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Dark skin under the eyes is usually not a skin problem. In most other cases, darkened skin is the result of excessive melanin production, or some other similar change in the skin itself. Melanin is the natural pigment that is produced by the skin, and it is this pigment that gives skin its color. Exposure to sunlight normally causes skin to increase melanin production, resulting in the darkening of the skin known as a tan. A tan however is usually not what is referred to when speaking of abnormally dark or hyperpigmented skin. This usually refers to spots or patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding, normal skin. This is usually the result of some kind of damage, due to which melanin production is abnormal and excessive in certain spots. At other times, excessive friction can cause skin to darken over time - this is often a problem with the underarm area, and is also sometimes seen in the groin area, especially among overweight people.
With dark skin under the eyes however, the problem is usually very different. This is usually a case of nasal congestion, which causes the blood vessels around the nasal area to dilate. The skin under the eyes is extremely thin and delicate, and therefore, when the blood vessels in this area dilate, they are to an extent visible through the skin. It is the increased blood flow in this area that gives this skin its dark hue. Therefore, any skin treatment will not really address or solve the real problem. Common home remedies for dark circles under the eyes include place chilled, used tea bags on the eyes and placing cucumber slices on the eyes. The reason why these remedies work is that the cold temperature causes the blood vessels to temporarily constrict. As a result, the blood vessels under the skin are no longer very prominent, and the skin's normal color can be seen. However, since the nasal congestion has not been addressed, the blood vessels will once again dilate and the dark circles will return within an hour or two.
This kind of chronic nasal congestion is usually due to an allergy, and identifying your allergy is the only viable approach. You can try to do this on your own, but the best way is to simply get yourself tested by an allergy specialist. Once you have identified your allergy, you need to stay away from the triggers.
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