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Dark circles are not always caused by lack of sleep. According to doctors, factors such as genetics, allergies, thin under-eye skin, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, ageing and lifestyle habits can all contribute. Identifying the root cause is key to finding the right treatment.
Factors like genetics, lack of sleep, more screen time, stress, smoking can cause dark circles(Pexels)The shadows under your eyes could be telling you something far more complex than your bedtime routine. The connection between dark circles, disrupted sleep patterns, late-night TV watching, and lack of sleep has been known for a long time. According to doctors, the causes of dark circles are often more complicated than your nighttime activities.
Even if a person sleeps well at night, some people still experience dark circles under their eyes. The reason is that this problem depends on factors such as genetics, eye structure, allergies, nutrition, lifestyle, and age.
It is very important to identify the cause of your dark circles, as different causes require different treatments. Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director - Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, decodes the real reasons behind dark circles.
Genetics
For some people, dark circles are hereditary.
Individuals from South Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern backgrounds are more likely to develop pigmentation around the eyes due to genetic factors. In such cases, increased melanin production beneath the eyes can cause dark circles to appear from an early age.
"If the dark circles exist underneath the eyes because of genetic traits, it may not always be possible to correct the issue just by modifying your lifestyle," says Dr Tayal.
Skin thinning and blood vessels
The skin under the eyes is among the thinnest on the body.
Under-eye skin is about 0.5 mm thick, compared to nearly 2 mm on other areas of the face.
As the skin becomes thinner, the underlying blood vessels become more visible.
These blood vessels can create bluish, purplish or brownish discolouration.
Ageing further reduces skin thickness and elasticity, making dark circles more prominent.
Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of dark circles that is often overlooked.
Conditions such as allergic rhinitis can cause congestion of blood vessels around the eyes, leading to a darker appearance. Common triggers include:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Pollution
Treating the underlying allergy can often help improve the appearance of under-eye darkness.
Anaemia and nutritional deficiencies
Dark circles may sometimes signal nutritional deficiencies.
Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and making the skin appear pale, which can accentuate dark circles. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin C may also contribute to skin discolouration, fatigue and reduced collagen production.
The good news is that these deficiencies can often be identified through medical evaluation and corrected through dietary changes or supplementation.
Dehydration and sun damage
Certain everyday habits can make dark circles more noticeable.
- Dehydration can leave the skin looking dull and sunken.
- Dry skin may make under-eye shadows appear darker.
- Excessive sun exposure can increase pigmentation and accelerate skin ageing.
- UV damage may worsen discolouration around the eyes.
Staying well hydrated and applying sunscreen regularly can help protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
Ageing
Ageing naturally changes the structure of the face.
Over time:
- Fat beneath the eyes gradually decreases.
- Hollow areas develop under the eyes.
- Collagen and elastin production decline.
- Shadows become more visible.
In many cases, what appears to be pigmentation is actually shadowing caused by volume loss rather than a change in skin colour.
Lifestyle behaviours that worsen dark circles
Although lack of sleep is not always the primary cause, certain lifestyle habits can make dark circles more noticeable:
- Chronic stress
- Excessive screen time
- Smoking
- Poor dietary habits
- Inadequate water intake
- Irregular sleep patterns
These factors can affect blood circulation, skin quality and overall appearance.
The bottom line
Dark circles are often far more complex than simply not getting enough sleep. Genetics, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, ageing and skin structure can all play a role in their development.
Rather than relying solely on home remedies or expensive creams, experts recommend identifying the root cause through a careful assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, diet and skin health. Once the underlying reason is understood, treatment becomes far more effective.
(The author, Nivedita, is a freelance writer. She writes on health and travel.)
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