The appearance of dark circles under the eyes is more than a beauty concern. It may be a symptom of a variety of things ranging from lifestyle choices to chronic medical conditions. If the dark tone and/or swelling appears under just one of your eyes, the Mayo Clinic recommends you to consult your primary care physician.
Definition
Dark circles under the eyes are sometimes difficult to self-identify because facial shading varies and your perception of whether or not you have them may be inaccurate. To confirm the existence of dark circles from a medical perspective, doctors look for a semi-circular, uniform area of darkened skin under each eye. Both women and men may experience dark under-eye circles. Although the phenomenon is more common in adults, children may have dark circles as well.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, may contribute to the development of dark circles or worsen their appearance, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lack of sleep makes your skin tone paler, so dark circles become more obvious. Sun exposure also is a factor, because it damages the skin and causes your body to increase the production of melanin, a pigment that darkens skin. To mitigate the effects of the sun, use sunscreen or wear UV protective sunglasses to protect the delicate skin under your eyes.
Allergies
Allergies can contribute to dark circles in several ways. The associated nasal congestion darkens the blood vessels that run from your eyes to your nose and also increases their size. In addition, allergies may cause you to rub your eyes, which may irritate the skin underneath and contribute to the development of dark circles. The allergic skin condition eczema also may cause dark circles.
Genetics
Genetics sometimes play a role in the development of dark circles. This trait tends to run in families, primarily because of an eye blood-vessel condition, according to Wrong Diagnosis. In addition, dark circles are more readily apparent in people with very pale skin. People of color, especially those of African or Asian ancestry, are more susceptible to pigmentation irregularities that may cause the appearance of darker skin under the eyes.
Children
Although dark under-eye circles are more common among adults, children may experience them, too. A primary cause is nasal congestion, which is common among children who suffer from allergies, chronic sinusitis or viral infections such as the colds and flu, according to website Top54U. Dark circles are more visible in children with pale skin or uneven complexions. Poor diet and lack of sleep also can cause or worsen dark circles under the eyes in children.
Aging
As you age, your skin becomes thinner due to the loss of fat and collagen. Thinning makes the skin more translucent and allows the reddish-blue blood vessels underneath to show through.
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