Dark circles under the eyes make you look older and tired, according to MayoClinic.com. Most common in adults, dark areas under the eyes do sometimes occur in children. Concealing the dark areas provides a temporary fix, but identifying the root cause of the under eye circles may or may not help you prevent them in the future.
Heredity
Dark circles under the eyes tend to run in families, according to MayoClinic.com. Like many physical features, the eye area tends to look similar in family members. The skin under the eyes is already thin, but your genes may cause your under-eye skin to be particularly thin or transparent, making dark circles more likely. If your parents or other close relatives have dark circles under their eyes, heredity may be the cause of your dark under-eye area.
Medical Reasons
Certain medical conditions may cause dark under eye circles in some people. MayoClinic.com identifies allergies, eczema and congestion as medical causes for dark under eye circles. Nasal congestion results in the dilation and darkening of veins from your eyes to your nose, which creates the dark under eye circles. The Natural Eye Care website suggests that medications causing the blood vessels to dilate may result in dark areas under the eyes.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is sometimes the cause of dark under eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. Spending time in the sun increases the production of melanin, which gives skin its color. Higher melanin production may cause the skin under the eyes to appear darker after sun exposure. Limit your time in the sun, apply sunscreen and use hats or sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun exposure.
Thinning Skin
As you age, your skin often thins. Fat and collagen are also lost as you grow older. These factors make the skin under your eyes even thinner than usual. The thin skin makes the blood vessels under the eyes more visible. The vessels have a reddish-blue tint, which results in the dark under-eye circles.
Lifestyle Factors
Many of your daily choices make an impact on the appearance of dark areas under the eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. Smoking, alcohol consumption and drinking caffeinated soda are a few examples of lifestyle choices that can increase the appearance of dark eye circles. Poor nutrition may also increase your chances for dark areas under the eyes. Eat a balanced diet while limiting your alcohol and soda intake. Quit smoking to enjoy numerous health benefits beyond the reduction of under-eye circles.
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