People often associate dark circles under the eyes with lack of sleep. However, there are many possible causes for dark circles. Sometimes they're even shadows cast by eyelids that have become puffy. Age is a factor too. Loss of fat and collagen coupled with thinning skin can make the blood vessels under your eyes more visible. The blue tint from veins close to the skin's surface becomes more visible as skin thins. Medication that dilates blood vessels can also contribute to or cause dark circles. Fortunately there are things you can do to reduce your dark circles.
Step 1
Drink enough water. Even mild dehydration can cause dark circles to appear. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily.
Step 2
Eat foods that boost your skin health. Choose whole grains and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Nosh on orange and yellow vegetables for vitamin A; strawberries and citrus fruits for vitamin C, which supports collagen production; and green leafy vegetables for vitamin E and silica. Include essential fatty acids and zinc in your diet. Both nutrients are vital for skin health. Eat salmon or take fish oil to get your omega-3s. Eat beef and pork for zinc. Take iron or consume foods with iron in them if you are anemic. When you are anemic you suffer inadequate oxygen flow to body tissues. It also makes skin pale, so the bluish veins underneath the eyes are more visible. Eat eggs, beans, meat, leafy greens and enriched cereals for iron.
Step 3
Treat your allergies. Allergies are one of the most common causes for under-eye circles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Visit your doctor if you do not know what you are allergic to. Check for food allergies as well as seasonal allergies.
Step 4
Alleviate nasal congestion and sinusitis. Congestion can darken and dilate the veins that drain from the eyes to the nose, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who have chronic sinusitis often also have dark circles under the eyes.
Step 5
Change lifestyle choices that can lead to dark circles. Eliminate or cut back on alcohol and caffeinated sodas. Stop smoking. If you are sedentary, get some exercise. This will boost circulation and improve your overall health. Try yoga, tai chi or walking if you are just getting started. Work out for at least 10 minutes at a time five days a week, the minimum amount to gain a health benefit, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Step 6
Try acupressure. People who practice traditional Chinese medicine believe applying pressure to points on your body boosts energy and blood flow. Do a daily acupressure exercise to diminish under-eye circles. Close your eyes. Press your ring finger underneath one eye very gently. Move your finger and press again. Move from the inside corner to the outside. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Do the other eye.
Step 7
Stay out of the sun or use sunscreen. Sunlight triggers production of melanin in the body. Melanin is pigment that darkens your skin.
Step 8
Quit rubbing your eyes. If your eyes are itchy due to allergies or seasonal colds, try using moisturizing drops instead of rubbing, which contributes to dark circles.
Step 9
Massage eye cream or almond oil and honey onto the dark circles for 15 minutes before going to sleep. Almond oil contains vitamin E and is a monounsaturated fatty acid, both of which benefit skin. Moisturizers with vitamins K or E, sesame oil, safflower oil and avocado oil are especially good for skin.
Step 10
Use cold therapy on the under-eye area. Put two spoons in the refrigerator and place them under the eyes for 10 minutes once chilled. Freeze parsley in some ice cubes and apply under the eyes. Parsley has chlorophyll that can aid in fading darkness by easing the pigmentation.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dark Circles Under Eyes
- "Super Nutrition for Women," Ann Louise Gittleman, 2004
- Natural-homeremedies.org: How to Get Rid of Dark Circles
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