Dark circles may look cute on pandas but on us? Not so much. Eye bags, raccoon eyes, or panda eyes, call them what you will, but dealing with dark circles is never fun. Dark circles affect millions of men and women each day. They make you look old, tired, and sickly; don't you just hate them?

Fortunately, you might be able to banish them from your life with the right treatments. Curious? Read on to find out how to get rid of dark circles both instantly and in the long-term.

7 Causes of Dark Circles

To combat dark circles, you first have to pinpoint what's causing them to appear in the first place. Knowing the root cause of the problem can help you determine which treatment will work best for you. Here are several main causes of dark circles under the eyes.

1. Fatigue and Lack of Sleep

You may notice your dark circles getting worse after pulling an all-nighter. That's because sleep deprivation constricts your blood vessels, resulting in poor blood circulation causing the skin under your eyes to darken and become puffy.

2. Overexposure to the Sun

UV rays can damage your skin, causing it to overproduce melanin. Since the skin under your lower eyelids is especially thin, hyperpigmentation will be more noticeable there.

3. Aging

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and less elastic. As a result, the dark blood vessels underneath your skin will become more visible, making the area under your lower eyelids darker.

4. Poor Diet

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may cause dark circles. Not getting enough vitamin A, C, E, and K can cause your skin to age prematurely, leading to dark circles. Meanwhile, an iron deficiency will cause your skin to look pale and ashy, worsening the problem.

5. Dehydration

When your body doesn't get enough water, your skin will look pale and dull. Dehydration will make your eyes appear sunken, making the area look even darker.

6. Allergies

Allergies to bacterias and certain foods can cause dark circles. An allergic reaction causes your body to release histamines which causes your blood vessels to dilate. As a result, the area around your eyes will look darker.

7. Genetics

Finally, dark circles can be an inherited trait. Oftentimes, it will begin to appear in childhood and worsen with aging. A family history of other medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, can also make you more prone to developing dark circles.

Getting Rid of Dark Circles

Now that you've determined the cause of your dark circles, here's a guide on how to remove them.

1. At-Home Remedies

Dark circles are usually not a cause of concern. More often than not, you can reduce them by using simple home remedies. Here are several easy tips to get rid of dark circles from the comfort of your own home.

• Get enough sleep

This is an obvious one. The number one tip on how to get rid of dark circles is to get enough sleep. Make sure you get at least 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid using electronic devices an hour before your bedtime and drink warm, calming beverages such as chamomile tea.

• Maintain a good skincare routine

To prevent premature skin aging and dark circles, you need to take care of your skin. Moisturize twice a day and make sure to use products with beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants, retinoid, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and glycerin.

• Protect eyes from the sun

Avoid UV damage by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going out in the sun. Dermatologists recommend using mineral sunscreens as they tend to be gentler for your skin.

• Maintain a proper diet

You are what you eat. To keep your skin healthy and free of dark circles, make sure to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake and reduce consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Lastly, don't forget to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

• Apply cold compress

Applying a cold compress can help reduce dark circles. It works by minimizing swelling and shrinking dilated blood vessels. Here are some items you can use to make your own cold compress:

-Ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth

-Cucumber slices

-Aloe vera gel

-Tomato slices

-Tomato paste and lemon juice

-Grated potato

• Use tea bags

Apply cold tea bags on your eyes to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Tea leaves contain antioxidants that can stimulate blood circulation, shrink your blood vessels, and reduce liquid retention beneath your skin. Refrigerate the tea bags for 20 minutes, then use them on your eyes for 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Medical Treatments

If your dark circles still won't go away, consult a doctor. A doctor, more specifically a dermatologist, will be able to provide you with further tips on how to reduce dark circles. Additionally, here are some medical treatments for dark circles you might want to consider.

• Chemical Peels

Chemical peels or TCA can be used to renew and rejuvenate skin. This treatment can reduce the appearance of dark circles by minimizing melanin in the area and lightening your skin.

• Laser Surgery

Laser therapy can effectively treat dark circles. It works by resurfacing a new layer of skin which reduces hyperpigmentation. The skin underneath your eyes will look bright, smoother, and free of wrinkles.

• Fillers

Some people have sunken eyes, causing the area underneath their eyes to look darker. Dermal fillers under your eyes will reduce the appearance of sunken eyes and dark circles. Additionally, it also conceals blood vessels and melanin that are causing skin discoloration beneath your eyes.

Conclusion

While they're not a cause of concern, dark circles can still be very annoying. Hopefully, our list of remedies has helped you fight off those pesky dark circles. Remember, the secret to getting rid of dark circles is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If the problem persists, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist to help you choose the appropriate treatment for you.