Dark circles around the eyes can be a nuisance, but research suggests getting extra sleep alone may not help improve your condition. In fact, most causes of dark circles do not involve sleeplessness and fatigue as usually assumed. Rather, factors like heredity, sun exposure, skin irritation and skin transparency are likelier causes.
Heredity
Dark circles run in families, where the largeness of the under-eye blood vessels in combination with the thinness of the lower eyelid increases the dark-bluish tinge of the skin. Both of these characteristics pass down with genes according to Star Weekend Magazine. Additionally, research cited by Indiana University's School of Medicine suggests inherited fat pads under the eyes may increase the production of under-eye shadows, giving the look of dark circles. Otherwise, some people may just inherit naturally darker under-eye skin pigmentation.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure prompts the increased production of melanin under the eyes, resulting in darker skin tones that can create the appearance of dark circles. Furthermore, tanning may exaggerate the darkness of lower eyelid pigmentation in combination with shadowing under certain lighting conditions.
Skin Irritation
Increased rubbing of the skin around the eye can produce darkening due to irritation. The tendency to rub the skin surrounding your eyes increases with allergic reaction, sickness, skin disease and fatigue--all of which are associated with greater likelihood of dark circles.
Skin Transparency
As you get older, the already thin layer of skin beneath the eye loses collagen and fat, becoming even thinner and thus more transparent. This transparency reveals the dark-blue color of the underlying blood vessels, contributing to the development of dark circles. Other than age, lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol, consuming caffeine in excess and smoking can also contribute to the thinness of the eyelid related to dark circles. Moreover, sleeplessness and exhaustion can cause a decrease in blood circulation around the eye, causing an increase in paleness and transparency, which is why most people associate being tired with having dark circles.
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