While dark circles beneath your eyes are rarely a cause for medical concern, they can make you look tired, old and unhealthy. According to MayoClinic.com, dark circles affect men, women and children, although they generally begin during adulthood. Cosmetics and home remedies may help minimize the appearance of dark circles, but the only permanent treatment is elimination of any underlying causes.
Allergies and Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is the most common cause of dark circles beneath the eyes, according to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. When the nasal passages are blocked, fluid draining from the eyes cannot drain into the veins of the nose. The trapped fluid causes capillary congestion and swelling, resulting in larger and darker veins around the eyes. Nasal congestion may be due to illness, allergies or enlarged adenoids. Dark under-eye circles may also be an early sign of asthma, as they sometimes appear soon before an acute asthma attack, according to Lisa-Ann Kelly, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.
Hyperpigmentation
Excessive sun exposure can cause an increase in melanin to develop under the eyes, leading to dark rings and splotchy discoloration. Dark circles caused by sun exposure affect people of all skin tones, although they are generally more noticeable in those with fair skin. Pigment irregularities are most common in Asians and people with darker skin color, according to MayoClinic.com. Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen is the best way to prevent dark circles caused by the sun, and skin-bleaching agents may help reduce the appearance of other pigmentation irregularities.
Genetics and Aging
Heredity plays a role in the development of under-eye circles, and chances are good that you will develop dark circles if one or both of your parents also have them. Aging can lead to a worsening of dark circles because your skin becomes thinner over time, which makes blood vessels beneath your skin's surface more noticeable.
Poor Sleep
Lack of sleep is most commonly blamed for dark under-eye circles, but it is not a direct cause. However, sleeping too little can make your skin paler, thereby making existing circles appear darker and larger. Increasing the amount of sleep you get each night and applying cold compresses to your eyes upon waking can help minimize morning circles and eye puffiness.
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