Genetics: Dark circles can be hereditary. This risk factor is thought to be due to changes in pigmentation. Nonwhite ethnicity: Dark circles are more common in people with darker skin tones, and they affect people of color more than white people. A tear trough is the hollow under the eyes, which can cause dark circles and is related to aging. These changes can make dark circles appear more defined in older adults. Older age: Loss of fatty tissue and thinning of the skin around the eyes are part of the aging process. There are some risk factors for dark circles under the eyes, such as: eye drop treatment for glaucoma, such as bimatoprost.reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes.hyperpigmentation, which happens when the body produces more melanin.The area under the eyes can appear darker due to constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or from thinning of the skin around the eyes.Īll causes of dark circles under the eyes include: Share on Pinterest Poor sleep may cause dark circles under the eyes.