Why do dark circles come out?

When dark circles come out, we automatically associate it with a bad night’s sleep. Although this is one of the most frequent causes for this dark coloration to appear around the eyes, the truth is that it is not the only reason.
Also, the idea is very common that if dark circles come out it is because a person is sick. While it is true that someone who is ill often shows that sign on their face, it is also true that there are completely healthy people with dark circles.
The question then, finally, is: why do dark circles come out? There are several answers to this question. That dark coloration in the lower eyelids, in any case, is very rarely related to any major health problem. Let’s see.

What are dark circles?

Dark circles are a bluish, grayish, or purple discoloration that appears under the lower lids of the eyes . Most often, this only happens eventually; However, there are people who have dark circles very often.
If dark circles appear on the lower eyelid, it is because that area of the skin is quite thin and sensitive. It is only half a millimeter thick, that is, it is five times thinner than the skin of the rest of the face and 10 times thinner than that of the rest of the body.
Similarly, there is less collagen in the lower eyelids and that area is more easily distended , due to blinking. All this, taken together, leads to the tones of the blood vessels becoming more evident than in other areas of the body.

Bags and dark circles

Eye bags and dark circles are two similar problems, but not the same. Many times they are confused because they appear in the same area: the lower eyelid of the eye. However, they have a different nature and obey different causes, although they sometimes arise simultaneously.
Dark circles, as already noted, correspond to an increase in pigmentation of the eyelid area. There are three types of dark circles:

• Pigmented . They have to do with an increase in melanin in the eyelids .
• Vascular . In these the blood vessels of the eyelid area are transparent.
• Valley of tears . In this case there is a very marked groove, which goes from the inner corner of the eye to the cheek.

The bags, meanwhile, are an inflammation or profusion that appears on the lower eyelid. As such, they have no particular coloration. They often arise from loss of muscle tone in the eyelid, fluid accumulation, or herniation of the eye’s orbital fat.

Why do dark circles come out?

One of the reasons why dark circles come out is genetic. Simply the eyelid area is more pigmented and this trait is inherited. This is sometimes associated with a difficulty in the production of iron in the body. Some ethnic groups are more prone to have dark circles, as is the case of the Mediterranean.

Other causes for dark circles are the following:

• Fatigue . It is one of the most frequent causes. Fatigue causes the blood vessels to dilate and the thinness of the skin of the eyelid reflects this more clearly, much more if tiredness is accompanied by stress.
• The drugs . Some hypotensive eye drops, that is, they reduce intraocular pressure, cause pigmentation to appear around the eye.
• Unbalanced diet . Excessive consumption of salt or foods rich in caffeine , especially at night, leads to fluid retention and affects the appearance of dark circles.
• Sunlight . The lower eyelids are very sensitive to sun damage. Excessive exposure causes melanin production to be activated and with it dark circles appear.

• Allergic reaction to a cosmetic . When the skin does not tolerate a certain cosmetic, it could generate reactions like dark circles. This occurs with products such as concealers or eyeliners.
• Other allergies . Allergies lead to more histamine segregation, and these, in turn, lead to vascular dilation. Also, if there is itching in the eyes and they are rubbed vigorously or very often, it is possible that dark circles appear.
• Fluid retention . Fluid retention is one of the causes of dark circles, in addition to bags in the eyes.
• Hormonal changes . The hormonal changes are not a direct cause of the appearance of dark circles, but generate organic changes as fluid retention, which affect pigmentation of the eyelid.
• Aging . Over the years, the skin of the eyelid becomes increasingly thin and transparent.
• Other causes . Lack of iron, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and decreased fat around the eyes are also causes of dark circles.

summarizing

The reasons why dark circles come out are very varied and can differ from person to person. However, they do not usually indicate serious health problems, except when they are products of fluid retention or diseases. In general, reinforcing aesthetic care can help decrease them.