Dark circles under your eyes can make you appear older or tired. While applying makeup to the under-eye area can be helpful in camouflaging circles, it may not completely conceal the problem in some cases. Understanding factors that can cause dark circles can help you find an appropriate strategy or treatment.
Identification
Dark circles are areas of darker skin directly under both of your eyes. Dark circles affect both men and women and often start in adulthood, according to MayoClinic.com. Under-eye circles aren't usually a sign of a serious illness.
Causes
Dark circles can occur if you suffer from nasal congestion, allergies, eczema or have a family history of darker skin under the eyes. As you age, the skin under your eyes becomes thinner and the amount of collagen and fat under your eyes decreases, which makes blood vessels more noticeable. Under-eye blood vessels are also more obvious if you have fair skin.
The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that darker skin can occur due to a build up of fluid in the area caused by rubbing or scratching the area around the eyes. Other possible causes of dark circles include a lack of sleep, sun exposure, extra melanin in the under-eye area, smoking or drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.
Home Treatment
Applying cold compresses to the eyes can temporarily reduce dilated and discolored under-eye blood vessels, according to MayoClinic.com. Dark circles may appear more pronounced if the area under your eye is also puffy. Placing blocks under the legs of the head of your bed or using extra pillows to raise your head can decrease puffy eyes. If you suffer from allergies, taking over-the-counter or prescription allergy medication and using saline sprays can help relieve congestion that causes circles.
Medical Treatment
If home treatment doesn't help reduce dark circles, your doctor may recommend that you use a bleaching cream to lighten the under-eye area. Your doctor may recommend removing the top layers of the skin under your eyes with laser therapy or a chemical peel if your problem is caused by extra melanin in your skin. Injectable fillers can be helpful in reducing hollows that cause shadows to appear under your eyes.
Warning
While most home remedies won't harm you, they might not help treat your problem either. The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that that there is no evidence that applying such substances as a cold, raw steak or lemon juice to the under-eye area will reduce darkening.
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