Dark circles are one of the most common eye problems, resulting from blood vessels showing through the skin. Allergies, eczema, nasal congestion and the thinning skin due to age can all contribute to dark circles. Hyperpigmentation can cause brown circles under the eyes. The condition is often hereditary, though excessively rubbing your eyes can also lead to hyperpigmentation, according to "Good Housekeeping."
Types
If you suffer from dark circles, you may be able to reduce their appearance with at-home treatment and cosmetics, though persistent dark circles may require medical or professional cosmetic treatment. Applying a cold compress or chilled, used teabag to your eyes can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. If you suffer from nasal congestion or allergies, rinsing your sinuses daily with a saline nose spray can help. Plumping eye creams and cosmetics can also relieve the appearance of shadowy circles under your eyes. Laser therapy and chemical peels on the skin around your eyes can help fade more severe circles that do not respond to home treatment.
Function
Cold compresses encourage the blood vessels under your eyes to constrict, making them less noticeable through the thin skin under your eyes. Elevating your head on an extra pillow or two while you sleep can help prevent fluid from building up under your eyes and is particularly helpful if puffiness accompanies your dark circles. Thick eye creams can temporarily plump the skin under your eyes to make circles and discoloration less noticeable. If you have brownish circles in your eye area due to hyperpigmentation, try a cream with a skin lightener, such as licorice or kojic acid, recommends "Good Housekeeping."
Considerations
Sometimes the best solution for dark circles is to camouflage them with skin brighteners and other cosmetics. Smoothing a shimmering cream under your eyes can help reflect light and diminish the appearance of dark blue or gray circles. When choosing a concealer, opt for one with a yellowish tint that is a shade lighter than your skin tone, recommends Ramy Gafni of Ramy Beauty Therapy in "Marie Claire" magazine. Lightly dust translucent powder over the concealer to help it last and prevent smudging.
Misconceptions
While some people assume that dark circles mean a person is tired from staying up too late or not getting enough sleep, this is not usually the case, explains MayoClinic.com. Making sure you are well-rested can help your overall health, though sleep alone will not get rid of dark circles. Not getting enough sleep can make your overall skin tone paler, which can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles, however.
Warning
Some eye creams may irritate the skin under your eyes, particularly if it is very thin. Stop using any product that causes irritation or an allergic reaction to avoid damage to your eyes and excessive rubbing as this can make your dark circles worse. Some over-the-counter eye creams contain retinol, a vitamin A derivative. While retinol can improve the appearance of dark circles, do not use creams with this ingredient if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant because it increases the risk of birth defects.
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