Hereditary Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Heredity can be a boon when you get your mom's long eyelashes or your dad's blue eyes, but it can be a pain when you inherit dark circles. Genes are the most common cause of dark circles, says New York City-based dermatologist Charlotte Clark in "Real Simple" magazine 13.
Identification
Hereditary dark circles under your eyes look just like other dark circles -- they show up as round, uniform areas of darker skin underneath your eyes 1. The difference is that hereditary dark circles are determined by genetics, so while you can do things to make them look worse or better, you can't control whether or not you have them in the first place.
Types
How to Get Rid of Dark Undereye Circles From Allergies
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A few different types of dark circles may be hereditary. Most dark circles are caused by allergies, which can be hereditary, says Cheryl M. Burgess, medical director at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, D.C., in "O, The Oprah Magazine."cause:
- Most dark circles are caused by allergies
- which can be hereditary
- says Cheryl M
Burgess
medical director at the Center for Dermatology
Dermatologic Surgery in Washington
D.C.
in "O
* The Oprah Magazine." When you rub your eyes to soothe irritation, you may be causing dark circles. Some people may also have more pigment beneath the eyes or slower vascular movement, also hereditary traits, says Burgess. Thin skin and pale skin, both hereditary traits, can also cause dark circles.
- A few different types of dark circles may be hereditary.
- Most dark circles are caused by allergies, which can be hereditary, says Cheryl M. Burgess, medical director at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, D.C., in "O, The Oprah Magazine. "
Considerations
If you're prone to dark circles because of your genes, certain behaviors can exacerbate the problem and make your dark circles more noticeable. Sun damage can cause your skin to step up melanin production, increasing under-eye darkness. Drinking too much alcohol or consuming lots of caffeinated beverages can also make dark circles more noticeable. Smoking can significantly increase the appearance of dark circles. If you are genetically prone to dark circles, you may want to limit or avoid these behaviors.
- If you're prone to dark circles because of your genes, certain behaviors can exacerbate the problem and make your dark circles more noticeable.
- If you are genetically prone to dark circles, you may want to limit or avoid these behaviors.
Prevention/Solution
Why Do You Get Dark Circles Under Your Eyes When You Are Tired?
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An over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine can help prevent dark circles caused by allergies. If thin skin runs in your family, a retinol or vitamin C cream helps stimulate collagen production to make skin thicker and the veins beneath less noticeable.
Expert Insight
If you can't fight your genes, you can hide the dark circles they cause with a little concealer. Choose a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone, and tap it onto your under-eye area with your fingertip, recommends beauty editor Valerie Monroe in "O, The Oprah Magazine." Then blend it in with your fingers until your dark circles fade away.
- If you can't fight your genes, you can hide the dark circles they cause with a little concealer.
Related Articles
References
- Real Simple Magazine: 7 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
- The New York Times: Putting "You Look Tired" To Rest
- O Magazine: Real Causes of Dark Undereye Circles
- Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(1):49–55.
- Ahmadraji, Fatemeh & Shatalebi, Mohammad. (2015). Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base. Advanced biomedical research. 4. doi: 10.10.4103/2277-9175.148292.
- Sarkar R, Ranjan R, Garg S, Garg VK, Sonthalia S, Bansal S. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(1):49–55.
- Vrcek I, Ozgur O, Nakra T. Infraorbital dark circles: A review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(2):65–72. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184046
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. What are allergic shiners?
- Mukherjee, Pulok & Nema, Neelesh & Maity, Niladri & Sarkar, Birendra. (2012). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 84. 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003
- Marini A, Grether-beck S, Jaenicke T, et al. Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(2):86-92. doi:10.1159/000335261
- Ahmadraji, Fatemeh & Shatalebi, Mohammad. (2015). Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base. Advanced biomedical research. 4. doi: 10.10.4103/2277-9175.148292.
Writer Bio
Holly Roberts is an award-winning health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in health, lifestyle and fitness magazines. Roberts has also worked as an editor for health association publications and medical journals. She has been a professional writer for more than 10 years and holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in literature.