Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?

What’s causing the dark circles under my eyes?

Everyone’s skin is different, and the skin beneath the eyes is a little thinner than skin elsewhere, which can give the appearance of dark shadows in some circumstances. Developing dark circles under your eyes is perfectly normal and thankfully they are nothing to worry about. Although most people are unlikely to notice them, there are a few ways to get rid of these dark circles if they’re really bothering you. Read on as we answer a reader’s question about what causes dark circles under your eyes and what you can do about them.

What’s causing the dark circles under my eyes?

“I have really dark circles under my eyes that make me feel self-conscious. I drink quite a lot and wondered if alcohol is to blame. I really want to get rid of them. What should I do?”

Feeling paranoid and insecure about the way you look can be difficult to cope with. But it’s worth remembering that many people won’t notice the dark circles under your eyes. They’re probably too busy worrying about a part of their own appearance.

What causes dark circles under eyes?

In most cases, dark circles under the eyes are perfectly natural and can sometimes be inherited. They can also be due to the skin around the eyes thinning as we get older. This thinner skin allows darker shadows of bone and blood vessels to show through.

Lifestyle factors such as fatigue and lack of sleep can also be a cause of dark circles and the appearance of eye bags, so if your sleep patterns are being disturbed, this could be a cause. Sometimes alcohol can affect sleep, so there’s a possibility that the drinking and the dark circles under your eyes are linked.

We’ve got an article on the benefits of not drinking alcohol here, which might be worth a read if you want a reason to cut back. We’ve also got one on how to sleep better.

Treatment for dark circles under your eyes

There are several eye creams and eye gels that claim to alleviate dark circles. Unfortunately, however, there are no reliable short-term treatments. But it’s worth trying to reduce or cut out alcohol because you may find this has a positive effect on your eyes. A cold compress might help, and you may also find that sticking to a balanced diet and generally trying to live a healthy lifestyle will improve things. You can find some tips for getting a balanced diet here.

Have you got any tips for dealing with dark circles under your eyes? Let us know on our discussion boards. Take a look at the rest of our articles on worries about your appearance here.