Dark undereye circles, though closely associated with fatigue, don't usually indicate sleep deprivation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Still, their effect is to make a person look tired, and even older and unhealthy. Though dark circles under the eyes are rarely a health concern, they are an ever-increasing beauty concern. As reported by the New York Times, cosmetic treatments for dark undereye circles are a significant part of the anti-aging product industry. The key to knowing how to treat your dark undereye circles is understanding their cause.
Heredity/Genetics
Often, dark undereye circles simply run in the family, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. The New York Times reports that excess pigmentation, a genetic matter, is the most common cause of dark undereye circles, particularly prevalent in those of African, Southeast Asian and Italian descent. Dr. Diane Berson, an assistant dermatology professor at Cornell University, notes that heredity and genetics are the leading cause of dark circles under the eyes. Dermatologist Dr. Sandy Tsao of Massachusetts General Hospital concurs, adding naturally deep "tear troughs," or indentations under the eyes, as a major hereditary cause. Other genetic and hereditary factors can be relevant as well, such as having blood vessels particularly close to the surface of the skin, as cited by Dr. Bernard Cohen, a dermatologist from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Congestion
Nasal congestion from colds, allergies, hay fever, sinus problems and related conditions are another leading cause of dark undereye circles, and the single most common cause of dark undereye circles in children. Blood flows down from the eyes into veins in the nose. Nasal congestion can inhibit this natural flow, and Dr. Cohen points out that this increases pressure in the blood vessels below the eyes. This makes them more prominent, darkening the circles beneath the eyes.
Other Causes
Besides the leading causes of heredity and congestion, there are other factors that can accentuate or sometimes cause dark undereye circles. Sleep deprivation can contribute to circles when it results in swelling of the eyes or inflammation due to excessive rubbing, as reported by the Boston Globe. The Mayo Clinic identifies some lifestyle factors that can be part of the problem, including smoking and the consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Sun exposure can darken circles under the eyes as well, triggering the production of pigment, or melanin. Dark undereye circles can develop and worsen through the aging process, too, as skin gets thinner and the body loses fat and collagen. These changes diminish the covering over the blood vessels beneath the eyes, making them more pronounced, explains the Mayo Clinic.
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