Dark circles under the eyes aren't always caused by a lack of sleep, says the Mayo Clinic. If you notice darkened areas underneath the eyes, they may be caused by allergies, nasal congestion, sun damage or thinning skin due to age or heredity. Dark circles that are caused by enlarged blood vessels underneath the eyes can be treated at home, while circles due to sun damage may require a doctor's care.
Saltwater Nasal Rinse
Rinsing out the sinuses with a homemade saltwater rinse may help constrict swollen blood vessels, making dark circles appear less noticeable, says the Mayo Clinic. Use a saltwater rinse if your dark circles are caused by nasal congestion or allergies. Mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 tsp. sea salt in a cup until the salt has completely dissolved. Pour the saltwater solution into a clean nasal spray container, then spray two sprays of the solution into each nostril. Blow your nose to remove the congestion and saltwater from the sinuses.
Cold Compress
Placing a cold compress over the eye area will help minimize blood vessels, temporarily reducing the appearance of dark circles underneath the eyes, says Jeannette Graf, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Place two teaspoons in the freezer until they are cold, then place one over each eye to constrict the blood vessels, recommends the Mayo Clinic. If you don't have teaspoons on hand, you can also use a cold, wet washcloth or a handful of ice wrapped around a towel. Apply for 10 minutes as often as necessary throughout the day to reduce dark circles.
Laser Skin Treatment
Dark circles that are caused by skin darkening, either due to sun damage or heredity, cannot be cured with a saltwater rinse or a cold compress. To lighten the skin around your eyes, consult a dermatologist. He may recommend a laser skin procedure to help destroy melanin, or dark pigmentation, that has formed on the skin. Laser therapy may require several treatments to be completely effective. To help prevent skin pigmentation from returning, wear sunscreen and sunglasses when going outside.
Member Comments