Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by many different things, including lack of sleep, allergies, dehydration and some health conditions.
Regardless of the cause, dark circles can be unattractive and leave you looking tired, washed out and older than your years. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve their appearance.
Use a Cold Compress
Using a cold compress helps to shrink blood vessels underneath the eyes and reduces swelling.
Cucumber slices, cold tea bags, gel packs and the back of a spoon are all effective at reducing dark circles and bags when held against the eyes for a few minutes.
Alternatively, soak some cotton pads in water, green tea or milk for a few seconds. Gently squeeze out any excess moisture and refrigerate the pads for ten minutes. Once the pads are cold, place over the eyes and relax for at least five minutes.
Witch Hazel Works Wonders
Witch hazel is one of the most effective treatments to reduce dark circles and bags, as it acts as an astringent that tightens the skin. While witch hazel will work instantly, the best results are achieved when used every day.
Choose pure distilled witch hazel, rather than a gel or product with added alcohol, as these can be too harsh for the face. Use a cotton pad to apply the witch hazel directly to the skin.
Rehydrate
Bags and dark circles under the eyes can be the result of dehydration. Relatively mild cases of dehydration won't always cause you to feel thirsty, but can have a significant impact on the body, both internally and externally.
Drinking plenty of water and reducing your intake of salty foods helps to keep your body hydrated. In addition, reducing your intake of coffee, alcohol and other food and drink that have a diuretic effect will help to prevent dehydration.
Try Antihistamines
Allergies are another common cause of bags and dark circles. The most common allergies include pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores. Food allergies, intolerance and sensitivities are also increasingly common.
Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical produced by the body in response to various allergens. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it's important to consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Apply Makeup for a Quick Fix
If the above techniques don't produce the results you want, there are plenty of cosmetics available to help hide blemishes, eye bags and dark circles.
Concealer, highlighter pencils and foundation can all help to disguise skin problems and deflect attention away from imperfections. As a general rule, concealer should be lighter than your actual skin tone, particularly if you want to cover dark circles.
Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a range of different factors, including tiredness, dehydration and allergies.
Cold compresses, witch hazel, drinking plenty of water and taking antihistamines can all help to get rid of dark circles and bags, while makeup can be used to disguise or deflect attention away from any remaining problems around the eyes.
Last Updated : September 4th 2022
Debby Lee is the founder and main author of Mylighterskin.com
She is a full-time website manager and freelance writer, with more than ten years of experience. She is an expert writer in the areas of health and beauty, with a special interest in skincare.
