While eye pads to treat dark circles are commercially available, they can be costly. Dark circles can often be simply and effectively treated with natural substances found around your home.
Causes
Dark circles are caused by blood vessels close to the surface of the skin beneath the eyes. When your body is stressed these tiny blood vessels leak and blood pools in the eye socket. This is visible as the skin in this area is very delicate. Although they are usually harmless, dark circles can make you look ill or tired.
Dietary And Lifestyle Solutions
The main treatable cause of dark circles is insufficient or unsatisfying sleep. Developing a healthy sleeping routine may eliminate your dark circles completely. Allergies to gluten, lactose or pollen can also cause dark circles; eliminating these stressors or taking antihistamines can have a significant effect on dark circles.
Topical Solutions
Topically applied remedies can be an effective short-term treatment for dark circles. Used tea bags contain caffeine and tannins, substances that reduce puffiness and cause the blood vessels to draw away from the surface of the skin. Apply cold used tea bags to the eye area while lying down, and leave them in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash your face with cold water after use, ensuring that you remove any tea as it may otherwise stain the skin. Freshly sliced cold cucumber can also be used as a home solution to dark circles under your eyes. Cucumber contains a number of essential vitamins and other antioxidants that are thought to help to lighten dark circles. The coldness of the cucumber makes the blood vessels retreat from the surface of the skin. Leave the slices in place over closed eyes for up to 20 minutes, then remove and pat dry the area gently. The same procedure can be followed with potato slices because they are thought to contain a natural lightening substance.
Untreatable Dark Circles
Some dark circles cannot be treated effectively. These include dark circles that are family traits, or dark circles caused by shadows resulting from your facial structure. People with dark skin tones can have skin that is darker beneath the eyes. A concealer that is slightly lighter than your own skin tone can reduce the appearance of these otherwise untreatable dark circles.
When to See Professional
Dark circles can sometimes be an indicator of an undiagnosed health problem. One of the symptoms of anemia, an iron related blood problem, is dark circles under the eyes. Dark circles can also be a symptom of some vitamin deficiencies. If you suspect that your dark circles may be symptoms of either of these conditions, consult your physician. A simple blood test can test for these. Under eye circles can sometimes be an indicator of fluid retention, a condition with many possible systemic and metabolic causes. Consult a medical professional if you have concerns about fluid retention.
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