Why Do I Have Dark Circles Under My Eyes?

8. Ethnicity

A lesser-known cause of dark circles under the eyes is ethnicity. While dark circles appear in people of all skin colors, a 2014 study has found that they occur more often in people of color. Researchers believe this is due to the differences in melanin between ethnicities. People with darker skin possess higher levels of eumelanin, which provides better protection from the sun and may also make dark circles under the eyes more likely and visible.