When it comes to dark circles, there's not a particular imposter responsible. From staring at the screen to genetics playing a pivotal role, many reasons come forth. It persists among adults and pigmented people. But there's also one thing that continues- many unsolicited comments from the people you know. 

What are dark circles? 

After a long night out, the first thing noticeable is dark circles (followed by exhaustion). It looks and sounds frustrating, right? They occur when the area surrounding the eye is darkened for reasons including pigmentation, genetics, ageing, and so on. The skin around the eyes is known to be thinner; hence the blood vessels under it appear to be more visible. Depending on your skin colour, they may range from a purple to a brown tint. So let's dive into the world of dark circles and learn more about it.  

What causes dark circles under your eyes? 

• Genetics 

Genetics can cause the development of dark circles. If your parents have dark circles, you're more likely to get them. The under-eye area looks blue or purple because the skin is very thin and translucent. So much so that you can see the underlying superficial blood vessels before. As you age, collagen breaks down, and the fat pads under the eye get thinner, causing even more visible exposure of the dark blood cells right under the skin. Plus, a prominent tear trough (due to your inherent bone structure) can cause shadowing, making your dark circles more apparent.  

•  Lack of sleep 

Have you noticed your dark circles worsen when you haven't slept? This is because insufficient sleep can cause vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow in the area. This results in a darker, more prominent undereye appearance.  

• Hyperpigmentation 

For people with deeper skin tones, discolouration could be due to hyperpigmentation in the under-eye and eyelid area due to extra melanin production. You can tell which kind you have by pinching the under-eye skin and lifting it back and forth. If the bluish tint disappears, you can blame thinner skin and a lack of fat in the area. However, if the tint doesn't budge, it is likely pigmentation. 

• Ageing 

One of the most natural causes of dark circles is ageing. The skin around the eye starts to thin as you age. A thinner skin makes the blood vessels under the skin more prominent, resulting in dark circles. 

• Straining your eyes 

If you're still logging 11 hours of screen time each day, it may be time to reassess your habits. Bragging about this amount of screen time is not wise, as prolonged exposure to digital screens can cause several health issues, like developing dark circles. Longtime exposure to the screen can cause the blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge, contributing to the formation of dark circles.

• Dehydration 

One of the effects of dehydration is on the skin under your eyes. Dehydrated skin results in dryness and dullness, forming dark circles and an aged appearance. To prevent it, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and following a good skincare routine is essential.

Conclusion 

There are several factors which contribute to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, including genetics, lack of sleep, stress, ageing, allergies, and dehydration. While you cannot avoid all their causes, you can reduce their appearance by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, using sunscreen, managing stress, and using an effective eye gel. If the dark circles persist, seek medical advice to rule out underlying medical conditions. Remember, dark circles are common and nothing to be ashamed of. 

FAQs

1.What causes dark circles around the eyes? 

Dark circles occur due to various factors, including the constriction of blood vessels, which can result in hyperpigmentation. Another cause is the thinning of the skin, which can make the blood vessels under the eyes more visible. Additionally, habits such as insufficient sleep, allergies, ageing, and anaemia may also contribute to the appearance of dark circles. These habits can cause the blood vessels to dilate, leading to the pooling of blood under the eyes and creating a shadowed appearance.

2.How do I stop dark circles? 

Although you can't control all the factors that cause dark circles, such as ageing and genetics, you can take steps to reduce and prevent them. For example, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and wearing goggles or sunglasses can all alleviate the appearance of dark circles. The most beneficial would be to use an eye gel that contains a combination of peptides, red and brown algae extract, and other active ingredients that can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and allergens.  These measures can make a noticeable difference in the under-eye area.