What Causes Dark Circles?
Heredity isn’t the only cause of dark circles. A variety of factors, both common and uncommon, can influence or cause the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Genetics / Hereditary: Ask yourself if your parents and family seems to be more prone then most, and then judge if you think that your situation is a more genetic and passed on trait.
Exposure to the sun can exacerbate your dark circles.
Fatigue and Lack of sleep makes your skin pale, which emphasizes your dark circles.
The link between allergies and dark circles: Many people associate allergies with dark circles. This is a real and established connection. In fact, many doctors consider dark circles as an indication of allergies in children.
Aging, as we age, the skin around our eyes and eyelids thins out considerably, which causes the blood vessels to become much more apparent, giving the under portion of the area to radiate a darker bag-like appearance. Also as we age and if we don’t take proper anti-aging preventative measures, we gain an increased tendency of fluid retention. Gravity as we are going about our day causes fluids to collect into the lower eyelid area, which creates the dark shadow effect.
In some rare cases, lack of vitamins can cause dark circles under the eyes.
Fluid Retention: Excess dietary salt and smoking are common causes. Conditions that cause fluid retention (e.g. heart, thyroid, kidney, liver diseases) or medications that cause blood vessel dilation may be a factor.
Bone Structure: Deep-set eye structure also has an increasing tendency to develop dark shadows around the eyes. As we age, we find that deep-set eyes are more influenced by fluid retention and gravity, and draining / pooling of fluid into the deep-set bone structure.
Internal illness: Dark circles under the eyes can be indicative of kidney or stomach complaints.
Sinuses or nasal inflammation results in venous congestion. Chronic nasal inflammation — like severe sinitus — impedes the venous blood as it tries to pass through the tiny vessels in facial skin. The blood is trapped and shows through the skin where it has built up.
Drinking a great deal of caffeine or fruit juice, too little iron or vitamin C, Low hemoglobin, in particular, could be the culprit. On the other hand, too much of certain minerals can be the cause. If you take in too much potassium — in bananas, etc — this may be the reason for your dark circles.
Obesity may also be a contributing factor to the dark circles under your eyes. This may be due to the strain on your body and mind. Poor circulation due to obesity could also be a factor in the appearance of the dark circles.
Dark circles could be due to sudden and severe weight loss.