How to Get Rid of Sunken Eyes & Circles
Sunken eyes and circles can make you appear exhausted and unhealthy. These round, uniform areas under the eyes, have darker pigment than the rest of the skin. This issue is caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle, sun exposure and thinning skin. Topical treatments and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the appearance of sunken eyes and dark circles.
Concealer (Image: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images)Step 1
Topical Treatments (Image: Image Source/Stockbyte/Getty Images)Apply over-the-counter topical treatments that contain vitamins C, E, A and K, recommends Natural News. Vitamin-rich treatments appear to improve the appearance of dark eye circles that create a sunken appearance. Apply treatments as directed and report irritation to your physician.
Step 2
Sleep (Image: Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images)Sleep. Pay attention to your sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation can quickly cause dark eye circles. Adults need a minimum of seven to nine hours of sleep each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Create a sleep schedule, going to bed and waking at about the same time daily.
Step 3
Elevate your pillows. (Image: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)Elevate your pillows. At night, fluids can accumulate under the eye area, causing sunken eyes and circles. Use a few pillows when you sleep to minimize fluid pooling under the eyes.
Step 4
Wet a wash cloth with cold water and apply to the eyes. (Image: Christopher Pattberg/iStock/Getty Images)Apply cold compresses to the eyes. Wet a wash cloth with cold water and apply to the eyes. You can also wrap a cold pack with a thin towel and set on the eyes. When the skin is cold, blood vessels dilate. As a result, sunken eyes and circles may improve.
Step 5
Use sunscreen under the eyes. (Image: Image Source/Photodisc/Getty Images)Use sunscreen under the eyes. The skin under the eyes is thin and prone to damage. Sun exposure increases under-eye pigment, resulting in a dark appearance. Some under-eye creams have sun protection in the products. You can also purchase a sunscreen designed for the face with a SPF 30 or higher.
Things You'll Need
Vitamin-rich topical cream
Pillows
Cold compresses
Sunscreen
Tip
Allergies might be to blame for some cases of sunken eyes and circles. If you have allergies, use a saline wash to rinse out your sinuses. Getting rid of nasal congestion will improve the appearance of under eye skin. Pre-mixed saline washes are available at most local pharmacies.
Warning
Some items, such as alcohol and caffeine, contribute to dark and sunken eyes. Smoking can also make this issue worse. Discontinue these habits to improve the appearance of under eye discoloration.