Dark circles under the eyes can indicate illness, vitamin deficiency or lack of sleep. Sometimes this discoloration runs in families. The appearance of dark circles, however, tends to make people look older, which leads many to hide or seek a cure for the problem. Finding the cause of dark circles leads sufferers in many directions. Sort through the countless causes before adjusting your diet or sleep routine.

Features

Dark under-eye circles exist equally in men, women and children. According to the Mayo Clinic, these circles are "dark, uniform areas of pigmentation beneath each eye." Some individuals develop dark circles in adulthood, while others experience discoloration throughout a lifetime. Red spots on the skin under the eye, however, require a doctor's evaluation and may result from serious illness.

Normal Causes

Blame heredity for under-eye circles when no other cause presents itself. Thinning skin as a result of aging and pigment differences due to race are other reasons for dark circles. Examine the routine, overall health and family history for a specific cause in an otherwise healthy person.

Medical Causes

Suffering from allergies, asthma and sinus congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic, frequently causes the skin under the eyes to darken. Any condition causing these blood vessels to dilate leads to under-eye circles. Skin conditions like eczema also make this area under the eyes darker.

Lifestyle Causes

Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeinated sodas, can lead to dark circles under the eyes. Lack of sleep may also lead to this condition. Tanning and too much sun exposure, which makes your body produce melanin, a skin pigment, can also lead to dark under-eye circles.

Treatment

The Mayo Clinic recommends treating dark circles with skin-thickening creams, which include vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E and retinol. Draining sinus cavities with saline washes also helps. Use makeup like foundation to cover the dark circles if they make you self conscious. Finally, consider laser surgery to destroy pigment and resurface skin for severe dark circles.

Source:

New York Times

The Mayo Clinic

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