How to Remove Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Go to bed early. Get enough sleep every night. It is still unclear why lack of sleep leads to dark circles under the eyes, but insufficient rest tends to make the skin paler (thus increasing the appearance of puffiness) and reduces blood circulation. Too little rest is also considered a cause of dark circles. Before going to bed at night, make sure to remove all eye makeup. If you don’t, as you age, your eyes may look much more tired.

• Determine how many hours of sleep you need (usually 7-9 hours per night, but this varies for different people at different stages of life). Try to get that amount of sleep regularly for a few weeks to see if it helps.
• Alcohol and drugs can negatively affect the quality of your sleep. Avoid these products or use them in moderation for the best results.
• Ensure you get enough sleep-supporting vitamins. Lack of sleep, combined with poor vitamin absorption, tends to reduce adrenal gland function. The less your adrenal glands function, the less vitamin B6 you absorb. The less B6 you absorb, the worse your adrenal glands perform, and you end up in a vicious cycle. Sleep, take vitamins regularly (if necessary), consume plenty of calcium/magnesium through green leafy vegetables (they have higher calcium and magnesium content than dairy products), and ensure adequate mineral intake to restore adrenal function.

Treat allergies. Allergies are a common cause of discoloration under the eyes. If allergies are the root of your problem, treat them or eliminate the allergen. Seasonal allergies like colds can be effectively managed with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

• For other allergies, the best course of action is often avoidance. If you frequently experience dark circles or puffiness, you might have an undiagnosed food allergy or a reaction to chemicals at home or work. Consult a dermatologist to help identify potential allergens. People with allergies may also tend to lack B6, folic acid, and B12. Taking a multivitamin could be beneficial.
• Gluten intolerance. Another common allergy causing dark circles is gluten intolerance—a specific allergy to wheat. More seriously, you might have Celiac disease. To check for Celiac disease, get a blood test. It’s important to remember that you can be gluten intolerant without having Celiac disease.

Address nasal congestion. A stuffy nose can lead to dark circles under the eyes as the veins around your sinuses darken and dilate.

Eat well. Maintain a balanced, healthy diet, take vitamins, and drink plenty of water. Many aesthetic issues can stem from vitamin deficiencies. Dark circles and puffiness are often due to a lack of vitamin K or insufficient antioxidants. Additionally, a B12 deficiency (often linked to anemia) can lead to dark circles.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens. Take daily vitamins if necessary. Stay hydrated to improve circulation.
• Reduce salt intake. Excess salt causes the body to retain water in unusual places, which can lead to puffiness. Too much salt can also impair circulation, making blood vessels under the skin appear bluer.

Consider your smoking habits and decide to quit. Smoking causes vascular problems that not only threaten your life but also make your blood vessels more prominent and bluer.

Relax. Relaxation can help eliminate the source of stress and anxiety that disrupts your sleep, diet, and rest. Instead, adequate relaxation can improve the skin under your eyes as you feel less stressed and more at ease. The skin often reflects mental and physical health, so don’t overlook the need to relax.

Accept what you cannot change. Unfortunately, some causes of dark circles under the eyes are beyond your control. These include:

• Pigmentation irregularities. These can lead to dark circles under the eyes.
• Sun exposure. This can increase melanin production.
• Thinning skin due to aging. As you age, your skin becomes thinner, making veins and blood vessels more visible as fat and collagen deplete over time.
• Genetic factors. Determine if this condition runs in your family, as dark circles are often hereditary. This doesn’t mean you can’t improve the situation, but be prepared for minimal success in completely eliminating them.
• Facial features. Dark circles might simply be shadows cast by your facial structure. There’s little you can do to change this aside from using makeup strategically.

Apply cucumber slices. Cucumbers have long been used to reduce puffiness and brighten the skin around the eyes, providing a quick refresh for tired and swollen eyes. Place a cucumber slice over each eye, covering the darkened area. Do this daily while lying down for 10-15 minutes. Keep your eyes closed.