Dark circles under the eyes are often blamed on lack of sleep, stress, or poor nutrition. But research suggests dark circles can stem from factors beyond those related to lifestyle. While fatigue and dehydration can cause them, oculoplastic specialty centers are discovering genetics may be a prominent cause. Studies indicate genetics may leave you with a predisposition for dark circles. But even if caused by genetics, there are dark circle treatments that can reduce the visibility of dark circles so you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.

The Common Causes

Before diving deeper into the genetic component of dark circles, it is important to understand the usual causes of dark circles. These are often the first things people try to correct:

• Lack of sleep. The most common culprit of dark circles.
• Fatigue can cause your skin to appear dull and pale. This allows dark tissues and blood vessels to be visible beneath your skin.
• Dehydration. Your body needs water for pretty much everything. When you aren’t drinking enough of it, your eyes can look sunken and dull.
• Allergies. Allergies can cause blood vessels to dilate and become more visible.
• Aging. Skin naturally loses collagen and becomes thinner as you age. This allows the vessels underneath to be more apparent.

If you have addressed all of these concerns and it only makes a small difference, it may be time to look at the genetic angle.

Genetic Causes

• Excess melanin or hyperpigmentation. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. Some are genetically predisposed to produce more melanin in the skin. This can create a brownish hue. This is most common in individuals with darker skin tones and is often genetic.
• Thin, translucent skin. The skin around your eyelids is the thinnest on your entire body. Genetics can sometimes make this skin exceptionally thin and translucent.
• Family history. If dark circles run in your family, it is more likely that you will have dark circles as well. Your genetic makeup determines the structure and pigmentation of your skin.

Treatment

There are many treatments available for combating dark circles. Home remedies can include:

• More sleep.
• More pillows.
• Cold compress.
• Cucumbers.
• Teabags.
• Facials.
• Cosmetics.

Medical Treatment

For fast and permanent dark eye circle treatment, contact an experienced oculoplastic surgeon. They can provide you with treatment options that would work best for your situation. Medical treatments may include:

• Topical creams and bleaching agents.
• Chemical peels.
• Laser therapy.
• Tissue fillers.
• Eyelid surgery.
• Platelet-rich plasma injections.

Prevention

Dark circles under your eyes caused by genetics are typically not preventable. But there are some lifestyle modifications you can make to help:

• Use sun protection.
• Adjust your sleep schedule.
• Reduce stress.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking and using tobacco products.

Your Path Forward

Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated can certainly make a difference, but these habits address only part of what causes dark circles. The underlying cause of persistent dark circles can be traced back to your DNA. But even though this genetic link is unavoidable, you’re not out of options! Rather than going through ineffective home remedies, a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can help you find effective treatment. A surgeon can determine whether your dark circles are due to lifestyle or genetics and create an individualized dark circle treatment plan. Seeking expert care can help skip the guesswork so you can effectively manage even dark circles linked to genetics.

CTA: Are you suffering from persistent dark circles? Consult an oculoplastic surgeon today.

Reference:

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Dark Circles Under Eyes.