What causes under eye dark circles?
Allergies
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Heredity — dark under-eye circles can run in families
Lifestyle factors, such as physical or emotional stress, smoking, or chronic alcohol use can take a toll on your appearance
Nasal congestion (which can dilate and darken the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose)
Pigmentation irregularities — these are a particular concern for people of color, especially blacks and Asians
Rubbing or scratching your eyes
Sun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color
Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen — common as you age — can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious
There are a number of reasons why we may experience dark circles under the eyes: 1. Our genes Under eye dark circles tend to run in families so one of the causes may be hereditary (blame your genes). 2. Nasal congestion When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose widen (dilate) and darken. If allergies are the culprit, eliminate the allergen or take an antihistamine. 3. Sleep Gravity can cause fluid to collect in your lower eyelids and the swelling may create the appearance of shadows below your eyes. Sleep on your back to decrease the chances of that happening. Additionally a lack of sleep can make the skin appear more pale which allows the blood vessels under the skin to become more prominent. 4. Fluid retention Lack of sleep, high blood pressure, smoking or other medical conditions may be the culprit. Quit smoking, get more sleep or check with your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have a medical condition. 5. Thinning skin or fat pad
There are a number of reasons why we may experience dark circles under the eyes: • Pigmentation. An over production of melanin (the same pigment that results in tanning) may also result in dark circles under the eyes. The sun and hormones may be to blame. Always protect the under eye area with sunscreen or sunglasses. A skin lightening product may help. But test first or check with a physician to ensure that you don’t unintentionally harm this delicate region. Caution especially with hydroquinone 4%. While recognized as a highly effective skin lightening agent, it is also irritating and may not be suitable for treating dark circles. View our full range of skin lightening agents here. • Our genes. Dark circles tend to run in families so one of the causes may be hereditary. • Nasal congestion When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose widen (dilate) and darken. If allergies are the culprit, eliminate the allergen or take an antihistamine. • Sleep
