Exposure To UV Light
When exposed to direct sunlight, the skin under your eyes can produce an excess in the production of melanin (the pigment that naturally tones your skin). And this area being very sensitive, such exposure can lead to the formation of dark blotches under the skin. This process is called hyperpigmentation, and it makes the skin look a very brownish color.
The best way to combat this issue is to be sure to apply sunscreen or makeup with SPF, and to start using creams with brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C. This ingredient protects the skin against free radical damage and alleviates hyperpigmentation.
Genetics
There are two ways genetics can be involved with the formation of dark circles. The first is plain old family inheritance, which makes your skin prone to form darker pigmentation. And the other one is a condition called nevus of Ota, in which melanin-producing cells are found in the dermal layer and cause discoloration.
Sadly, there are not a lot of solutions, if any, when it comes to DNA. The most important thing that can be done is to protect the area from the sun using sunscreen and eye creams containing hyaluronic acid.
Natural Skin Aging
Your personality is not the only thing that changes when you grow up; your body also does. The skin around the eyes is especially sensitive to the aging process, which can cause it to become thinner and lose its original volume.
To target this issue, the best option is to start using face creams that are rich in retinol. This skincare ingredient is excellent at restoring elasticity and providing a better structure for skin cells. You can also get injectable fillers to solve the lack of volume problem.
Not Enough Sleep
This is among the most common factors in the formation of dark circles. When the body doesn’t get enough rest, there is an increase in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can produce vasodilation (the dilation of blood vessels due to heart acceleration).
Of course, trying to get more and better quality sleep is the main way to solve this issue, although it is easier said than done. You can improve your sleep quality by listening to relaxing music, practicing meditation, avoiding screens before going to bed and maintaining a similar sleep schedule every day.
Insufficient Hydration
Drinking less than two liters of water a day can cause dehydration in certain areas of the body, especially the eyes. The lack of sufficient water dries up the skin, and the area around the eyes can become hollow. This becomes even more prominent if there is some discoloration to begin with.
To address the problem directly, you need to start upping your fluid intake. It doesn’t have to be water specifically, but it should be at least eight glasses of it daily. Another great treatment is to use creams that contain hyaluronic acid. And try to avoid alcohol, as it tends to worsen hyperpigmentation.