How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Although there's no cure for dark under-eye circles if they're caused by extra pigmentation or bone structure, their appearance can be reduced [source: DocShop].

Several home remedies have been shown effective in diminishing dark circles, and many can be found in your kitchen:

You've tried a veritable lunch menu on your face, but the dark circles persist. Your next step to bright and sunny eyes involves cosmetic remedies, which range from expensive and somewhat invasive surgeries to something as simple as a moisturizing skin cream containing vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E or retinol [source: Mayo Clinic].

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, treats the skin on the upper and lower eyelids, along with the skin around the eye, to reduce the appearance of dark circles. If the thought of a scalpel coming near your eyes terrifies you, never fear -- many laser treatments can have you in and out of the office in 45 minutes with little discomfort or recovery time [source: DermaNetwork].

Intense pulse laser (IPL) treatment is used by plastic surgeons to correct the excessive pigmentation that can cause dark circles. Doctors use an instrument that emits different wavelengths of light to destroy the melanin that makes those circles stand out. Chemical peels, can also be effective in eliminating circles because they exfoliate the damaged upper layers of skin to uncover the undamaged skin beneath.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons may recommend injecting a dermal filler like collagen to eliminate hollow areas, or they may recommend fat grafting. Because you lose fat as you age and the skin becomes thinner, fat grafting can mask blood vessels that might otherwise show underneath the skin. During a fat graft, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will take some healthy fat cells from one part of your body and inject the cells into the area under your eyes [source: FacialPlasticSurgery].

If surgery isn't for you, try cosmetic products that bleach and exfoliate the skin. Most of these treatments contain ingredients that claim to make the iron in the blood soluble, so it will flush away with the product's use and thereby lighten the darkened area. Another option is to hit up the department store counter for special serums designed to eliminate dark circles [source: Wadyka].

A cheaper, easier remedy exists yet to fix those dark circles. Read on to discover what it is.

If surgery is too expensive and creams just don't cut it, perhaps some good old-fashioned camouflage is in order. Try a light-reflecting concealer -- but be sure to choose one that's not white or gray because those won't work very well. Look for a yellow or gold base that will counteract the bluish color of the circles [source: Mayo Clinic]. If the concealer is too light, you'll end up with light circles instead of dark ones. Follow the concealer with a translucent face powder to seal it.

Some makeup artists recommend using a good under-eye moisturizing cream containing glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E, which will hydrate the skin. They also suggest using one that contains vitamin K because it may constrict veins and capillaries. You can even mix the concealer with the moisturizer so it goes on more smoothly.

Try calling attention to your brow area and away from the under eye area by curling your lashes. Don't apply eyeliner or mascara to your lower lashes because it will draw too much attention to that area [source: Wadyka]. For a wide-eyed look, line the inner corners of your eyes with white eyeliner.

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