Under-eye circles are never a pretty sight, and while there is no true cure for the under eye blues, there are many options, ranging from home remedies to surgery that can effectively improve dark circles. While lack of sleep and too much alcohol might contribute to dark circles under the eyes, more prevalent causes of dark circles include allergies, nasal congestion, nutritional deficiencies and genetics. The majority, however, suffers from the escapades of some rebellious red blood cells. Red blood cells tend to seep out of the capillaries that surround the eyes. Enzymes come to the rescue to clean up the red blood cells, thereby producing that unpopular purple-blue hue. The thin skin around the eyes makes the rescue effort all the more noticeable, and while we cannot stop this physiological reaction, we can work with it.
Proper Nutrition
The easiest fix-it for dark under-eye circles is staying hydrated with 2 to 3 liters of water a day and eating a diet rich in antioxidants. Load your plate with fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C, A, E, K and iron. Avoid consuming too much potassium or sodium, which contribute to fluid retention under the eyelids and produce a puffy-eyed look.
Cooling Soaks
Place thin slices of cucumber or peeled potato on eyelids for five to 10 minutes two to three times a week to calm and cool the skin under the eyes. Cold steeped tea bags are another easy and quick fix for dark circles. The tea drenches the skin with beneficial antioxidants, and the caffeine in tea reduces water retention around the eyes. Use any variety of black, green or white tea. Avoid herbal teas except for chamomile tea, which contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Massage
Massage the skin under the eyes with a mixture of almond oil and honey every night before bed. The almond oil contains high amounts of vitamins A and E. Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply directly to the skin under the eyes for a cheap and easy natural remedy. The healing properties of milk and rose water provide further defense against dark circles. Soak a cotton ball in milk or rose water and massage gently into the skin around the eyes.
Under Eye Creams
There is a plethora of under eye creams promising dramatic results. Eye creams that live up to their claims are rich in peptides and antioxidants. Haloxyl is the brand name for Palymitoyl Tetrapeptide 7, a protein compound touted as the most effective treatment for under eye dark circles. Halyoxl strengthens the skin and boosts circulation, reducing the amount of runaway red blood cells that cause dark circles under the eyes. The French cosmetic company SeDerma conducted a clinical trial of this polypeptide that found a 600 percent reduction in the appearance of dark circles. Clinical studies also support the use of Haloxyl in combination with Eyeliss, the brand name for a combination of three peptide molecules that improve the circulatory system and diminish the fluid retention that causes puffiness. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, commonly referred to as Argireline, is another effective ingredient shown to relax wrinkles and decrease fine lines. A 2002 clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science confirmed a 30 percent reduction in wrinkle depth after 30 days of applying a 10 percent concentration of Argireline. Cynergy TK is a patented formula of functional keratin that promotes elasticity by encouraging the growth of collagen fibers. Matrixyl 3000 is another wrinkle-reducing compound that promotes collagen production and increases firmness. Hyaluronic acid is another effective ingredient that hydrates, softens and rejuvenates the sensitive skin under the eyes. Look for a combination of these ingredients when searching for an under eye cream.
Non-surgical Treatments
A board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will be able to determine if a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment is appropriate for your under eye condition. Popular treatments include laser skin resurfacing, blue light therapy, and the IPL Photofacial. Dark circles can also be masked with dermal fillers such as Juvederm, which subtly fills sunken eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Surgical Treatments
The most popular surgical procedure for eliminating dark circles under the eyes is blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, muscle and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. This surgery takes one to two hours to complete and several months to fully heal and enjoy results. Be sure to find a licensed and qualified plastic surgeon in your area.
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