Dark circles or dark patches underneath the eyes occur when the blood vessels show through the skin, giving the under-eye area a bluish appearance, or when the skin underneath the eyes becomes pigmented because of sun damage. In most cases, dark circles under the eyes are a cosmetic problem and do not require medical attention, says the Mayo Clinic. If you can't stand the appearance of the dark area underneath your eyes, consult a dermatologist.
Step 1
Apply a cold compress to temporarily reduce the appearance of darkness under the eyes, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Rinse a washcloth in cold water and then apply the washcloth to the under-eye area for several minutes. The cold temperature will cause enlarged blood vessels to contract.
Step 2
Spray a saline nasal spray up both nostrils. Saline spray will reduce sinus pressure in the nose, which causes swelling in the blood vessels underneath the eyes. Spray saline up each nostril and then blow your nose.
Step 3
Apply an over-the-counter cream designed to reduce dark circles. Creams that contain vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and retinol may moderately reduce the appearance of dark circles, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Sleep more. Dark eyes may not be caused by a lack of sleep, but not sleeping can make the darkness look even worse, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Get laser surgery to erase sun damage from the under-eye area. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can perform laser surgery on the area underneath the eyes to help reduce the amount of melanin on the skin. Laser surgery will lighten the dark area.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen under the eyes to prevent sun damage.
- Consult a doctor if darkness under the eyes is accompanied by any additional medical symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Saline nasal spray
- Over-the-counter cream for dark circles
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