Home Remedies to Keep Dark Circles Away!

Introduction

Many individuals commonly experience under-eye dark circles. When it occurs, we feel self-conscious. But don’t worry, you are not the only one who is faced with this problem. Many well-known individuals in the world have encountered this problem at some point in their lives 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 opt for natural remedies for the dark circles rather than using chemical-based products. So, here’s a list of simple and easily doable home remedies for dark circles that may help revitalise your under-eye skin. 

Why Do Dark Circles Occur?

Before we learn how to manage dark circles, let’s understand why they occur. The causes of dark circles include¹: 

• Improper diet: Lack of nutritious foods such as salads and fruits and the intake of junk, unhealthy, and processed foods results in dark circles. Poor nutrition can leave the skin looking lifeless and contribute to the formation of dark circles. 
• Inadequate water intake: Water is one vital fluid that is essential for the body. Not only does it help to keep the skin hydrated but it also helps in the excretion of toxins. Temporary or chronic dehydration (not drinking enough water) can cause dark circles under your eyes. Increase your water intake, and you may see the effect on dark circles quickly! 
• Insomnia: Irregular sleep patterns or short sleep cycles help in the formation of dark circles. A healthy lifestyle and adequate rest are essential to help prevent dark circles. 
• Genetics: Many people may develop dark circles due to genetics. If genetics is the underlying cause of your dark circles, you may not be able to resolve the condition completely. However, with proper care and nourishment, the appearance of dark circles can be improved. 
• Illness: Prolonged periods of illness, skin conditions like eczema, anaemia, or thyroid issues can cause the temporary formation of dark circles. 
• Computer usage: Long hours in front of the smartphone or computer can result in eye strain and stress. This can also cause dark circles. 
• Allergies: Eye dryness and allergic reactions can trigger dark circles. Histamines cause blood vessels to dilate and result in redness, puffy eyes, and 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. UV damage from excessive sunlight exposure may also lead to dark circles. 
• Age: As we age, the skin beneath the eyes becomes thinner, revealing darker blood vessels that cause a shadowed look. 

Dark circles may also be caused by fat reduction around the eyes, touching or rubbing the eyes often, smoking, hangover, sudden and extreme weight loss, and darker skin. 

Types of Dark Circles

Dark circles are a common beauty concern. Dark circles are of different types and each type is linked to specific causes. 

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, ageing, and poor blood circulation contribute to the prominence of these circles. 

3. Structural Dark Circles

• Thinning or hollowing of the skin around the eyes characterises structural dark circles. 
• This makes the deeper tissues and blood vessels more noticeable, creating a darker under-eye area. 

4. Lifestyle-Related Dark Circles

• Factors such as stress, lack of hydration, and poor dietary habits can increase the likelihood of dark circles. 
• Addressing these factors through lifestyle modifications may help reduce the intensity of these circles. 

Knowing the exact kind of dark circles you have is important for using the right solutions. Customised treatments, like using special creams or changing daily habits, may help to reduce and improve dark circles based on their cause. 

Wonderful Home Remedies for Dark Circles

1. Cold Tea Bags 

One of the most commonly used and easy ways to reduce dark under-eye circles is to use cold tea bags. Green tea or chamomile tea bags are recommended for faster relief. It is thought that the residual caffeine in tea bags helps to constrict blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to that area, helping to provide some relief from dark circles². 

How to Use Cold Tea Bags? 

Let the tea bags soak in water, cool them in the fridge, and then rest them over your eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat regularly. 

2. Grated Potatoes or Grated Cucumber

This is, by far, one of the most commonly used home remedies for dark circles. Grated potatoes and cucumbers also aid in reducing the puffiness around the eyes. The vitamins and antioxidants in these cooling veggies and their anti-inflammatory nature helps to reduce inflammation around the eyes while also helping to stave off darkening². 

How to Use Grated Potatoes and Cucumbers? 

• Grate some raw potatoes or cucumber and place the shreds over your closed eyes. Leave them on for 10-12 minutes while you relax. 
• Alternatively, you can also use the juice extracted from raw potatoes or cucumbers. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place it over your eyes, ensuring full coverage of the under-eye region. 
• Leave it on for 1-3 minutes and wash off with cold water. In case you are pressed for time, you can directly place slices of cucumber or potato on your eyes. 

3. Cold Milk 

Cold milk is a natural cleanser for the eyes and is known to help remove dark circles under the eyes while soothing the sensitive under-eye skin. The lactic acid in cold milk may reduce swelling and brighten the skin tone. Additionally, potassium in milk allows the skin to stay better moisturised, leaving you with soft and supple skin³. 

How to Use Cold Milk? 

• Use a cotton ball dipped in chilled milk to gently apply on and around the eyes. 
• Keep it on for a while, then rinse the eyes with cold water. 
• Repeat at least thrice a week! 

4. Elevating the Head 

The way we sleep also affects the area surrounding our eyes. You may be able to prevent fluid buildup under the eyes that can cause puffiness and swelling by elevating your head with a few extra pillows. This simple change can help improve dark circles and may lead to overall improvement in the appearance of the area surrounding the eyes⁴. 

5. Aloe Vera 

Moisturised skin is less likely to sag and will stay healthy longer. Aloe Vera, which is an effective moisturiser, may help reduce dark circles, nourish the skin, and prevent premature ageing⁵. 

How to Use Aloe Vera? 

• Apply a small amount of Aloe Vera gel under your eyes before bedtime and massage it gently for 5 to 7 minutes. 
• Don’t rinse unless you feel sticky and uncomfortable. 

6. Almond Oil and Lemon Juice 

A popular remedy involves blending almond oil with lemon juice. The vitamin E and antioxidants in almond oil may help address dark circles. Lemon juice’s active component is ascorbic acid and other nutrients. This remedy may also aid in decreasing water retention that causes puffiness around the eyes. It also has a mild skin lightening effect; however, when used undiluted, it can have the opposite effect and cause damage to the skin, so always use caution⁶. 

How to Use Almond Oil & Lemon Juice? 

• Take about a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice, combine them, and gently apply it around the eyes. 
• Massage and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. 
• Rinse after that. 

7. Rosewater 

This one can surely be termed as a traditional secret dark circles home remedy! Rosewater is refreshing, rejuvenating and may be used on almost all skin types and for all skin-related issues. It’s a mild astringent and can be used as an effective skin toner too⁷. 

How to Use Rosewater? 

• Place rose water-soaked cotton pads over your eyes to soothe and refresh the under-eye area. 
• Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. 
• Repeat every night for a month for the best results. 

8. Tomatoes 

Tomatoes naturally help lighten the skin. They also contain antioxidants that help to lighten the discolouration around the eyes⁶.

How to Use Tomatoes for Dark Circles? 

• Mix a teaspoon of tomato juice with a spoon of lemon juice and apply under both eyes. 
• Let it sit for 10 minutes or so, then rinse off with cold water. 
• Alternatively, you can consume tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves to get rid of dark circles under eyes 

9. Yoga and Meditation 

Stress, low mood, and irregular routines are often linked to the appearance of dark circles. 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 the mind but also helps to regulate the body clock and, most importantly, it addresses most body problems from the core⁸. 

10. Regular Sleep 

Arguably, one of the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to get rid of under-eye dark circles 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 appearance of your skin as well as your overall health. One of the first things that reveal our internal health is poor skin condition. Proper sleep on a regular basis can be your biggest weapon against preventing and reducing dark circles in the long term⁹.

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.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Other Remedies to Deal with Dark Circles

Apart from the above natural treatments for dark circles under the eyes, there are a number of other home remedies. Here is a quick list of some great alternative options¹⁰: 

• Orange juice is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C, both of which help with healthy skin. Mix orange juice with a little glycerine and apply it under your eyes. 
• Applying vitamin E oil may support skin repair and reduce the intensity of dark circles. It works on the 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 under the eyes.  
• Both turmeric and coconut oil are known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties. A turmeric paste mixed with pineapple juice or another suitable base can be gently applied under the eyes. 
• Dark chocolate contains high amounts of flavonols. Certain plant-based ingredients may help shield the skin from UV-related 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. They are also beneficial for proper blood circulation. As 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, including salmon and some nuts, can help your body circulate blood better and limit dark circle development. 
• High amounts of salt (particularly the sodium in salt) in your diet 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, is also a dehydrating substance. The dehydration due to alcohol can result in puffiness and dark circles cutting back may help reduce these effects.

Studies have found that cool spoons placed over your eyes can assist in constricting the dilated blood vessels that result in darkness around the eyes. This may lessen the look of dark circles.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Dark Neck

Finally, Manage Dark Circles Naturally by Making It a Point To

• Consume a diet that’s rich in vitamin C and iron 
• Avoid rubbing your eyes all the time. 
• Avoid strong eye cosmetics. Go natural! 
• Moisturise the under-eye skin. 
• 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 harmful UV rays. 

Dark circles are quite common, and they don’t have to be the end of the world. The best way to keep them in control is naturally. Follow these simple guidelines and you should be able to manage your dark circles very well. 

Read More: 16 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References  

1. Vrcek, I., Ozgur, O., & Nakra, T. (2016). Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 9(2), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.184046 

2. Sun K, Mears A, Hailemeskel B. Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes – The Use of Cucumber Slices, Chamomile Tea Bags, Witch Hazel, Arnica, and Students Survey. Pharmacophore. 2024;15(1):41-7. https://doi.org/10.51847/kt9W8sPoi3 

3. Vavouli, C., Katsambas, A., Gregoriou, S., Teodor, A., Salavastru, C., Alexandru, A., & Kontochristopoulos, G. (2013). Chemical peeling with trichloroacetic acid and lactic acid for infraorbital dark circles. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 12(3), 204–209. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12044 

4. Yeon, D. Y., Yoo, C., Lee, T. E., Park, J. H., & Kim, Y. Y. (2014). Effects of head elevation on intraocular pressure in healthy subjects: raising bed head vs using multiple pillows. Eye (London, England), 28(11), 1328–1333. https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2014.211 

5. Mufseena P, Baboo CRV, Kumar PS. Preparation and standardisation of herbal eye dark circle remover. World J Pharm Res. 2022;11(5):2342-50. Available from: https://doi.org/10.20959/wjpr20225-24032 

6. Yelam VS, Gadekar S. Characterization, properties and evaluation of herbal under eye cream. Int J Creative Res Thoughts (IJCRT). 2023;11(12):c338. Available from: https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2312270.pdf 

7. Duroux, R., Mandeau, A., Guiraudie-Capraz, G., Quesnel, Y., & Loing, E. (2020). A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(20), 4743. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204743 

8. Kim S. D. (2016). Effects of yogic eye exercises on eye fatigue in undergraduate nursing students. Journal of physical therapy science, 28(6), 1813–1815. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.28.1813 

9. Rocha Barone, C., Catucci Boza, J., Challub Pires, G., Perusato Pereira, P., & Ferreira Cestari, T. (2020). The influence of sleep quality on the development of periocular hyperchromia: a case-control study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(7), 1760–1767. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13195 

10. Joshi M, Perera PS, Korrapati NH. Effective home remedies that provide quick relief for puffy eyes. Int J Prog Sci Technol. 2021;28(2):43-51. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354871368_Effective_Home_Remedies_that_Provide_Quick_Relief_for_Puffy_Eyes 

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.

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