What causes dark circles and how to get rid of them

You know that feeling when you wake up and look in the mirror, only to be greeted by dark circles under your eyes? It's not a good look. But what actually causes those dark circles? In this article, we'll explore some of the most common causes of dark circles so that you can better understand how to deal with them.

1. Genetics

Do you have dark circles under your eyes? If so, you're not alone. Many people have them, and they can be caused by a variety of things.

One common cause of dark circles is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had dark circles, you may be more likely to have them as well. This is because the condition is often passed down from generation to generation.

Other causes of dark circles include allergies, lack of sleep, and stress. Allergies can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to swell, which can make the area look darker. Lack of sleep can also cause darkness under the eyes, as well as fatigue and other negative health effects. Stress can also lead to dark circles, as it can cause the body to release cortisol, a hormone that can increase inflammation.

There are many ways to combat dark circles, including using concealer or foundation to cover them up, getting more sleep, managing stress levels, and avoiding allergens. If you're concerned about your dark circles, talk to your doctor or dermatologist for more information and tips on how to reduce their appearance.

2. Dehydration

Many people don't realize that dehydration is one of the main causes of dark circles. When the body is dehydrated, the skin doesn't have enough moisture to plump up the under-eye area and this can cause the appearance of dark circles. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is the best way to keep your body hydrated and avoid those pesky dark circles.

3. Lack of sleep

If you're not getting enough sleep, it shows on your face. Dark circles under your eyes are one of the first signs that you're not getting enough rest. When you don't get enough sleep, your skin doesn't have a chance to recover from the day's exposure to sunlight, pollutants, and other irritants. This can make the delicate skin under your eyes look dull and inflamed.

4. Anemia

Anemia is a common cause of dark circles under the eyes. Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This can cause fatigue and make it difficult to get enough oxygen to the tissues, resulting in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

5. Sun exposure

One of the most common causes of dark circles is sun exposure. When the skin is exposed to the sun, it can produce more melanin, which can make the skin appear darker. Sun exposure can also cause the skin to become thinner, which makes the blood vessels under the eyes more visible.

6. Allergies

Do you have dark circles under your eyes? If so, you're not alone. Many people suffer from this problem. But what causes dark circles?

There are many possible causes, but one of the most common is allergies. Allergies can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to become dilated and more visible. This can give the appearance of dark circles.

If you think allergies may be the cause of your dark circles, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you determine if allergies are indeed the cause and recommend treatment options.

7. Medications

There are many potential causes of dark circles, including genetics, allergies, and medications. Some medications can cause the blood vessels under the skin to dilate, which can make the area appear darker.

Other medications can cause inflammation, which can also lead to darker circles. If you think your medication may be causing dark circles, speak to your doctor to see if there are any alternative options.

8. Stress

It's no secret that stress can cause all sorts of physical and mental health problems. But did you know that it can also cause dark circles under your eyes?

When you're stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can cause several changes in your body, including increasing the production of oil in your skin and decreasing the production of collagen.

These changes can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark circles under your eyes. So if you're looking for ways to reduce the appearance of dark circles, reducing stress should be at the top of your list!

9. Diet

Many different things can cause dark circles. One common cause is a lack of sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have time to repair itself and the result is often dark circles under your eyes.

Another common cause of dark circles is diet. If you aren't eating a balanced diet, your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including dark circles under your eyes.

So if you want to avoid dark circles, make sure you get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.

10. Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of dark circles. The nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, which decreases blood flow and oxygen to the skin. This can cause the skin under your eyes to appear dull and discolored.

In addition, smoking causes the skin to produce more free radicals, which can damage collagen and elastin. This can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles, both of which can make dark circles more pronounced. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin—and your overall health.