11 Home Remedies to Remove Dark Circles
By Aishakeel, 31 October 2023
Table of Contents
Dark circles under the lower eyelids are common and affect men and women alike! Those pesky shadows under our eyes have a way of making us feel downright dreadful. But guess what? You’re not alone in this battle. Even the most dazzling celebrities from across the globe have faced the same issue and leaned on makeup and concealers to keep those dark circles a secret.
Dark circles are the discoloration beneath the eyes, often appearing dark or purplish, and they are a common cosmetic concern. They result from various factors such as genetics, aging, stress, fatigue, dehydration, allergies, and skin pigmentation disorders. Insufficient sleep is a significant contributor. Medical conditions and certain medications can also lead to dark circles. Symptoms include puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles around the eyes, making individuals appear tired, less healthy, or older.
11 Home Remedies to Remove Dark Circles
Dark circles can affect anyone but are usually more common in:
- older adults
- people with a genetic tendency to this condition
- Individuals with dark skin tones, who have a higher tendency to develop hyperpigmentation around the eyes
Causes and Risk Factors for dark circles
1. Irregular Sleep Patterns
Oversleeping
Oversleeping leads to poor blood circulation, causing your skin to become more dull and pale which can result in blood vessels underneath the eyes becoming more visible.
Additionally, spending excessive time in a horizontal position while sleeping can lead to fluid accumulation in the eye area, causing puffiness. This puffiness can cast shadows on the skin, making dark circles more pronounced.
Furthermore, oversleeping can sometimes result in issues such as dehydration and imbalanced fluid levels, both of which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
So, while it may seem counterintuitive, too much sleep can indeed play a role in the formation of those pesky dark circles.
When you don’t get enough sleep, several processes in your body can contribute to the appearance of dark circles:
- Blood Vessel Dilation: Lack of sleep can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow to the under-eye area. This can make the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible, resulting in a bluish or purplish tint.
- Skin Paleness: Sleep-deprived individuals often have paler skin. This contrast between the lighter skin and the dark under-eye circles can make the circles appear more prominent.
- Puffy Eyes: Sleep deprivation can lead to fluid retention, causing the area around your eyes to become puffy. This puffiness can create shadows that enhance the appearance of dark circles.
- Stress and Inflammation: Lack of sleep can trigger stress and inflammation in the body. Inflammatory processes can break down collagen, the protein responsible for skin elasticity, leading to sagging and the development of dark circles.
- Rubbing and Irritation: Sleep-deprived individuals may rub their eyes more frequently due to fatigue or eye strain. This can lead to skin irritation, which exacerbates the appearance of dark circles.
2. Certain types of allergies
When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines to fight off the invader. This may cause itchy, red, and puffy eyes. Scratching the itchy skin may cause inflammation, swelling, and broken blood vessels, leading to post-inflammatory pigmentation.
3. UV damage from excessive sunlight exposure
Prolonged sun exposure or injury may cause dark circles to form under your eyes. This is known as post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Too much sun may produce excess melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin color. Your body might then deposit this excess melanin beneath your eyes, resulting in hyperpigmentation.
4. Temporary or chronic dehydration
When your body isn’t well hydrated, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull and your eyes look sunken. This is due to how close your eyes are to the underlying bone.
5. Genetics
Many times, people may inherit the problem of dark circles from their parents. 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.
6. Thyroid issues (such as hypothyroidism)
7. Skin conditions like eczema
8. Smoking
9. Hangovers
10. Sudden and extreme weight loss
11. Aging
As you get older, your skin tends to sag and become thinner. You might experience a decrease in the fat and collagen that helps maintain your skin’s elasticity. As this occurs, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, causing the area below your eyes to darken.
Aging might also cause tear troughs to appear more hollow. This may give you the appearance of looking tired or older.
12. Skin tone
People with darker skin tend to have more pronounced and obvious dark circles
13. Family history
People who have a family history of dark circles are more likely to develop the same themselves
It can be an inherited trait seen early in childhood. Over time, the dark circles may lighten or get darker.
14. Eye strain
Staring at a television or computer screen for long periods of time may strain your eyes. This strain could enlarge the blood vessels around your eyes, potentially causing dark circles.
15. Illness
Prolonged periods of illness can throw our routine out of schedule and result in the temporary formation of dark circles.
Benefits of natural ingredients and how they help to reduce dark circles
Apricot Oil
This is the oil extracted from the apricot kernel.
It’s a good source of emollients like tocopherols and phytosterols, that are rich in antioxidants that hydrate and protect the skin against environmental damage (aka free radicals), and keep the skin supple.
In addition, apricot oil is rich in beta-sitosterol, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and oleic acid, which helps to lock in moisture.”
Shea Butter
Shea butter, abundant in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, combats aging signs and neutralizes free radicals. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a humectant, which means it absorbs and holds onto moisture, making the skin plump and smooth.
Beeswax, containing antioxidants and Vitamin A, can diminish blemishes, dark circles, hyper-pigmentation, and acne scars while supporting skin’s immune system. It inhibits tyrosinase production, aiding in achieving an even skin complexion.
Cold Milk
Cold milk contains lactic acid, which not only helps to reduce puffiness but also lightens the skin.
Potatoes
The humble potato contains nutrients that can help remove dark circles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate puffiness effectively.
Here are some of the compounds and nutrients found in potatoes that help with dark circles:
Vitamin C
It is renowned for its brightening and antioxidant properties, making it effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles and protecting the delicate under-eye skin from damage.
B Vitamin
Crucial for healthy skin, helps to remove dark circles by reducing puffiness and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Potassium
It is a mineral that can minimize dark circles by keeping the skin hydrated and offers anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce eye puffiness.
Iron
It is an important mineral that regulates healthy blood circulation. This provides oxygen and nutrients to the under-eye area and
helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids play a vital role in promoting healthy skin, reducing dark circles, and providing anti-inflammatory effects to reduce puffiness around the eyes.
Quercetin
A compound in potatoes, that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing dark circles and eye puffiness.
Aloe Vera
A nutrient-rich plant with minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Its gel is abundant in antioxidants and various vitamins.
Aloe vera works like magic for treating dark circles as it soothes the under-eye area and works actively to improve the skin texture.
Vaseline
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is composed of 100 percent triple-purified petroleum jelly, which effectively locks in moisture, repairs dry skin, and forms a water-protective barrier to promote healing and moisture retention.
The main benefit of using Vaseline under the eye is for a hydration boost while you sleep.
Rose Water
This cool, refreshing, and fragrant water contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rose water revitalizes and moisturizes sensitive under-eye skin, reducing puffiness from factors like allergies, stress, or fatigue. Its Vitamin C content additionally diminishes dark circles and enhances skin brightness.
Honey
Honey is made up of:
- Carbohydrates
- Amino Acids
- Proteins
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Antioxidants
Honey is a potent remedy for dark circles due to its abundance of antioxidants, and anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s safe for use on delicate eye skin and has natural bleaching abilities that effectively reduce dark circles.
Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, a natural chemical with stimulant effects.
Caffeine offers several benefits for eye skin care. It acts as a natural vasoconstrictor, reducing inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels, making it effective in reducing puffiness and dark circles in eye creams and serums.
Moreover, caffeine provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage, enhances circulation, and promotes skin hydration and tightening, contributing to a more youthful and radiant appearance.
In summary, coffee is a versatile and effective ingredient for improving skin under the eyes.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil, considered a superfood, is rich in small-chain fatty acids that may reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and possess antioxidant and skin-strengthening qualities. Some suggest using it to treat dark circles, as aging can make under-eye blood vessels more visible due to thinner skin.
Turmeric
Curcumin is a bright yellow chemical found in turmeric.
Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties and curcumin content, effectively reduces under-eye darkness and pigmentation while providing UV protection.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a group of fat-soluble antioxidants, combats free radical damage, preventing premature skin aging. Vitamin E oil is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, reduces UV damage, fades hyperpigmentation, and treats wrinkles, all beneficial for under-eye concerns.
Almond oil
Almond oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it effective in lightening dark circles and reducing under-eye puffiness. It contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which promote smooth skin without irritation and may help constrict dilated blood vessels causing discoloration.
Olive oil
Olive oil, rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, vitamin E, and phytosterols, protects the skin from free radicals and supports skin repair. Consistent use of olive oil can fade pigmentation and reduce the underlying swelling associated with eye bags and dark circles.
Yogurt
Calcium-rich yogurt helps replenish the skin with essential calcium, promoting healthy and hydrated skin. Additionally, the lactic acid in yogurt acts as a humectant, drawing in moisture from the air and locking it beneath the skin’s surface.
Lactic acid, an AHA, exfoliates dead skin cells, encouraging faster cell renewal and unveiling brighter, youthful skin. Vitamin B aids cell regeneration and promotes healthy cellular fats, resulting in fresh, plump, and radiant skin.
Yogurt, with its lactic acid, can slow melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, making it promising for brightening under-eye bags and dark spots, ultimately brightening the skin.
Green Tea
Green tea, rich in antioxidants and tannins, is an excellent remedy for eye issues. Its antioxidants, including catechins, vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, protect delicate eye tissues and can reduce swelling and fluid retention around the eyes.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene which improves the vision, skin, and cardiovascular system. It also makes the skin supple and prevents the appearance of dark circles.
Tomatoes are rich in various nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B, sulfur, Iron, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. It also has bleaching properties that make it a good remedy for dark circles.
Baking Soda
The mild exfoliating properties of baking soda can remove dead skin cells and promote blood circulation in the under-eye area.
it’s best not to do this every day, as overuse can lead to skin irritation.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is considered to be a natural bleaching agent. It helps in fading dark circles and reducing puffiness around the eyes.
Benefits of Lemon Juice to Remove Dark Circles:
- The presence of vitamin C and citric acid contributes to skin brightening and firming effects on the under-eye area.
- Lemon is known for its remarkable skin-bleaching properties.
- Acting as a natural skin astringent, it tightens and minimizes skin pores, promoting a firmer appearance.
- Lemon contains essential nutrients such as calcium, proteins, carbohydrates, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B, which fortify the skin cells around the eyes.
- Lemon’s antibacterial and antiseptic qualities combat germs responsible for allergies and illnesses that lead to the development of dark circles.
Mint
With its antioxidants, mint can reduce and prevent dark circles by healing and revitalizing the delicate under-eye skin, protecting it from damage by neutralizing free radicals.
11 Home remedies to remove dark circles
Now, we all know that the skin around our eyes is as delicate as a butterfly’s wing, and slathering it with chemical-laden products might not be the wisest move. That’s why we’re here to bring you a treasure trove of natural remedies that are not only simple but also incredibly easy to pull off. These little tricks will work their magic and help your eyes sparkle like never before. So, let’s dive into this list of 11 home remedies to remove dark circles and give your eyes the love and care they deserve!
Additional Home Remedies To Treat Dark Circles
Besides the natural fixes we’ve already covered, there’s a bunch of other easy-peasy home remedies to give a shot. Here’s a nifty list of alternatives to banish those pesky dark circles:
- Orange Juice: Packed with skin-loving vitamins A and C, mix a smidge of orange juice with glycerin and dab it under your eyes for a revitalizing boost.
- Dark Chocolate: Indeed, it’s true! Dark chocolate is brimming with flavonols that provide a protective shield for your skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation, all while helping to slow down the aging process. It’s a delightful treat that not only pleases your taste buds but also benefits your skin!
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats, found in goodies like salmon and certain nuts, keep your blood flowing right. Say goodbye to baggy eyes and dark circles with improved blood circulation.
- Cut Back on Salt: Too much sodium and too little water equals puffiness. Ditch the excessive salt and guzzle up the H2O to keep bloated looks at bay.
Good habits that help to remove dark circles
1. Yoga and Meditation
One of the underlying reasons for dark circles is stress, depression, and a hectic lifestyle. Addressing dark circles can be as simple as maintaining a sense of tranquility and equilibrium. However, given that stress is an ever-present component of our daily lives, achieving this equilibrium may not always be feasible. This is where incorporating Yoga and Meditation into your daily routine can prove highly advantageous. Yoga not only soothes the mind but also aids in balancing your circadian rhythm, and more significantly, it delves into the root of various bodily concerns.
2. Regular Sleep
Arguably, one of the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to get rid of dark circles – 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.
3. Consume a diet that’s rich in vitamin C and iron
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes all the time
5. Avoid strong eye cosmetics. Go natural!
6. Moisturize the skin under the eye
7. When you step out in the sun, wear sunglasses.
Not only will they help you look stylish but also help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
8.Watch Your Alcohol
Just like salt and coffee, alcohol is a dehydration culprit. It leads to liquid loss and those dreaded hangover symptoms. So, ease up on the booze to wake up without puffy eyes on your weekend. Cheers to that!
Conclusion
For many people, dark circles come and go.
Dark circles are quite common.
They may be genetic, or they may result from the stasis of blood vessels (when blood flow slows down and pools in one area) caused by a mixture of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, getting too much sunlight, or spending long periods of time staring at screens.
Thankfully, all is not lost when you start seeing the occurrences of these annoying dark circles 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.
With adequate care and treatment, you can quickly get this situation under control in no time.
More often than not, dark circles are simply a part of aging.
They’re not typically a cause for alarm. But, if the discoloration and swelling get worse, or if they’re bothering you, speak with a doctor or dermatologist. They may be able to help you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Follow the simple guidelines given in this article, take some extra care, and dark circles will be the least of your worries.
FAQs
Dark circles are discolorations beneath the eyes, typically appearing dark or purplish. They can affect anyone but are more common in older adults, those with a genetic predisposition, and individuals with darker skin tones.
Dark circles can result from factors such as irregular sleep patterns, oversleeping, allergies, UV damage, dehydration, genetics, thyroid issues, skin conditions, smoking, hangovers, weight loss, aging, and skin tone. Family history, eye strain, illness, and medication can also contribute.
Oversleeping can cause poor blood circulation, leading to paler skin and increased visibility of blood vessels under the eyes. It can also result in fluid accumulation and puffiness, casting shadows and making dark circles more pronounced. Sleep deprivation can dilate blood vessels, pale the skin, and lead to puffiness, inflammation, and skin irritation, all contributing to the appearance of dark circles.
Natural ingredients like apricot oil, shea butter, beeswax, cold milk, potatoes, aloe vera, Vaseline, rose water, honey, coffee, coconut oil, turmeric, vitamin E, almond oil, olive oil, yogurt, green tea, tomatoes, baking soda, lemon juice, and mint offer various benefits, including antioxidant protection, skin hydration, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin brightening, which can help reduce dark circles.
Some good habits include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, following a diet rich in vitamin C and iron, avoiding rubbing your eyes, using mild eye cosmetics, moisturizing the under-eye area, wearing sunglasses in the sun, moderating alcohol consumption, practicing yoga and meditation, and leading a stress-free lifestyle.
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