Dark circles, also referred to as eye circles, affect millions of people the world over every day. These patches of discolored skin develop just under the eyes, often marring a person's appearance. Many factors are thought to cause dark undereye circles.
Misconceptions
Dark circles under the eye do not have to do with the amount of sleep you get or an underlying disease, according to Paul Lazar, M.D., a professor of clinical dermatology at Northwestern University. The most common types of dark circles that form in the undereye area are hereditary, like varicose veins. If you tend to have undereye circles, your parents and siblings likely have them, too.
Causes
According to David Goldberg, a cosmetic dermatologist, people who suffer from allergies, asthma or hay fever can be vulnerable to dark circles. In his book "Light Years Younger: The Definitive Guide to Anti-Aging Skin Care," he writes that allergies can cause the fine veins beneath their eyes to get congested, contributing to undereye circles. A less common cause of dark circles, he writes, is hormonal changes that increase pigmentation in the undereye area. These changes may result from factors such as pregnancy and menstruation. Birth-control pills may also cause these hormonal changes.
Considerations
Dark circles under the eyes may just be shadows cast by bags beneath the eyes, according to Goldberg. He writes that as a natural result of the aging process, fat that protects the eyeball may move slightly, creating a small bulge of fat beneath the eyes. The groove that runs along the bottom of this fat bulge appears like a dark circle.
Permanence
There is not much some people can do to prevent dark circles from forming, according to Julie Gabriel. That is because two of the major causes of dark circles--allergies and the thinness of the skin under the eyes--are hereditary and cannot be done away with. You can camouflage or get rid of these circles after they form, but this is usually temporary because the underlying causes still exist.
Warning
When bags under the eyes result from fluid retention, they are usually not harmful to your health. However, they can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition such as high blood pressure or a heart, kidney or liver problem. Consult a dermatologist or your physician to get a diagnosis.
References
- "Symptoms: Their Causes & Cures: How to Understand and Treat 265 Health Concerns," Prevention Health Books; 1996
- "Light Years Younger: The Definitive Guide to Anti-Aging Skin Care," David J. Goldberg and Eva M. Herriott; 2003
- "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin," Julie Gabriel
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