Dark circles under your eyes can make you look haggard, tired and unhealthy--or just plain older. Dark circles are associated with the aging process, as collagen production slows down and the skin thins, making the blood vessels in your eyes seem more prominent, says the Mayo Clinic. But sometimes heredity, pigmentation irregularities endemic to certain ethnic groups (African-Americans and Asians), medical conditions and your sleeping habits are responsible for "raccoon eyes." Treatments for dark circles under the eyes range from simple do-it-yourself strategies to more aggressive medical procedures.
Compress
The easiest at-home treatment for dark eye circles is applying a cool compress. The Mayo Clinic suggests putting a chilled used teabag or a couple of teaspoons of frozen peas in cloth and applying them to the eyes. This may shrink dilated blood vessels underneath your eyes temporarily.
Allergy Treatment
Skincare expert Paula Begoun points out that raccoon eyes are frequently associated with untreated allergies. You may require an antihistamine or another medication--but check with your doctor first. If dark circles are related to allergies, the Mayo Clinic also advises mixing up a saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to 2 cups of warm water) and rinsing out your sinuses. You can also use a drugstore saline nasal spray.
Sunscreen
Both Mayo Clinic experts and Begoun advocate applying sunscreen to the area under the eyes. The excess melanin production caused by sun exposure makes under-eye circles appear even worse. As an added measure of protection, wear sunglasses, too.
Skincare
Begoun points out that although there are several products that purport to brighten up the eye area, "there isn't an eye cream in the world that can deal with all these issues (that cause dark eye circles to form)." Mayo Clinic experts echo the sentiment, but point out that at least one study indicates that an eye cream with vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E and retinol was "moderately effective" in getting rid of raccoon eyes.
Make-Up
Although technically not a treatment, Mayo Clinic experts note that if you can't get rid of under eye circles, you can camouflage them instead. Begoun agrees, stating that use of a concealer with a matte finish, rather than one that's too greasy, is your best bet. The tint of the concealer should be light enough to hide the circles but not so light that you look clownish.
Medical Procedures
As a last-ditch effort to enhance your appearance, Begoun suggests seeking laser treatments from a doctor, which can lighten and even get rid of dark eye circles. The Mayo Clinic indicates that in addition to laser therapy, chemical peels, injectible fillers and surgery may also be helpful, depending on what causes you to have under-eye circles.
Other
Changing your sleeping habits may also be helpful, says the Mayo Clinic. Get extra sleep--an insufficient amount of shut-eye can make you look sallow and hollow-eyed. Sleep with your head elevated by using extra pillows so that fluid won't collect in your lower lids.
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