Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Dr., I am 30 years old and I have dark circles under my eyes. When I wake up in the morning, they look even worse with puffiness and redness in the eye. I have a fair skin, so I have to apply concealer all the time to hide the darkness. I recently did some tests and the result was that I suffer Vitamin D deficiency and crystals in urine. Can the lack of vitamin D be the reason behind those permanent dark circles, or is it due to my allergies, migraines and nasal polyp? Besides, does exposure to the sun help diminish those circles?

Dear Carla: I do understand your concern. Though there are many causes of dark circles and puffy eyes, in your case the nasal polyps and allergy are the cause of your symptoms. I would definitely recommend that you see an allergist and an ENT surgeon for the nasal polyps. As for the dark spots, treatment with hydroquinone or kojic acid will help even out the skin tone so the darkened areas aren't as noticeable.