Dark circles under the eyes are fairly common and can be caused by a number of things. Tiredness and partying aren't the most common causes for this condition, states an article on the Mayo Clinic website. They could be caused by genetics or simply be one of the normal signs of aging for your body. Fortunately, there are effective treatments in a variety of price ranges that can eliminate many people's dark, under-eye circles.
Lack of Sleep
When you don't get enough sleep or rest, the blood under the skin beneath the eyes will make that area appear darker against the peaked and pale appearance of the rest of your facial skin. It may be accompanied by puffiness or bags in the same area. If your eyes are tired from staring at the computer screen or from reading, it may have the same effect.
Illness
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may have dark circles from irritation to the eye area. Rubbing the skin in this area will make it appear more pronounced. Congestion in the sinuses and nasal passages may dilate the veins between your nose and eyes.
Poor Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential for the entire body. If you don't have the proper nutrition, you may find that discoloration and dark circles appear under your eyes due to the skin and blood not getting what they need.
Medication
Some medications may cause the blood vessels to dilate, which may, in turn, create dark circles under the eyes. Since the skin in this area is delicate and sensitive, the increased flow of blood will show through the skin.
Too Much Sun
Overexposure to the sun may cause an increased amount of melanin, or pigmentation, to form beneath the eyes. This happens to people with all skin tones. Protect the eye area with sunglasses to prevent this from happening.
Hereditary
Any features may be hereditary, including coloring and dark under-eye circles. The skin in that area is thinner than other parts of the face, so when the blood flows through the veins, it creates a bluish or grayish tint. The thinner your skin, the darker the circles will be. Irregular pigmentation is genetic, and this may show up as darker skin beneath the eyes.
Aging
As you get older, the skin under the eye may become more delicate, which will make the appearance of under-eye circles appear darker. Wrinkles and folds of skin may even create shadows. Losing collagen and fat as you age will make the condition even more obvious.
Pregnancy and Monthly Cycles
When a woman is pregnant or menstruating, her skin may become pale. The contrast between the rest of the face and the skin beneath the eyes may make the veins in that area appear darker.
Lifestyle
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol may be the cause of under-eye darkness. Smoking affects the amount of oxygen in your blood. Alcohol interferes with sleep and may cause dehydration, which affects the blood flow under the eyes.
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