Your genetic history can play a major role in how severe your dark circles can be and at what age you start to have them. In a 2015 study, researchers found 24 to be the average age of onset.
But how can you figure out if it is in fact hereditary or if the cause is something else?
What are the Genetic causes of dark circles?
If you have dark circles that don’t seem to go away no matter what, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist and get a blood workup done. Here are a few signs that can determine if they have a genetic predisposition:
1. Lower collagen level - Collagen is the protein in the body that helps maintain skin elasticity thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While collagen naturally decreases with age, chances are that you genetically have lower levels of collagen. This can result in even lesser elasticity in the under-eye skin area, making it more susceptible to loosening and developing pigmentation.
2. Genetic hyperpigmentation - How much melanin our skin produces is often something we inherit. Melanin is the compound responsible for the skin colour we have and this is something we inherit. This also means that if either of your parents has a history of hyperpigmentation, it has likely been passed on to you and it can present as dark circles quite easily.
3.Poor blood circulation - Poor blood circulation can be caused by several underlying reasons, including anaemia, which can easily be passed on from parents to offspring. If you do have a genetic disorder that results in poor blood circulation, you are at a higher risk of developing dark circles because the undereye skin is thinner than the rest of the body and pigmentation is caused as a result of poor blood oxygen delivery first shows up here.
4. Thinner under-eye skin: Undereye skin is already extremely thin but if it is thinner than usual, that can often cause dark circles to become more prominent because of the appearance of undereye blood vessels as well as more damage to the area.
5. Inborn allergies - Certain allergies which are either present at birth or contracted shortly after can cause inflammation and result in undereye blood vessels getting more dilated than usual. This can make your dark circles appear more prominent.
Can you decrease the severity of genetic dark circles?
While it is not possible to cure dark circles that are caused by genetic factors, using the right products and making the right changes in your lifestyle can definitely help you lessen the severity of their appearance, making them more manageable.
1. Lifestyle changes: If you are already predisposed to having dark circles, bad lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, poor nutrition, indulging in smoking and drinking, etc. are some factors that can exacerbate the problem. However, if you do pay attention to your lifestyle, you can easily prevent your dark circles from getting worse.
2. Using Niacinamide rich products: Products and ingredients that have been clinically proven to help alleviate dark circles can really help you lessen the severity of yours. Our high-science formula is a good example. It contains a combination of 5 powerful ingredients — niacinamide, polypeptide*1, retinol and retinyl propionate, and bio saccharide gum — that sequentially help reduce dark circles and have been proven to fix dullness around the eyes within one week of use.
3. Protecting the undereye skin: Take measures such as touching the area gently, applying sunscreen to prevent further sun damage, avoiding rubbing and tugging, and using products dedicated to the undereye area. These measures will ensure that you’re not causing any further damage and worsening your dark circles.
4. Treating your allergies: If your dark circles are caused by genetic allergies, keeping histamines handy and consulting your doctor are crucial. You want to avoid triggering your allergies and then having to deal with the aftermath. Preventative measures can also lessen the severity of the appearance of your dark circles.
Determine first, treat later
While genetic dark circles are much harder to deal with, using the right products can make the process slightly easier. Make sure you stick to clinically-prove and dermatologist-backed ingredients such as niacinamide and retinol only as using the wrong things can do more harm than good and often increase the severity of your dark circles.
