Although they typically occur in adults, dark under eye circles can affect any age and sex. They can drastically impact your appearance, causing you to look exhausted or older than you actually are. In order to properly conceal or remedy under eye circles, it is important to understand why they develop.
Aging
According to the Mayo Clinic, dark circles commonly occur with age. As the skin gets older, it loses collagen and fat. As a result, the blue and red blood vessels beneath the eyes can become more noticeable. In addition, Dr. John Persing in the New York Times explains that age can cause blood to pool under the eyes, creating darkness and bags.
Excess Pigmentation
Excess skin pigmentation is sometimes responsible for chronic dark under eye circles. If the dark color does not disappear when pressed on, a pigment irregularity is more than likely the culprit. Although noticeable on any skin type, the New York Times notes that excess pigmentation is most visible on Southern Italians, African-Americans and Southeast Asians.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can cause the veins under the eyes to darken, creating circles. It occurs when blood vessels and tissues in the nose swell with fluid. It can be caused by many conditions such as allergies, influenza, a cold or a chronic nasal condition called nonallergic rhinitis. Although nasal congestion is usually just uncomfortable in adults, it can be dangerous in infants who may have a difficult time eating due to a stuffy nose.
Allergies
The National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website notes that allergies can sometimes produce dark eye circles and watering. An "allergic shiner," a dark circle of color similar to a black eye, can develop as the result of an increase in blood flow in the sinus area. This is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system after encountering a substance that it deems harmful.
Common allergy triggers include dust, certain foods, pet dander, pollen and insect bites. Although specific allergies are not usually inherited, they tend to run in families, especially if both parents suffer from them.
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