What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eye?

Dark circles under the eyes affect men, women and children. In adults, dark circles can age a person. Thankfully there are myriad treatments for under eye dark circles. Creams, cover ups, makeup, laser and even surgery can remedy this malady.

Allergies and Skin Conditions

• Allergies and nasal congestion can result in prominent dark under eye circles. Chronic skin conditions such as eczema may also be a cause.

Lifestyle

• Smoking and consuming too much alcohol and caffeinated sodas can also be a source of dark circles under the eyes. Poor eating habits, extreme dieting, too little sleep, a lack of iron and Vitamins A., C and K are also culprits.

Sun Exposure and Pigmentation

• Too much sun exposure may also cause dark circles under the eye. Pigmentation abnormalities can also be a factor in dark under eye circles.

Aging

• As we age, the skin around the eyes become thinner and less elastic. This is a direct cause for under eye dark circles.

Genes and Heridity

• Dark circles under the eyes run in families.

Medications

• Certain medicines that dilate blood vessels are known to cause dark circles under the eyes. These include beta blocker drugs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors and impotence drugs.