Remedy for Dark Circles

Those dreaded dark circles under your eyes can add years to your age. Fortunately, there are many ways to diminish their appearance. The best way to figure out which remedy is best for you is to determine the most likely cause of the under-eye dark circles. Generally, eight hours of sleep, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, staying well-hydrated and avoiding the sun will keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.

Causes

Since the skin around the eyes is so thin, the blood vessels underneath may be visible, causing a blue-toned cast, according to dermatologist Audrey G. Kunin, M.D. The skin may become even thinner due to aging or dehydration. Other causes of dark circles include fluid retention, allergies, eczema, heredity, irregular pigmentation and iron deficiency.

Prevention

Smoking, alcohol, caffeine and too much sun may contribute to dark circles and are best to avoid, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. While a suntan may be attractive, it also produces extra pigment that may darken those circles. And allergy sufferers should refrain from rubbing their itchy, watery eyes, which may actually alter skin color, says Dr. Kunin.

Simple Solutions

Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables will hydrate and nourish the skin. Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend that you get a full-night's rest to keep you from looking pale and tired, which may make dark circles appear more prominent; sleep with your head elevated, propped with two or more pillows, to reduce fluid retention; and clear out your nasal passages using a neti pot filled with a saline solution.
Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen protects the under eye area and peach or yellow under eye concealer effectively lightens that bluish cast. Another way to brighten that area is to lightly tap on skin to increase blood circulation.

Compresses

In her book "Organic Body Care Recipes," author Stephanie Tourles recommends lying down for about 15 minutes with any of the following cold compress over your eyes: Cool cucumber slices contain Vitamin C and caffeic acid, which help increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Chilled potato slices contain catecholase, an enzyme that lightens skin. Cold teabags--black, green or chamomile--minimize swelling.
Cotton pads dipped in cold whole milk offer anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. The backs of refrigerated metal teaspoons also lessen swelling.
Another treatment is to beat two egg whites, add witch hazel and apply under your eyes. This astringent mixture tightens and smooths the skin, and the riboflavin in the eggs enhances blood circulation. After 15 minutes, rinse off with water.

Topical Treatments

The "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology" published a study that Vitamins A (retinol) and K in a topical cream help minimize dark circles. Your dermatologist can prescribe a cream, or you can buy one over-the-counter. According to the Mayo Clinic, under-eye creams including Vitamins A, C, E and K have positive results.