How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes Fast

Dark circles under the eyes can be unsightly. They can also have many causes, though people frequently associate them with lack of sleep. Heredity can be a factor, as can age. The skin thins with the passing years, making the bluish veins under the eyes more visible. Many remedies, including lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising and quitting smoking, can take time to produce results. However, there are some quick fixes you can use for dark circles.

Step 1

Visit a dermatologist and discuss options for improving the appearance of your under-eye area. He may recommend attempting to thicken the skin with retinoids or creams that contain growth factors. You also can consider having fillers injected to thicken the area or using laser resurfacing to remove hyperpigmentation and thicken the skin, according to Lakeview Dermatology in Chicago. These are quick fixes but can be costly.

Step 2

Treat any allergies. These are an extremely common cause for under-eye circles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Visit your doctor to find out what you are allergic to if you don't know. Look into food allergies as well as seasonal allergies.

Step 3

Alleviate your nasal congestion or your sinusitis. Congestion makes under-eye circles worse because it will darken and dilate the veins that drain from the eyes to the nose, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who have chronic sinusitis often have dark under-eye circles.

Step 4

Curb your eczema. Eczema can cause your skin to thin. This makes blood vessels under your eyes more apparent. Visit your doctor to see if you need medication such as antibiotics or antihistamines. Seek the triggers of the eczema, such as harsh soap. Use a humidifier when you sleep.

Step 5

Apply a "kitchen" remedy. Put raw cucumber or potato slices on the eyes for 20 minutes or soak cotton balls in cold rose water and wear them on the area for 10 minutes. Concoct a lemon juice and tomato combination, using equal amounts of both juices. Put it on your under-eye circles twice daily until you see results.

Step 6

Utilize other types of cold therapy on the under-eye area. Apply chilled moisturizers with vitamins K and/or E, sesame oil, safflower oil and avocado oil. Chill two spoons in the refrigerator and place them under the eyes for 10 minutes. Freeze chopped parsley in ice cubes, and then apply the cubes under your eyes. Parsley's chlorophyll can aid in fading darkness.

Step 7

Hydrate yourself by drinking enough water. Even mild dehydration can cause dark circles to appear. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Meanwhile, cut intake of alcohol and caffeinated soda.

Tips and Warnings

  • Use sunscreen or avoid sun, as sun can darken the pigment in under-eye skin. Do not rub your eyes when they itch. This will contribute to dark circles.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Last updated on: Dec 19, 2009

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