Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, aging, fatigue, allergies, poor circulation, dehydration, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits. They may appear as different colors such as brown, blue, black, or purple, depending on the underlying cause.
Key Causes of Dark Circles
- Genetics and Skin Pigmentation : Some people inherit a predisposition to dark circles, especially those with darker skin tones who are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eyes.
- Aging : Loss of fat and collagen, thinning skin, and changes in bone structure with age can cause the under-eye area to darken and hollow.
- Fatigue and Lack of Sleep : Often cited as a common cause, tiredness can exacerbate dark circles by making the skin paler and blood vessels under the eyes more apparent.
- Poor Circulation and Vascular Issues : Thin skin and blood vessel dilation or pooling can cause bluish or purplish dark circles, often worsening with stress, allergies, or nasal congestion.
- Allergies and Eye Rubbing : Allergic reactions can cause inflammation, blood vessel dilation, and pigmentation changes. Frequent eye rubbing worsens these effects.
- Sun Exposure : Stimulates melanin production in the thin skin under the eyes, making pigmentation darker.
- Medical Conditions : Anemia (iron deficiency), thyroid issues, eczema, and kidney or liver problems can also contribute to dark circles.
- Lifestyle Factors : Smoking, dehydration, high salt or spicy food intake, and extended screen time may worsen dark circles.
Types of Dark Circles
- Vascular : Bluish or purplish due to visible blood vessels and poor circulation.
- Pigmented : Brown or black from excess melanin and sun exposure.
- Structural : Shadows caused by bone structure or loss of fat around the eyes, common in aging.
Thus, dark circles are usually multifactorial, involving heredity, lifestyle, environmental exposure, and health status.
