If you find a solution, let me know, LOL! The very first baby picture of me shows circles already! I think I got mine from my mother's side of the family...last time I saw her, hers were really dark.
I've heard that vitamin K can help reduce dark circles, but I haven't used it consistently enough to know.
I do the concealer thing, too, and I would not leave the house without my concealer, even though I hardly ever wear any other makeup! Even with concealer, there is still a darker area. I haven't found the "perfect" concealer yet: one that covers completely, but isn't cakey or thick. I find that for me, the stick concealers work best.
Yes, dark circles get worse with lack of sleep or illness, or allergies, but some of us poor folks have mom and/or dad to blame as well.