Dark circles, or rings underneath the eyes, may be caused by sun damage around the eye area or by enlarged blood vessels underneath the skin under the eyes. Prolonged sun exposure may cause skin underneath the eyes to darken, while allergies, nasal congestion or heredity may create enlarged blood vessels underneath the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress to the under-eye area if you have rings that are caused by enlarged blood vessels, recommends the Mayo Clinic. The cold temperature will cause the blood vessels to constrict, making them temporarily less noticeable.
Wet a washcloth with cold water and wring it out, recommends Eric Donnenfeld, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at North Shore University Hospital/Cornell Medical College. Apply the washcloth to the under-eye area for several minutes, until blood vessels constrict and dark circles disappear.
Saline Solution
Rinse out the sinuses with a homemade saline solution to loosen sinus congestion that may cause dark circles under the eyes. Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 tsp. salt water, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Pour the mixture into a clean, empty nasal spray bottle and spray the solution up each nostril. Blow your nose to clear your sinuses.
Laser Treatments
Dark circles under the eyes due to sun damage may respond to laser skin treatments. These treatments are performed by a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist and may require several treatments before the procedure is completely effective.
Address Allergies
Get an allergy test from an allergist or general practitioner to determine the cause of enlarged blood vessels underneath the eyes. Common allergies include dust, pollen, pet dander and dairy products, says "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Avoid all known allergies from your environment to eliminate dark circles underneath the eyes.
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