder function, the initial green pigment, biliverdin, may be elevated or its transition to bilirubin slowed. This can lead to the visible presence of green in the early stages of jaundice, particularly if the skin is thin. This scenario often accompanies yellowing of the entire skin and mucous membranes and warrants immediate medical evaluation.
Anatomical Factors
Other anatomical factors can exacerbate the visibility of this greenish hue. Genetically thin skin or a lack of subcutaneous fat beneath the eyes makes the underlying vascular network more apparent. Visible blood vessels can cast a shadow or contribute a blue-green color that mimics the pigment breakdown. Dehydration and chronic sleep deprivation can also make the skin paler and thinner, intensifying the visibility of these underlying structures.
Managing and Minimizing Green Discoloration
Addressing green discoloration often begins with simple lifestyle adjustments, particularly when a medical condition has been ruled out.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Improving sleep hygiene and ensuring adequate water intake can reduce the prominence of underlying vasculature. Reducing sodium intake may also help minimize puffiness and fluid retention, which makes the discoloration more noticeable.
For temporary discoloration from bruising or minor trauma, applying a cold compress helps constrict blood vessels and reduce localized swelling. Gentle massage encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps to clear fluid and hasten the removal of residual blood components from the tissue.
Cosmetic Solutions
To instantly minimize the appearance of green under-eye circles, color correction makeup is an effective cosmetic solution. Based on the color wheel, a red or peach-toned corrector neutralizes the green hue. Applying a thin layer of a peach or salmon-colored product before a standard concealer effectively counteracts the green pigment, creating a more uniform skin tone.