Dark circles (periorbital hyperpigmentation) are common in both men and women.
Though not of medical concern, constantly tired-looking, puffy eyes can cause emotional distress, especially when accompanied by under-eye hollows or eye bags.
Although usually associated with stress or fatigue, under-eye circles can, in fact, have a variety of causes.
WHAT CAUSES DARK CIRCLES?
AGING
As we get older, the collagen production and fat padding in our skin naturally deplete. The skin, especially the delicate area under the eyes, starts to sag and loses its elasticity leading to dark circles and puffiness.Proper skincare can delay and minimize the appearance of these dark circles.
LACK OF SLEEP
Late nights and inadequate sleep can cause the skin to become pale, allowing the underlying blood vessels to show up as dark circles. Lack of sleep can also cause fluid build-up leading to puffiness or ‘bags’ under the eye.Ensure you get 7-8 hours of shut-eye every night for clear, bright eyes.
ALLERGIES
Allergic reactions release histamines which cause nasal congestion and increased pressure around the nose. This leads to pooling of blood in this area. The swollen blood vessels are now more visible, causing a dark, bruised appearance under the eye.
Allergies also increase the urge to rub itching eyes, which further aggravates the symptoms.
GENETICS
Inherited facial features could be the main culprit of your dark circles. Depending on your bone structure, shadows can cause the appearance of darkness under the eyes even where there is no actual pigmentation.
Ethnicity also plays an important role with dark circles being more common in people with darker skin tones.
NUTRITION & LIFESTYLE
Inadequate intake of water, excessive caffeine consumption, and protein deficiency have a direct impact on dark circles. Ensure that you include healthy foods and at least 8 glasses of water in your daily diet. Also, limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.
RUBBING YOUR EYES
Many of us unthinkingly rub our eyes throughout the day, especially when tired or suffering from a cold or allergies. Excessive rubbing around the eyes causes inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels resulting in dark circles.
SUN EXPOSURE
Increased exposure to the sun could dilate the blood cells and boost blood circulation. Since the skin around the eye is the thinnest and most delicate, the darkened blood vessels are easily seen through the translucent skin.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS & MEDICATION
Occasionally, dark circles can be the result of medical conditions like anemia (iron deficiency), thyroid, or asthma. Eye drop treatment for glaucoma may also increase the appearance of dark circles.
HORMONAL CHANGES
The body undergoes many changes during menstruation and pregnancy. These hormonal fluctuations can sometimes cause dark circles under the eyes.
CONCEALERS AND COSMETICS
Under-eye concealers applied to minimize the appearance of dark circles often end up having the opposite effect. Allergies to skin care products and cosmetics are a little realized cause that could be aggravating your dark circles.
POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION
When circulation is poor, blood is deprived of oxygen. Deoxygenated blood looks blue, instead of red. Since the skin surrounding the eye is thin and translucent, this gives the appearance of dark circles. If under-eye capillaries become leaky and allow red blood cells into the surrounding area, it can also cause this discoloration. Massaging your face regularly enhances circulation.
EYESTRAIN
Spending too much time watching television or staring at computer screens and mobile screens strains the eye and causes blood vessels to enlarge. This leads to darkening of the eye area.
DEHYDRATION
If the body doesn’t receive enough water, the skin begins to dull. Dark circles show up quickly as the skin in under the eye is the thinnest. Ensure you drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated.
