When it comes to dark undereye circles, do you give raccoons a run for their money? Those black circles can leave you looking sick and tired. So why not come in out of the dark with some helpful hints for combating these eyesores? There are a number of causes of dark circles including heredity, allergies, congestion, thinning skin, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of sleep, eczema and more. More important than what's causing the issue is how to minimize the appearance of undereye circles. While some people seek out pricey beauty treatments such as chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation or intense pulsed light, others prefer affordable at-home treatments. You might consider making the supermarket your first stop. Try placing thick slices of cucumbers for 10 to 15 minutes once a day. This cool veggie is thought to reduce puffiness around the eyes and will only set you back a dollar or so. Tea bags are also said to reduce swelling and discoloration, thanks to tannins found in the tea bags. Soak caffeinated tea bags the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Place bags over the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes and keep eyes closed.