Depending on the skin tone, dark circles beneath your eyes might range from purple to dark brown or black. These circles are commonly found and people prefer to suppress them.

In other instances, dark circles beneath the eyes may suggest the need for lifestyle adjustments, such as better sleep patterns or a healthier diet.

People frequently believe that dark circles are caused by weariness and sleep deprivation. There might be other reasons as well, such as sensitivities, allergies, or the natural aging process, that can result in dark under-eye circles.

What factors contribute to dark circles?

Following are some of the reasons for the formation of dark circles. 

Fatigue

Oversleeping, excessive weariness, or even staying awake a few hours later than usual might result in dark circles under your eyes. Sleep deprivation can cause the visibility of dull and pale complexion, revealing darkish tissues and blood vessels beneath the skin. Inadequate sleep can also cause fluid to accumulate behind your eyes, making them puffy.

Dehydration

Dark circles are frequently formed beneath your eyes due to dehydration. When your body does not have a sufficient amount of water, the skin behind your eyes becomes dull and your eyes appear sunken. 

Aging

As you become older, the tissue surrounding your eyes thins, giving them a puffy and bloated appearance. Fillers and laser therapy are two medical therapies that can precisely target age-induced under-eye circles. However, not everyone is suitable for these operations, so consulting a doctor is the best option. 

Allergies

Dark circles can be caused by allergies. During allergic reactions, the body produces histamines, which cause itching and redness in the eyes. (3)

Allergies might also make you want to scratch the irritated skin around your eyes. These acts might aggravate your symptoms by generating inflammation, and blood vessel rupture. This might cause dark shadows to form beneath your eyes. (4)

Genetics

Family history can strongly influence the development of dark circles beneath your eyes. It may be a genetic feature that reveals itself as early as childhood and may intensify or gradually fade as you mature. Other medical disorders, such as thyroid illness, might also result in dark circles under your eyes.

A 2015 study looked at the physiological and behavioral variables that contribute to the severity and intensity of dark circles in the Brazilian population. The most influential factor related to dark circles was family history, and the average age of onset for dark circles amongst individuals was 24 years old.