Tips to Make Dark Circles Under the Eyes Go Away

Dark circles under the eyes can make you look exhausted, even if you've gotten plenty of sleep. Although dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a lack of sleep, they may also be as a result of allergies, nasal congestion, diet, age and sun exposure, states the Mayo Clinic. Dark circles under the eyes are not serious in most cases and can be treated at home.

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by enlarged blood vessels and capillaries that appear underneath the skin. Applying a cold compress to the area around the eyes will constrict the blood vessels, making the under-eye area appear temporarily brighter. Place several ice cubes in a dishtowel, or rinse a clean washcloth in cold water. and apply to the eye area for 10 to 15 minutes, suggests Eric Donnenfeld, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at North Shore University Hospital. Additionally, applying a teabag rinsed in cold water can help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels in the under-eye area.

Nasal congestion can cause blood vessels around the nose and eye area to swell, making under-eye circles more prominent. A saline nasal spray can help clear out sinuses, making blood vessels smaller and dark circles less noticeable. Saline nasal spray is available at drugstores and grocery stores. Spray the solution into one nostril, then blow your nose. Repeat with the other nostril and continue to use the spray as needed throughout the day.

Allergies, whether environmental, pet or food allergies, can cause the blood vessels under the eye to swell. The best way to get rid of under-eye circles due to allergies is to eliminate the source of the allergies completely, suggests ophthalmologist, Merrill M. Knopf, M.D. If eliminating the allergens is impossible, take an antihistamine medication to temporarily relieve the circles under the eyes.

If dark circles under the eyes are caused by sun damage or skin pigmentation due to age, a dermatologist can perform laser therapy to remove the excess pigmentation. It may require several laser treatments to completely remove the pigmentation. To prevent further damage to the skin under the eyes, wear sunscreen and sunglasses when going out in the sun.