An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Many of us are constantly reminded by our doctors to life a healthier lifestyle. So we poke and prod and pick at our bodies behind closed doors and are never satisfied with our appearance. Whether we’re looking to lose weight here, or tighten up a certain spot, Americans — particularly those middle aged — are constantly looking to improve their image, which is why those between ages 40 to 54 are most likely to seek out cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck or cellulite removal.

But what about the small changes, such as treating under eye circles? Under eye circles are normally not an issue, but since eyes are one of the most noticeable features on the human body, many people are prone to seeking under eye circles treatment.

There are many causes to dark circles, the most common being allergies and constant fatigue. Not everyone with seasonal allergies will experience red, puffy eyes. Instead the skin could have a different reaction and cause the color differentiation. It is best to be well rested in order to avoid fatigue; typically seven to nine hours of sleep does the trick.

Other causes include frequent and constant sun exposure which causes the body to produce more melanin. Melanin is in charge of pigment, and this pigment may appear darker in the under eye area. The most common cause of under eye circles is thinning of the skin which naturally occurs with old age.

Thinning skin is caused my a loss of fat and a protein structure called collagen. These losses make the eye’s blood vessel appear more prominent. Since women are 91% more likely to undergo some type of cosmetic procedure, one of the best quick fixes would be to purchase a quality concealer. Other self-care tips include the following:

• Cold compresses. Either use a bad of frozen peas or a chilled freezer gel pack and wrap it in a soft cloth. This will reduce dilated blood vessels and therefore reduce the dark coloring.
• Fluffier pillow. If you sleep on a flat pillow, this may be contributing to under eye puffiness. During the night, fluid builds up under the lower lid, causing swelling and dark circles.
• More sleep. As mentioned, it is always best to get enough sleep. Not only will your skin thank you, but the rest of your body (especially your immune system) will thank you as well. Sleep helps the body rejuvenate the skin cells it lost throughout the day.

However, if all else fails, head to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for expert advice. Laser therapy — which is often used to treat stretch marks — or chemical peels can reduce the appearance of these dark circles. Read more about this topic at this link.