Heredity and sun exposure can both lead to darkening of the skin under the eyes. Allergies may be another factor, as would any other skin or respiratory condition that would lead you to rub or wipe your eyes.

Rubbing or wiping your eyes will increase blood flow to the eye area. Since the skin around the eyes is very thin, increased blood flow will show up as dark circles under your eyes.

Certain medications can cause dark circles, most often those which result in blood vessel dilation. The hormonal shifts associated with pregnancy and menstruation may also change the color and texture of the skin under the eye.

While all these factors can play a role in the development of dark circles under your eyes, the two most common culprits are lack of adequate nutrition and lack of enough sleep.

If you have dark circles under your eyes, consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, as people with diets low in vitamins C and E (antioxidants), low in lutein, beta carotene, and zinc are likely to have dark circles.

Get enough sleep, and sleep with your head slightly elevated. Getting enough sleep will always help you look and feel better; sleeping with your head slightly elevated will keep the skin around the eye draining properly.

No matter what your reason for undereye circles, remember there are steps you can take to effectively combat them.

And if all else fails? Invest in a good quality concealer cream, and dot it on the inside corners of your eyes, and blend in gently. This one trick, alone, makes me look like I’ve slept a hundred hours.