Dark Eye Circles – Cause of Dark Circles Under Eyes

The cause of dark circles under the eyes is a very annoying problem men and women face.  But once you know the cause the solution is much easier.  Let’s look at the causes of dark circles around eyes and then let’s find out how to remove dark circles.

Main Cause of Dark Circles

While there are many contributing factors, the underlying causes in all cases are leaky blood vessels and thin skin.

The skin’s thickness varies from .05mm on the eyelids to 1.5mm on the palms and soles of the feet.  The skin beneath the eyes is just slightly thicker than that of the eyelids.  It is still less than 1/100th of an inch thick.

Thinner Eye Skin Area

Reduced production of new cells may mean that the skin’s layers become even thinner as we age.  The skin is one of the organs of the body that is constantly being replaced.  But, the replacement process slows down as we get older.

The fatty tissue layer responsible for the skin’s firmness becomes thinner, as well.  There is very little of that fatty tissue beneath the eyes, anyway.

The tiny blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface are responsible for carrying nutrients to the cells and carrying waste products away from them.  Due to poor nutrition or general aging, the blood vessels can start to leak.

In areas where the skin is thicker, the leaking blood vessels would not be noticeable.  Because the area beneath the eyes is so thin, the leakage is very noticeable. 

Waste Under Eyes = Eye Circles

As waste products and hemoglobin leak from the blood vessels, what we see are dark circles under our eyes.  Now, what causes the blood vessels to leak?
 
I touched on that briefly above.  Poor nutrition or aging are the most common causes.  Let me give you a few more details.

When we are young and well nourished, all of our blood vessels are strong.  There are no leaks. 

As we get older, the blood vessels weaken and can eventually start to leak.  This can cause serious health problems inside of the body, including heart disease and stroke.

Dark Circles Around Eyes – Health Problem Sign?

While dark circles under the eyes are not a serious health problem, they could indicate that one is present.  The most likely health problem is a nutritional deficiency. 

A lack of any essential nutrient will almost always show up as a minor skin problem and can lead to fragile capillaries or blood vessels.  Dark circles under the eyes may be a symptom of iron deficiency, vitamin E deficiency, vitamin C deficiency or a general lack of antioxidants in the diet. 

Get Plenty of Rest

The contributing factors include fatigue or lack of sleep.  Practically anyone will see shadows under their eyes after a late night.  Being stressed or overworked can contribute to insomnia, which in turn can cause dark circles under the eyes. 

Genetics could be a factor.  People with olive complexions are more likely to have dark circles under their eyes than fair-skinned or darker skinned individuals.

Dark circles make you look older.  They make you look tired, even if you are not. 

Now that you know What Causes Dark Eye Circles, you will learn How To Remove Dark Circles Under Eyes in the next article, just click the link in the Resource/Author Box Below for a special invitation.