What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?
This phenomenon is most often associated with lack of sleep, however, there are numerous other causes of discoloration of the skin under the eyes.
Fatigue
Sleep contributes to your health in many ways, and not getting enough rest can even lead to dark circles under your eyes. This could be because, without adequate sleep, the blood vessels under your eyes dilate and become more prominent, causing a bluish-purple tint under the lower eyelids due to the thin skin present in that area.
Insufficient sleep also affects circulation. Decreased blood flow can lead to a buildup of deoxygenated blood, which can darken the skin under the eyes. Similarly, poor circulation can even lead to bags, as fluid retention can cause puffiness and shadows.
Increased Melanin Production
Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. When there is an overproduction or irregular distribution of melanin in the skin under the eyes, hyperpigmentation can occur, which manifests as darker spots or areas.
Genetic Factors
Some people have a genetic predisposition to produce more melanin in certain areas, including the skin under the eyes. If your family members have dark circles under their eyes, you are more likely to have them too, due to inherited traits.
Aging
Age is not directly related to the development of this situation, but over time the human body can undergo changes that can contribute to the development of darker spots or color changes in existing circles.
The following can contribute to this:
- Thinning skin: One of the age-related changes is thinning of the skin, especially in the delicate eye area. Thinner skin makes blood vessels and underlying structures more visible, which can lead to discoloring.
- Loss of fat and collagen: With time, there is a gradual loss of fat and collagen in the face. This may also enable further darkening of the area.
Lifestyle Factors
Factors such as unprotected sun exposure, an unbalanced diet, smoking, dehydration, and stress can directly or indirectly contribute to the development of dark circles.
Other Medical Conditions That Cause Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Allergies, hay fever, and eczema can lead to dark circles. When the body reacts to allergens, such as pollen or certain substances, it can initiate inflammation and histamine release, which may also dilate blood vessels, similar to fatigue2.