Dark eye circles can have many causes, they are the reflection of the blood under your thin, undereye tissue, and are not only caused by poor sleep, although the inflammation from poor sleep are often a key factor. The major causes of dark circles are genetics, nutrition, sleeplessness and inflammation.

Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to combat dark undereye circles, and even more ways to treat and cover them topically.

1. Get Some Rest

The very first strategy for dark eye circles treatment is a good night’s sleep. Lack of rest makes you paler, which makes the contrast between your thin undereye tissue and your cheeks more prominent.

2. Eat an Antioxidant Rich Diet

A trending dark eye circles remedy is to treat skin inflammation before it starts by balancing the salt, vitamins and inflammation causing foods in your diet.

Dr. Perricone’s book, the Perricone Prescription is an anti-aging bible for celebrities like Oprah, and lucky for us, this New York guru has shared his skin secrets in several inexpensive books.

An upside to his anti-inflammation diet - one of the first improvements in your skin is seen under your eyes. Women who had experienced dark circles for years saw dramatic improvement in their complexions and undereye color in less than 10 days following his advice. He recommends a number of supplements to help increase your anti-oxidant powers, omega 3 rich oils and foods, power greens and alpha lipoic acid.

3. Vitamin C

Dark eye circles can also be caused by thinning skin under the eye area. Make sure you have an abundance of Vitamin C in your diet, it helps thicken the skin. Topical Vitamin C will help as well – take a look at the drugstore for options.

4. Iron

Iron deficiency or anemia can cause your under eye circles to appear bluish. If other treatments and regular nutrition isn’t working for you, have a doctor check your iron levels. A supplement may be all you need.

5. Genetics

Sometimes, you simply have a skin tone that more dramatically accents the dark areas around your eyes. What you can do? Sadly, not too much. Learn a few cosmetic tricks and you'll quickly forget about it.


Covering Dark Eye Circles

Apply a good under-eye concealer to moisturized, clean skin. There are many professional strength concealers you can purchase right at the drugstore or department store.

Benefit's Boi-oing is a light, pigment rich concealer that comes in three tones. This product smooths under your eye and disappears - like make-up magic. Sadly, this brand may not have the perfect shade for you, but check Benefit first.

Benefit's Erase Paste has an amazing coverage as well, but is also limited to only a few shades. Ask the attendant at the cosmetics counter to help you find the right coverage and shade for you. You may need to experiment with a few different brands to get the perfect cover.

If you are lucky enough to have a Sephora in your town, they will give you small samples of their best products to take home and try on your own before you commit to buying a professionally sized, (and priced) product. MAC, Bobbi Brown and Make Up Forever all have amazing high-end options in every possible skin tone.

Dark circles are a reality for many women, but they don’t need to be a problem - a few minutes of treatment, diet and rest will lighten our load, and our looks.