Dark Circles can be extremely annoying, and you will often get unsolicited advice for dealing with them. ‘Get more sleep,’ ‘Reduce your stress’ or ‘ Drink more water ,’ – you will hear all these and more. It is true that these factors do contribute to dark circles, but depending on your age and lifestyle, there are other factors which cause dark circles.

What causes dark circles?

• Age:  The skin loses elasticity as you grow older and becomes thinner, especially the area around the eyes. This causes the underlying veins to show up and create dark circles.
• Genetics:  Certain people are predisposed to dark circles, so if your parents had issues with hyperpigmentation, then you will most likely too.
• Lack of sleep: Adequate rest of 7-8 hours is necessary for the body to recoup. One late night can instantly cause the stress to show on your eyes.
• Excessive screen time: Long hours spent on devices cause strain on the eyes and eye muscles. This will not only give you red eyes but also darken the skin around the eyes.
• Improper diet: Vitamins and minerals are much needed for the health of your skin, and since the skin around the eyes is the most delicate, this deficiency shows up immediately.

How to get rid of dark circles under eyes?
There are many ways to get rid of dark circles, from natural measures to cosmetic enhancements. If you do not see any positive changes in your dark circles and complexion after following the natural measures, head to your GP for a thorough checkup. The dark circles could be a symptom of underlying illness or disorder.

Sleep & Lifestyle  
A regular sleep schedule will instantly regulate your body, and you can see the effects on the complexion of your skin. Ideally, 7-8 hours of continuous sleep is suggested by doctors.

• You can use cold gel eye masks to cool your eyes prior to sleep; this will relieve the tension in your eye area and lead to good sleep.
• Try to avoid screen time prior to sleep as this will dehydrate your eyes and leave them strained. Read or meditate prior to sleep; this will also aid in sleeping quickly.

Food & Supplements  
A wholesome and nutritious diet will do wonders for your health and even reflect in the appearance of your skin. Certain vitamins and minerals are especially helpful to prevent dark circles, and you can consume them naturally or through a supplement for best results.

• Vitamin K helps with blood circulation and will lighten the area around the eyes. It is found in green vegetables like Broccoli and Spinach, but you can also take a multivitamin tablet for quick results.
• Vitamin B12 and Iron are important for regulation of oxygen in the body, and especially in the veins around your eyes.
• Vitamin B3 or Niacin group of vitamins also are crucial for circulation and reducing inflammation around the eyes.

Home Remedies:
Sometimes, the best cures can be found no further than home. There are a few handy home remedies for dark circles that you can easily employ, without needing to resort to cosmetics or medication.

• Almond oil lightens dark circles, and when combined with vitamin E oil, can erase them completely.
• Cucumber slices, when placed on your eyes, are not only soothing and refreshing but also help get rid of dark circles, owing to their skin-lightening properties.
• Tomato has natural bleaching properties that lighten the skin and rid it of dark circles. Apply a mixture of tomato and lemon juice on your dark circles to avail of this benefit.

Preventive Products
Eye creams and moisturizers are great for treating dark circles. These act as prevention and work over a certain period of time.

• Certain eye creams include ingredients like Vitamin C and retinoid, which can be beneficial for the eyes. These are usually applied at night; however, make sure you get your doctor to prescribe them.
• Moisturizers which contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin keep the skin hydrated and plump.

Medical Treatments  
There are topical medical treatments which are often used when other treatments don’t work, especially in older people.
There are topical medical treatments which are often used when other treatments don’t work, especially in older people.

• Procedure to fill up the eye area with hyaluronic acid filling to create a plump and full look. This is done for people who have fat loss in the eye area.
• Vascular laser treatments are also done to reduce the darkness caused due to visible blood vessels.

Make sure you consult your doctor prior to starting a new regime or using any OTC products for treating dark circles.