Scientific Information on Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are commonly associated with not getting enough rest or staying out too late. However, this is not always the case and science supplies us with helpful information about the condition.

Definition

• The Mayo Clinic defines dark under-eye circles as uniform areas of pigmentation underneath both eyes. The condition affects both men and women.

Lifestyle

• Life choices including smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages and caffeinated sodas can contribute to dark under-eye circles.

Nasal Congestion

• Nasal congestions caused by colds or allergies cause the veins that drain from your eyes to darken, causing circles.

Heredity

• Dark under-eye circles are often an inherited trait.

Aging

• As a person ages, the skin loses fat and collagen. This can result in the blue color of blood vessels under the eyes becoming more noticeable.

Treatment

• Treatments for under-eye circles vary depending upon the cause of the dark circles and range from under-eye concealer to laser treatments.