Dark eye circles are round pigmented patches situated under the eye area or along the skin of the orbit of the eye. These circles usually occur as a result of tiny blood capillaries located under the surface of the skin, which may rupture, and leak red blood cells into the surrounding skin (hematoma). Red blood cells are then broken down by enzymes in the body resulting in the byproduct of a bluish pigment. The formation of dark circles under the eye circles is the result of this bluish pigment, hence the name ‘blue eye’ or ‘black eye’. Although dark eye circles are common amongst adults it can occur in children, affecting both males and females. While hematomas are responsible for the most severe darkening unde rthe eyes, any prolonged inflammation in this area will lead to darkening, either due to eye strain, lack of sleep, allergies or use of certain cosmetics.

Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

• Allergies such as hay fever can often result in dark under the eye circles as the allergens responsible for the hay fever results in inflammation of the eye lining, often experienced as itching, as well as inflammation of the skin around the eye. Nasal congestion that often occurs during the bout of an allergy and further contributes to the inflammation which leads to dark circle formation under the eye. This occurs due to the dilation of blood capillaries from the nose to the eyes.
• Hereditary. Fair skinned individuals with naturally deep seated eyes are often prone to developing dark circles under the eye as they get older. Dark eye circles can also develop due to genetic factors.
• Thinning of the skin around the eye occurs due to the loss of collagen and fat deposition  around the eye area as a result of ageing. Blood vessels become more distinct due to the decreased amounts of collagen and fat giving the appearance of dark eye circles. The development of puffy eyelids or hollows under the eyes occur due to the natural process of ageing
• Lack of sleep. Disturbances in the normal sleep cycle can result in the skin looking pale with development of circles under the eyes appearing darker in colour. A lack of sleep can also contribute to tired looking eyes that can often give the appearance of puffiness.
• Sun damage. The excessive amounts of sun exposure can cause the body to produce large amounts of melanin (pigment cells) to protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. This results in the weakening of skin tissue under the eyes contributing to dark eye circles.
• Lifestyle. The consumption of alcohol, caffeinated drinks and smoking results in the accumulation of toxins  in the body. This build up can often lead to the development of dark circles under the eye area.
• Dehydration. The decrease intake of water with the combination of alcohol and caffeinated beverages can lead to dehydration resulting in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
• Fluid retention in the body are commonly due to illness, excessive dieting, increased amounts of salt intake, smoking, medication, disorder’s of the heart, thyroid, kidney and liver. The above results in the dilation of the blood capillaries causing the eyes to appear engorged with dark circles under the eyes.

Treatment of Dark Circles

• Increase the amount of water intake to help detox the body of the accumulated toxins. The daily recommended allowance of water intake is approximately 6 to8 glasses.
• Decrease or eliminate the consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration.
• The use of a sunscreen would help prevent the weakening of the skin’s tissue around the eyes.
• Laser therapy and chemical peels can decrease the discoloration around the eye area.
• Hollows that develop under the eye due to aging can be corrected with collagen injections.
• Decrease smoking and salt intake, and increase sleep and vitamin intake which will help minimise the appearance of dark circles under the eye.