Hey guys - Jonathon Stewart here for . Ever notice your co-workers staring at you from the water cooler, muttering indistinct whispers like, "blue luggage," "Dun Puffer," or "raccoon eyes"? Well, I hate to say it, but they're probably talking about those dark circles under your eyes. But fear not, today it's all about getting rid of dark and puffy eyes - and, hey, you never know - your coworkers just might be staring at you in envy. Check it out.

Why Do Dark Under Eye Circles Appear 為什么會(huì)出現(xiàn)黑眼圈

The area under your eyes is very sensitive and densely packed with tiny capillaries that are prone to expanding, and thus becoming darker. This sensitive skin is also a prime area for swelling due to the collection of fluid in your lower eyelids particularly during sleep, and the resulting puffiness can cast shadows below your eyes which only adds to the perceived discoloration.

Causes of Under Eye Circles? 黑眼圈的起因

And while there are many reasons all this can happen - you might be surprised to find that lack of sleep, or even staring at a computer monitor are not the primary causes. Even the double whammy combination of sleep deprivation and staring at an LCD while playing Guitar Hero 3 until 5am nightly, isn't the main culprit. Nasal congestion is arguably the number one cause of your panda mask, but heredity, allergies, vitamin deficiency, and reduced adrenal function are all potential contributors. Poor circulation and broken blood vessels are other common factors.

Vitamins That Reduce Dark Circles? 維他命可以減少黑眼圈

Alright, already. But what can I do about getting rid of them? Well, while none of these are guaranteed solutions, they definitely can't hurt, and some of them are even kind of fun. Taking a multi-vitamin is a good first step, as under-eye bags have been linked to a lack of B6, folic acid, and even B12. Calcium and magnesium have been known to help improve adrenal function, and over-the-counter allergy medicines can be helpful in reducing nasal congestion. Lowering salt intake and quitting smoking have proven to improve circulation, a critical factor in reducing darkness under the eyes.