Last updated: Oct 23, 2024Published on: Apr 21, 2022
Click to rate this article!
[Total: 596 Avg: 3.7]
3.7 (Click to rate)
The problem of dark circles isn’t alien to both – men and women! And when they occur, we feel dreadful and awful. Don’t worry; you are not the only one who is faced with this problem. Some of the most stunning celebrities the world over have encountered this problem at some point in time and have had to resort to make-up and concealers to hide these dark circles.
Since the skin around the eyes is sensitive, it’s best to resort to natural remedies rather than chemical-based products to treat these problems. So, here’s a bucket list of simple and easily doable home remedies for dark circles that can help breathe a new lease of life around your eyes.
Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.
Table of Contents
Causes of Dark Circles Under Eyes
Before we learn about treating dark circles, let’s understand the root causes of why they occur:
Causes and Risk Factors for dark circles
1. Sleep deprivation, poor sleep schedule
2. Certain types of allergies
3. Excessive production of melanin
4. Fat reduction around the eyes
5. Skin thickness decreasing (due to age or other factors)
6. Iron deficiency (anaemia)
7. UV damage from excessive sunlight exposure
8. Touching or rubbing the eyes often
9. Genetics
10. Thyroid issues (such as hypothyroidism)
11. Temporary or chronic dehydration *not drinking enough water)
12. Skin conditions like eczema
13. Smoking
14. Hangovers
15. Sudden and extreme weight loss
16. Getting older – the older you get the more skin damage accumulates, older people also ensure thinning skin
17. Skin tone – people with darker skin tend to have more pronounced and obvious dark circles
18. Family history – people who have a family history of dark circles are more likely to develop the same themselves
Did You Know?
Allergies can contribute to the development of dark circles, affecting around 30% of individuals with allergies. [source: aad.org]
Genetics play a role in the occurrence of dark circles, with 50% of cases having a hereditary component. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Smoking is associated with the development of dark circles, with smokers being four times more likely to have them. [source: aad.org]
Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of dark circles, with 90% of cases being attributed to sun damage. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Dehydration can contribute to the appearance of dark circles, with 25% of cases being attributed to lack of hydration. [source: aad.org]
Types of Dark Circles
Dark circles is a common beauty concern, of different types and each are linked to specific reasons and treatments.
1. Pigmented Dark Circles:
Resulting from an excess production of melanin, pigmented dark circles often have a hereditary component.
Sun exposure can exacerbate these circles, making the skin around the eyes appear darker
2. Vascular Dark Circles:
Linked to issues with blood vessels, vascular dark circles present as bluish or purple discolorations.
Factors such as inadequate sleep, aging, and poor blood circulation contribute to the prominence of these circles.
3. Structural Dark Circles:
Thinning or hollowing of the skin around the eyes characterizes structural dark circles.
This type exposes the underlying blood vessels and tissues, contributing to a shadowed appearance.
4. Lifestyle-Related Dark Circles:
Lifestyle choices, including high-stress levels, dehydration, and an imbalanced diet, can lead to the development of dark circles.
Addressing these factors through lifestyle modifications may help reduce the intensity of these circles.
Knowing the exact kind of dark circles is important for using the right solutions. Customized treatments, like using special creams or changing daily habits, may help to reduce and improve dark circles based on what’s causing them.
Wonderful Home Remedies To Treat Dark Circles:
1. Cold tea bags
Image Source: freepik.com
One of the most effective and highly easy ways to combat these dark circles under the eyes is to use cold tea bags. Preferably, when exploring how to get rid of dark circles, usegreen tea or chamomile tea bags for quick results. It is thought that the residual caffeine helps to constrict blood vessels which reduces blood flow, helping to provide some relief from dark circles.
How To Use Cold Tea Bags for Dark Circles?
Soak the bags in water and chill in the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge and gently place them on both your eyes for 10 to 15 mins. Repeat regularly.
2. Grated Potatoes or Grated Cucumber
Image Source: freepik.com
This is by far, one of the most effective home remedies for dark circles. They also aid in reducing the puffiness around the eye area. Vitamins, antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory nature of these cooling veggies helps to reduce inflammation around the eyes while also helping to stave off darkening.
How To Use Potatoes or Cucumber for Dark Circles?
Grate some raw potatoes or cucumber and place the shreds on your eyes. Relax and remove them after 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can also extract the juice of potatoes or cucumbers.
Take a cotton ball, soak it in the juice, and place it over your eyes. Make sure the entire area around the dark circles is covered.
Leave it for 1-3 minutes and wash off with cold water. In case you are pressed for time, you can also directly place slices of cucumber or potato on your eyes.
3. Cold Milk
Image Source: freepik.com
Cold milk is a natural cleanser for the eyes and is known to help remove dark circles under eyes while soothing the sensitive skin around the eyes. Cold milk contains lactic acid, which not only helps to reduce puffiness but also lightens the skin. Additionally, potassium in milk allows the skin to stay better moisturised, leaving you with softer and supple skin.
How To Use Milk for Dark Circles?
Dip a cotton ball in cold milk and apply it to the eye area.
Keep it for a while and later rinse the eyes with cold water.
Repeat at least thrice a week!
4. Elevating the Head
Image Source: freepik.com
The way we sleep also affects the surrounding areas of our eyes. A few pillows under the head can make it raised and prevent fluid from pooling under the eyes, making them look puffy and swollen. This simple adjustment can contribute to a more effective dark circles treatment and overall improvement in the appearance of the eye area.
5. Aloe Vera
Image Source: freepik.com
Aloe Vera is an effective moisturizer. Moisturized skin is less likely to sag and will stay healthy longer. Additionally, aloe vera also helps to nourish the skin, preventing premature ageing.
How To Use Aloe Vera for Dark Circles?
Before hitting the sack, gently apply Aloe Vera gel under the eyes and massage for 5-7 minutes.
Don’t rinse unless you feel sticky and uncomfortable.
6. Almond oil and Lemon juice
Image Source: freepik.com
Another tried and tested remedy to treat dark circles under eyes is to mix almond oil and lemon juice. Lemon juice’s active component is ascorbic acid, along with other nutrients it helps to reduce water retention which can cause puffy circles around the eyes. It also has a mild bleaching action, however, when used undiluted it can have the opposite effect and cause damage to the skin, so always use caution.
How To Use Almond Oil & Lemon Juice for Dark Circles?
Take about a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice, combine them, and gently apply it around the eye area.
Massage and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
Rinse post that!
7. Rosewater
Image Source: freepik.com
This one can surely be termed as grandmom’s secret dark circles home remedy! Rosewater is refreshing, rejuvenating and can practically be used on almost all skin types and for all skin-related issues. It’s also a mild astringent and can be used as an effective skin toner too.
How To Use Aloe Rosewater for Dark Circles?
Soak cotton eye pads in rose water and place them over the eyelids.
Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Repeat every night for a month to see the best results.
8. Tomatoes
Image Source: freepik.com
Tomatoes are natural bleaching agents. They also contain antioxidants that help to tame down the discolouration around the eye area.
How To Use Tomatoes for Dark Circles?
Mix a teaspoon of tomato juice with a spoon of lemon juice and apply under both the eye areas
Let it remain for 10 minutes or so, and rinse off with cold water
Alternatively, you can also consume tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves to get rid of dark circles under eyes
9. Yoga and Meditation
Image Source: freepik.com
One of the underlying reasons for dark circles under eyes is stress, depression and an erratic lifestyle. Thus, one of the most prudent ways to deal with dark circles is to stay calm and composed. But as stress is an integral part of our life, this is not always possible. Hence, it is beneficial to make Yoga and Meditation an everyday ritual!
Yoga not only calms down the mind but also helps to regulate the body clock, and most importantly, it addresses most body problems from the core.
10. Regular Sleep
Image Source: freepik.com
Arguably, one of the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to get rid of dark circles under eyes permanently at home is getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Regular sleep ensures that your body (and thus, your skin) has enough time to rest, repair and regenerate. This improves the youthfulness of your skin as well as your overall health. One of the first things that reveal our internal health conditions is poor skin condition. Proper sleep on a regular basis can be your biggest weapon against preventing and reducing dark circles in the long term.
In my opinion, to avoid fluid accumulating below the eyes at night, elevate the head with an additional pillow. This might work as an easy remedy for dark circles by constricting the dilated blood vessels and reducing the darkness around the eye. It may also aid in reducing the puffiness around the eyes.
Apart from the above natural treatments to get rid of dark circles under eyes, there are a number of other home remedies for dark circles to try out. Here is a quick list of some great alternative options:
Orange juice is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C, both of which help with healthy skin. Add orange juice with a little glycerin and apply it under your eyes.
Vitamin E oil can help to fight the damage and prevent or reduce the acuteness of dark circles. It works by getting rid of free radicals that are known to cause cell damage.
Gentle and organic, coconut oil is perfect for sensitive skin if you don’t like using too many skincare products. Coconut oil can help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation while lightening the baggy look.
Turmeric, like coconut oil, is a natural anti-inflammatory substance. You can apply it to your under-eye skin with some pineapple juice (or other base substance of choice).
Dark chocolate contains high amounts of flavonols, these plant compounds are associated with protection from UV-radiation damage. Flavonols are linked with a slower ageing process because they help prevent some of the damage from sunlight, so enjoy some dark chocolate every once in a while. Your stomach and skin will be glad for it!
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients and are part of your body’s cellular structures, it is also beneficial for proper blood circulation. As we stated earlier, baggy eyes and dark circles have a lot to do with poor blood flow. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon and some nuts. Can help your body circulate blood better and curb dark circle development.
High amounts of salt (particularly the sodium in salt) and less water can result in a bloated look. Reduce your salt consumption and drink a healthy amount of water daily. We’ve expanded on the importance of water a little more, further down the article.
Alcohol, like salt and coffee, is also a dehydrating substance. It leads to your body expelling a lot of liquid which also leads to hangover symptoms. Reduce your alcohol consumption and you’ll notice the results when you don’t wake up with puffy eyes on the weekend!
Studies have found that to assist in constricting dilated blood vessels that result in darkness around the eyes, place cool spoons over your eyes. This may lessen the look of dark circles.
When you step out in the sun, wear sunglasses. Not only will they help you look stylish but also help in protecting the eyes from the harmful UV rays
Dark circles are quite common, and they don’t have to be the end of the world for you. It is okay to conceal them with makeup if you’re in a hurry and going somewhere, but the best way to keep them in control is naturally. Follow these simple guidelines, take some extra care, and dark circles removal will be the least of your worries.
Why Do Dark Circles Occur?
Not restricted to any particular age group, these dark circles occur primarily because of the below reasons:
Improper diet Lack of nutritious foods such as salads, fruits, and intake of junk, unhealthy, and processed foods results in the occurrences of dark circles. Inadequate nourishment also makes the skin look dull, shallow and may result in the formation of these dark circles.
Inadequate water intake – Water is one vital fluid that the body needs at all points of time. Not only does it help to keep the skin hydrated, but also helps in the secretion of toxins. Up your water intake and see how magically these dark circles start to disappear.
Insomnia – Irregular sleep patterns or short sleep cycles help in the formation of dark circles. Thus, it is vital to have a balanced lifestyle coupled with adequate periods of rest.
Genetics – Many times, many people may inherit the problem of dark circles from their parents and understanding this genetic dark circles reason is crucial If you fall into this category, the issue of dark circles cannot be solved completely. But with adequate care and nourishment, they can be reduced.
Illness – Prolonged periods of illness can throw our routine out of schedule and result in the temporary formation of dark circles.
Computer usage – Long hours in front of the smartphone and computer can result in eye strain and stress. This can also cause dark circles.
Allergies – Eye dryness and allergic reactions trigger dark circles. Histamines cause blood vessels to dilate and result in redness, puffy eyes, broken blood vessels, which can all lead to dark circles.
Sun overexposure – Overexposure can cause an excess of melanin which in turn darkens the skin colour, especially around the eyes.
Age – Natural ageing makes skin thinner, and in turn, the dark blood vessels beneath the skin become visible, making the area below the eyes look darker.
Thankfully, all is not lost when you start seeing the occurrences of these dark circles! With adequate care and treatment, you can quickly get this situation under control in no time.
The most common cause of dark circles under the eyes is lack of sleep. It can also be passed down genetically. Dark circles under the eyes can also be caused by allergies, excessive alcohol consumption, and ageing.
Aloe vera is a tropical plant that is often used as a natural remedy for dark circles. Although more research on humans is needed, aloe vera may improve skin moisture, support mature skin, and reduce inflammation, all of which in turn promote removing dark circles.
Cold compresses can help in reducing the swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce puffiness caused by dark circles. All you need to do is wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth and rub it gently around the eyes.
Dark circles are not always permanent and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, aging, and lifestyle. While some may fade with improved sleep and skincare, others may require targeted treatments for a more lasting solution.
Yes, dark circles can be genetic, with hereditary factors influencing the thinness of the skin and the tendency to develop pigmentation around the eyes. While genetics play a role, lifestyle changes and skincare can still help manage and reduce their appearance.
While dark circles may not be completely curable, various treatments and lifestyle changes, such as proper sleep, hydration, and skincare, can significantly reduce their appearance. Targeted interventions, like topical creams and medical procedures, can also provide effective solutions for managing and minimizing dark circles.
Yes, dark circles are a common and normal occurrence for many people. Factors like genetics, aging, lack of sleep, and allergies can contribute to their appearance.
Yes, dark circles can be related to liver issues. Liver dysfunction may lead to an accumulation of toxins, affecting blood circulation and causing dark circles under the eyes. However, various factors contribute to dark circles, and consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable for a comprehensive assessment.
Yes, retinol can be effective for dark circles by promoting collagen production and improving skin texture. Its exfoliating properties may help reduce pigmentation, but consistent use and patience are key for noticeable results.
While some people claim that castor oil can reduce dark circles due to its moisturizing properties, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. Individual responses may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice on addressing dark circles.
Caffeine in coffee has vasoconstrictive properties that may temporarily reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of dark circles. However, its effects are often short-term, and long-term solutions may require a combination of lifestyle changes and skincare practices.
While some people find coconut oil moisturizing, scientific evidence on its efficacy for dark circles is limited. Individual responses vary, so it’s advisable to explore a range of skincare options and consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Yes, vitamin C can be beneficial for dark circles as it helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. Its antioxidant properties also support collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties can contribute to reducing the appearance of dark circles by promoting skin hydration and protecting against damage. While results vary, incorporating vitamin E into a skincare routine may help improve the overall condition of the delicate skin
Yes, anemia, characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can cause dark circles under the eyes due to reduced oxygen flow. Addressing the underlying anemia through proper medical treatment may help alleviate the appearance of dark circles.
Yes, stress can contribute to the development of dark circles by affecting sleep quality, blood circulation, and skin health. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and self-care may help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
While complete removal may be challenging, natural remedies like proper sleep, hydration, and topical treatments such as cucumber slices or cold tea bags may help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Consistent care and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a natural improvement in the skin around the eyes.
Yes, laser treatments can be effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles by targeting pigmentation and promoting collagen production. However, results vary, and consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to determine the most suitable approach based on individual needs.
Yes, smoking can contribute to dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing oxygen flow to the skin, leading to a tired and dull complexion. Quitting smoking and adopting a skincare routine can aid in minimizing the impact on the appearance of dark circles.
Yes, certain eye creams formulated with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and peptides can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by improving skin texture and promoting collagen production. However, individual responses vary, and consistent use over time is often necessary for noticeable results.
To naturally reduce dark circles under the eyes in one week, ensure adequate sleep, stay hydrated, and apply soothing remedies like cold compresses or cucumber slices to reduce puffiness. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can promote skin health and diminish the appearance of dark circles.
To quickly alleviate dark circles under the eyes, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, use a caffeine-infused eye cream to constrict blood vessels, and ensure sufficient sleep to minimize puffiness and promote skin rejuvenation. Additionally, staying hydrated and incorporating a vitamin-rich diet can contribute to a brighter and healthier under-eye appearance.
Dark circles can be attributed to various factors such as genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, and stress. Additionally, thinning skin and blood vessel visibility around the eyes can contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
To alleviate dark circles, ensure an adequate amount of sleep, stay hydrated, and incorporate a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and K. Additionally, topical remedies such as cold compresses and eye creams with ingredients like caffeine can help reduce puffiness and discoloration.
Dark circles are often reversible through lifestyle changes, adequate sleep, and skincare routines. However, genetic factors and certain medical conditions may influence their permanence for some individuals.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the informationprovided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
1307 
11
Comments