Since I was just a wee young lass ('cause you know, I'm Irish) (no I'm not), I've had people -- family, friends, and perfect strangers -- coming up to me to ask me what's wrong? are you okay? why aren't you happy? Once I get over my initial bewilderment (what are you talking about? who are you? I'm not happy?), I realize that their misperception is probably based on one of three things:
1. I find it excruciatingly difficult to plaster a fake smile on my face.
2. I'm introverted, and usually pretty deep in thought -- intense, intellectual, brow-furrowing thought.
3. I have, and have always had, big, dark circles under my eyes. So basically, I look like I've been up all night staring death in the eye. Or something equally melodramatic.
Having those big (or little), dark circles under your eyes is pretty common. Your eyelids and the skin directly under your eyes are particularly tender and senstive areas of your epidermis, so those dark circles under your eyes can be caused by a myriad of things, including lifestyle, diet, and hereditary disposition. Read on for steps you can take to treate, reduce, and even get rid of dark circles under your eyes.
Getting Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
Getting enough sleep and relieving stress can eliminate dark circles under your eyes. If you're living the typical busy life: staying up late, getting up early, working hard, and playing harder, the dark circles under your eyes can easily be a symptom of exhaustion and stress. Make sure you're getting the needed 7-9 hours of sleep a night and taking some time at least once a week to do something relaxing, just for yourself, and those dark circles should get better in no time.
Identifying and treating your allergies can also improve the dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles under your eyes can also be a symptom of allergies -- food allergies, chemical allergies, environmental allergies, seasonal allergies. If you haven't already, identify the source of your allergies (this may take the help of a doctor or dermatologist) and begin treating them, either by removing the source, using OTC products such as Claritin, or taking prescription medication such as Zyrtec (the only thing that works for me). For more information, see How to Get Rid of Allergies.
Overnight face and under-eye creams with Vitamin K and retinol can reduce the dark circles under your eyes. Because dark circles under your eyes, and other skin problems, can indicate a vitamin deficiency, skin creams containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A) can repair and restore your skin and reduce the appearane of dark circles under your eyes. Applying such a cream overnight is an effective way of treating your skin for longer periods of time.
Supplementing your diet with vitamins can get rid of dark circles under your eyes. For the same reasons stated above (skin discoloration and puffiness caused by vitamin deficiency), adding more vitamins to your daily diet can go a long way toward getting rid of the dark circles under your eyes. The easiest and most efficient way to do this is to take a multi-vitamin in the morning with your breakfast. Remember those tasty little Flinstone vitamins your mom used to make you take? They have adult versions now. (What would that be? A Playboy bunny vitamin?)
Staying well hydrated and reducing your salt intake can also get rid of dark circles under your eyes. If you're not getting enough fluids, or your sodium and alcohol intake is out of proportion to the amount of water you drink each day, you could be dehydrated. Dehydration can result in reduced circulation*, too much salt can make your body retain water in strange areas, and both can result in the skin under your eyes looking blue or black and puffy. Drink at least eight glasses (64 oz.) of water a day (more if you have alcohol) to reduce and get rid of dark circles under your eyes.Commercial Treatments for Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
f the suggestions above aren't working, the dark circles under your eyes could be hereditary and therefore harder to treat, or they could by sympomatic of a more serious problem. If you're fairly certain that your dark circles are just a stubborn family trait, then supplement your treatment regimen with simple cover-up techniques. Check out the cosmetics aisle for a liquid or powder concealer that matches your skin tone and gently dab a little under your eyes in the morning. Corrective laser surgery can also be used to reduce the dark circles under your eyes. If you're squeamish about lasers or wearing make-up (sorry guys) then . . . tough luck. You're going to have to suck it up and tell everyone those dark circles are just a sign of genius.
If you're concerned that the dark circles under your eyes are a serious health issue (if they appeared suddenly and unexpectedly, or came with other signs of illness), then consult a doctor about the possibility of liver or kidney problems.
