How to Remove Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Overview

Dark circles under the eyes can give a person a haggard, tired appearance. This appearance can be problematic for people who work with the public or who have jobs in which appearance is especially important, such as TV journalists. The steps to removing dark circles under the eyes depend on the cause of the dark circles. If the cause isn't known with a degree of certainty, multiple approaches can be used.

Step 1

Get extra sleep. Lack of sleep may not necessarily cause dark circles under the eyes, but it can make a person appear more pale, which can exaggerate the shadows under the eyes.

Step 2

Increase the elevation of the head with extra pillows. This helps to reduce the puffiness of eyelids that results from pooled blood.

Step 3

Use a saline spray to help clear out the sinuses. According to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, the most common cause of dark circles under the eyes is congested sinuses. The dark circles are sometimes called allergic shiners because congested sinuses can result from allergic reactions.

Step 4

Use a cold compress on the eyes. This can help reduce the dilation of blood vessels under the eyes.

Step 5

Apply a cosmetic concealer under the eyes to reduce the darkness and make the color match the tone of the rest of the face.

Step 6

See a physician if the dark circles do not go away or worsen with time. The physician may prescribe a medication that can help treat the dark circles. According to the Mayo Clinic, chemical peels or laser treatments can be effective in removing dark circles under the eyes.