Dark circles under the eyes are a common complaint heard by dermatologists. They rank right behind acne problems. The causes of dark circles vary by person, but they are not usually a medical problem. However, many individuals with dark circles under their eyes find them unsightly and seek ways to diminish their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Causes of undereye circles include lifestyle habits such as drinking, smoking and not receiving sufficient sleep, allergies, eczema, nasal congestion, sun exposure and thinning skin. (Reference 2)
Evaluate Your Lifestyle
Step 1
Track how many hours of sleep you get each night. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults typically need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. To attain these numbers, they recommend abstaining from exercising before bed, going to bed at the same time each night, removing electrical gadgets from the room that may distract you and creating a comfortable, dark sleeping environment. If you are falling drastically short of this number, sleep deprivation may be the cause of your under-eye circles.
Step 2
Evaluate how many alcoholic beverages you consume a week. While moderate alcohol consumption, defined as one to two drinks a day, may benefit your health, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems. The health problems range from serious ailments like cancer to minor symptoms such as dark black rings under the eyes.
Step 3
Avoid or cut back on smoking. Smoking contributes to under-eye circles by aging the skin and interfering with blood flow to the area.
Step 4
Avoid consuming highly caffeinated beverages several hours before going to sleep. Caffeine consumption may prevent you from falling asleep, shorten the length of time you sleep or cause you to frequently wake up throughout the night. If you are waking up frequently throughout the night, you are likely not getting in a good, deep sleep. According to Mayo Clinic, try to avoid caffeinated beverages for 8 hours before your desired bedtime. Your body does not store caffeine, but it remains in your system for up to 10 hours.
Consume Recommended Intake of Vitamins K, C, A and E
Step 1
Evaluate your daily intake of vitamins K, C, A and E. These vitamins have properties that aid the skin and capillaries to reduce the appearance of undereye circles. According to the Institute of Medicine, men should consume 20 micrograms of vitamin K, and women should consume 90 micrograms a day. Vitamin K produces 4 of the 13 proteins necessary for blood to clot. Blood that can easily clot heals broken capillaries efficiently. Broken capillaries that pool blood beneath the skin are one cause of undereye circles.
Step 2
Increase your intake of vitamin C by eating more citrus fruits and dark, leafy vegetables. Vitamin C produces collagen that strengthens the skin thus reducing the appearance of dark circles. The Institute of Medicine recommends women consume 75 milligrams of vitamin C a day and men consume 90 milligrams.
Step 3
Consume beta carotene from carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangos and fortified cereals to obtain more vitamin A in your diet. Vitamin A and its precursor beta carotene help maintain healthy, hydrated skin. Thin skin allows for dark pigmentation to be more visible. Men should aim to consume 900 micrograms of vitamin A while women should consume 700 micrograms. While it will not cause harm to consume higher amounts of beta carotene, the retinol variety of vitamin A does have a recommended upper limit because the body store the vitamin. The upper limit for vitamin A in the retinol form is 3,000 micrograms, according to the Institute of Medicine. (Reference 5)
Step 4
Get more vitamin E in your diet by consuming sunflower seeds, peanut butter, wheat germ and vegetable oils. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant, fighting free radicals that contribute to the aging process. As your body ages, undereye circles become more noticeable. The recommended daily intake of vitamin E is currently 15 milligrams, based on the Institute of Medicine's standards. (Reference 5)
Other Treatment Options
Step 1
Purchase a makeup concealer and apply to the dark area. If the other remedies did not permanently improve or eliminate undereye circles, it may be genetic or a result of a more complicated skin issue. For a temporary solution, a makeup concealer will reduce the appearance of the dark circle. Concealers are available in liquid, stick, cream or powder form.
Step 2
Meet with a doctor for a consultation. He or she will go over with you the causes of undereye circles and evaluate the specific cause of yours. If it cannot be treated through lifestyle or diet, you may choose to have your skin treated with a laser treatment, pulsated light or fat grafting.
Step 3
Do research and determine the right treatment option for your lifestyle.
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