How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Dark circles or eye circles are usually round and uniform areas of pigmentation that develop beneath and around the eyes, and imparts a look of tiredness and exhaustion to the entire face. So, they are a source of anxiety and concern for a large number of population. There can be several factors that can cause dark circles, and an understanding about these factors is very important in order to get rid of them.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Various factors, ranging from fatigue and insufficient sleep to allergies and certain other health conditions, can be associated with dark circles. Most often, these eye circles are nothing but blood vessels which become more noticeable, due to the thinning of the skin under the eyes. This can happen due to growing age and damage caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. For some individuals, dark circles can also be an inherited trait. Apart from these, they can be caused by some other factors including, allergies and hay fever, dehydration, anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, asthma, poor blood circulation, nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of vitamin K, and intake of medications that can dilate the blood vessels including those present under the eyes.

Dark Circles Under Eyes

The appearance of dark circles can be usually reduced with a few changes in lifestyle and application of some natural products.

• Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to get rid of dark circles.
• Get plenty of sleep, at least for 7 to 8 hours daily, as dark circles become more prominent due to exhaustion and tiredness.
• Apply lemon juice on the area under the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a mixture of lemon or tomato juice in the same way.
• Close the eyes and put cucumber slices over it for about 15 to 20 minutes to reduce their appearance. In a similar way, potato slices can also be used.
• Apply almond oil under and around the eyes, and gently massage the area just before going to sleep.
• Tea bags, especially of chamomile tea are another effective remedy. Put the tea bags over the eyelids and keep at least for 10 to 15 minutes.
• For tired eyes, try cold compress. It can help to refresh the strained and overworked eyes.
• Mix equal parts of cucumber and potato juice, and apply under and around the eyes. Keep for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash with clean water.
• Olive oil can also prove helpful for reducing dark circles, and nourishing the delicate skin under the eyes.
• Get some mint leaves, crush them and then apply around the eyes. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash it off with clean water.

In addition to these natural or home remedies, it is equally important to follow a balanced diet, that contains foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, C and iron. Sometimes, application of eye creams that contain retinol or vitamin A and K can also prove immensely helpful for reducing puffiness and discoloration of the skin under the eyes. If your dark circles are too prominent, then consider visiting a dermatologist. This can help to ascertain the causes, on the basis of which your dermatologist can prescribe the appropriate creams and ointments for eye circles. Sometimes, laser therapy and chemical peels can also help to erase these circles, but do not forget to talk to your dermatologist about the various aspects of such treatment.