What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

One of the most noticeable parts of the face are the eyes.  They are said to be the window to the soul.  So when they have dark circles or puffiness around them, we take notice.  Why does this happen so commonly to the eyes? There may be many reasons. Here are a few of the most common:

Fatigue

The obvious culprit is not getting enough sleep. Denying the body the rest it desperately needs after a long day can make the skin pale and dull which makes the blood vessels around the eyes more prominent.  The same can happen if someone oversleeps. The eyelid may also exacerbate the situation by retaining fluids which cause shadows to fall under the eye.

Eye Strain

Focusing on monitors and phones all day takes its toll.  The blood vessels around the eye enlarge making them appear darker than the rest of you face.

Age

As people age, their skin loses its elasticity and becomes less firm. The delicate skin around the eyes lose the fat that is naturally there and the blood vessels become enlarged and noticeable.  This may happen with weight loss as well.

Other factors such as allergies, dehydration, sun exposure, or plain old genetics may be the culprit. There are many non-surgical treatments and skin tightening and lightening creams that can be applied to the eyes safely and effectively. Your local dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or day spa may have some solutions to make those circles fade. But always remember to take care of the basics: get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and use sunblock regularly.

Posted on behalf of:
Kami Parsa, M.D.
Oculoplastic Surgery
465 N Roxbury Dr. Suite 1011
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 777-8880

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