Dark circles under the eyes aren’t always a sign of illness or too many years of partying, but they can age you faster than gray hair or wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, some simple lifestyle changes and cosmetic procedures can improve your appearance, whether you’ve been battling your under-eye circles for years or you were recently surprised to hear someone say, “Boy, you look tired!” after you’d gotten a full night’s rest.
Nasal Rinses and Sprays
Nasal congestion leads the veins around your eyes and nose to dilate and fill with fluid, sometimes causing them to darken, according to Health Services at Columbia University. One way to clear your sinuses is to use an over-the-counter saline spray. Alternately, you can use a bulb syringe or neti pot full of a salt water solution--1/4 tsp. sea salt and 2 cups warm water--to flush your sinuses, says the Mayo Clinic.
Cold Treatments
Cold temperatures can reduce some of the dilation and discoloration of those blood vessels under your eyes. The Mayo Clinic suggests using a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth, two chilled teaspoons or a cool, used tea bag. Hold a cool compress over your eyes for a few minutes as you sit upright, suggests Health Services at Columbia University.
Adequate Sleep
Sleepless nights aren’t usually the cause of dark circles under the eyes, but not getting enough sleep can cause you to become pale and hollow-eyed, according to the Mayo Clinic. This change in your appearance can emphasize the appearance of any dark under-eye circles. The American Psychological Association says that most healthy adults need about eight hours of sleep every night to feel well-rested, but your ideal sleep period may be as little as six hours or as long as 10 hours.
Skin Creams
You have probably noticed creams and so-called “miracle” serums that claim to completely eliminate the dark circles under the eyes. Some of these claims are unrealistic and not all creams work in the same way. However, research has shown that a cream containing retinol and vitamins C, E and K may result in moderate improvement, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Make-Up
A concealer that is peach-colored can temporarily camouflage dark circles that have a bluish tone, says the Mayo Clinic. However, the clinic recommends not using any scented products or cosmetics that contain glycolic or salicylic acid, because they can cause irritation that makes under-eye circles look worse.
Cosmetic Filler
Plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists can inject hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate component found in the body, to fill in undereye depressions and temporarily reduce dark circles under the eyes, according to a 2005 ABC News article, “New Technique Banishes Dark Under-Eye Circles Without Surgery.” Although these cosmetic fillers produce visible results, they aren’t for everyone; they are pricey, they require a needle injection and they don’t last longer than three to six months, according to ABC News.
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