Dark circles under the eyes can affect anyone and they aren’t typically signs of exhaustion or any serious medical problems. They can age a person faster than gray hair or wrinkles, however, says the Mayo Clinic. If you want to get rid of the circles under your eyes, you may choose from a variety of treatments, but first recognize that they probably won’t erase all traces of the dark pigment.
Step 1
Get some extra sleep. Short nights aren’t usually responsible for dark circles under the eyes, but not getting enough sleep can make them appear more obvious by causing you to look paler and hollow-eyed, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Adults don’t all need the same amount of sleep, but the American Psychological Association reports that most healthy adults typically require about eight hours of sleep every night. Using two or more pillows during your beauty sleep can also reduce under-eye puffiness by preventing fluid from pooling into your lower eyelids, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Take an antihistamine if you have allergies. Nasal allergies can cause sinus inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels below the eyes, according to Glamour Magazine. Mild allergies typically respond well to over-the-counter antihistamines but you may need a prescription medication if sneezing, dry throat and itchy eyes persist.
Step 3
Place something cold under your eyes. Almost anything cold will work, so don’t be too discriminating. The Mayo Clinic suggests using a cold compress, chilled teaspoons, a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or a cooled, used tea bag.
Step 4
Apply a skin cream. Not all skin creams provide the magical age-defying results they promise, but some are more effective than others. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cream that contains retinol and vitamins E, C, and K may be moderately effective in minimizing dark circles under the eyes.
Step 5
Wear under-eye makeup. A peach-colored concealer can effectively hide bluish dark circles under the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoid using products that contain scents, glycolic acid or salicylic acid, as these may irritate eye tissue and exacerbate swelling and redness.
Step 6
Talk to your doctor about cosmetic procedures if you have trouble controlling your dark circles. He may be able to refer you to a skin specialist who can inject cosmetic filler. These cosmetic fillers, which are used to plump up the lips, can also quickly and effectively reduce the appearance of under-eye circles, according to a 2005 "ABC News" article. However, this procedure isn’t ideal for everyone, as it only offers temporary results and it involves an invasive needle injection.
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