Dark Red Circles Under the Eyes

Dark red circles under your eyes can make you look tired, exhausted and older, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Circles under the eyes are common in men and women 1. However, these under eye circles aren’t typically a health concern. Making lifestyle changes can help minimizing the appearance of these circles.

Causes

Dark red under eye circles can have many causes 1. Allergies and nasal congestion may cause veins under the eyes to change in color, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Pigment irregularities and sun exposure may also contribute the dark red under eye circles 1. Thinning of the skin, which naturally occurs from aging, is another cause.

Treatments

Yellow Bags Under Eyes

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Minimize the appearance of under eye circles by applying cold teabags under the eyes, recommends MayoClinic.com 1. You can also try applying a teaspoon of frozen peas wrapped in a cold cloth to minimize the appearance of discolored eye blood vessels. Sleeping with a few pillows propped under your head can prevent fluid from pooling under the eyes, according to MayoClinic.com 1. If you experience a hallowed appearance under the eyes, get more sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seven to nine hours of sleep each night 3. If discoloration is the result of allergies, wash the sinuses with a saline spray, available through most drugstores.

Considerations

Make up is an effective tool for hiding redness under the eyes, recommends MayoClinic.com 1. After treating the eyes with cold compresses or other methods, gently apply concealer to the under eyes. Dust with a loose powder to set makeup. Avoid using under eye creams that contain glycolic or salicylic acid, which can irritate eye tissue and make redness worse.

Misconceptions

How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags & Lines

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Some people don’t realize the affect sun has on delicate under eye tissue. Use a sun protection of at least 15 under the eyes. Some under eye creams already have sun protection, eliminating the need for two different products. Wearing dark glasses can also prevent pigmentation changes that cause dark red circles under the eyes 1.

Warnings

Lifestyle factors such as consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes can make the appearance of red under eye circles worse, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Limit your intake of these substances to assist in resolving this issue. Also, talk with your doctor if under eye circles don’t improve with treatment. She can evaluate your overall health and rule out potential underlying conditions.