The Role of Genetics in Dark Circles Under Eyes and How to Manage Them

The eyes are the windows to the soul and when you’re suffering from dark circles under your eyes, it impacts your entire persona. Dark circles refer to the area of skin below your eyes which can appear darkened in colour, creating the impression of overall fatigue. The skin can appear in shades of blue, purple, brown, or black, depending on your natural skin colour. Genetics can play an important role in creating these dark circles, but there are ways to manage them effectively.

What is the role of genetics in dark circles?

You might have suffered from dark circles under your eyes for most of your life, and this could indicate genetics are a factor. Here’s how genetics play a role.

• Skin Tone: Your skin pigmentation is genetic and can impact the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. If you have a lighter skin tone, your blood vessels might be more prominent which gives the appearance of darkness.

• Thin Skin: Another genetic contributor is how thin your skin is under your eyes as this can also make your blood vessels more visible. You could find the darkness increases when blood vessels dilate.

• Heredity: If you have parents or grandparents who suffered from dark circles under the eyes, then there’s a chance that you might suffer from it too.

• Allergies: The tendency to suffer from allergies can be hereditary and this can also exacerbate the appearance of dark circles under the eyes because of skin discolouration and puffiness.

How to deal with dark circles under your eyes

The bad news is that dark circles can be genetic, but the good news is that they can be dealt with in a number of ways. Here are some suggestions to consider.

1. Skincare Products

There are some incredibly good skincare products on the market that can treat those dark circles and create a more youthful, alert appearance. One such example is Dr. Hauschka Daily Hydrating Eye Cream which smooths, moisturises, and refreshes this delicate skin daily. This moisture-rich hydrating cream refines the delicate skin around your eyes, with revitalising ingredients to nurture and protect.

2. Cosmetic Products

There are a number of top-quality concealers on the market that you can use to address the appearance of dark circles. While some cosmetics might simply cover up the darkness, you can also try the Dr. Hauschka Light Reflecting Concealer which contains pigments to reflect the light. These reflections soften shadows around the eyes and brighten darker areas of skin to enhance your complexion and leave it glowing.

3. Diet and Hydration

You can also reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by maintaining a well-balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Tomatoes are great as they boost blood circulation, while cucumber and watermelon rehydrate the skin while boosting your eye health vitamins. Other foods to incorporate into your diet are blueberries, green vegetables, oranges, and beetroot. Finally, drinking sufficient water will also flush out the toxins in your body and reduce the salt concentration around the eyes.

4. Sleep and Lifestyle

While dark circles under the eyes can be genetic, their appearance can be exacerbated by a lack of sleep and enhanced stress. Quality and sufficient sleep – around 8 to 9 hours a night – will minimise the blood and fluid build-up around your eyes, reducing the darkness. You can also tackle stress by engaging in daily exercise, with relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation some great options.

5. Allergy Management

We mentioned earlier how allergies can be hereditary, leading to eye puffiness and darkness. If this is the primary cause of dark circles under your eyes, then you should consult with a doctor about the correct allergy medication to consider. Antihistamines or allergy shots might alleviate your symptoms, but if you can identify and manage the allergens triggering your symptoms, you can address your eye darkness as well.

To find out more about innovative skincare options that can address dark circles under the eyes, anti-ageing options, and more, take a look at Dr. Hauschka’s skincare range.