Our eyes have skin a little more fragile and sensitive than the rest of our face. Our eyes reflect the feelings of our hearts. This is why taking care of our eyes is very important. However, when it comes to taking care of our eyes it can be a little tricky. It is supremely delicate and therefore can be easily damaged. The changes that happen within the deeper layers of the skin under the eyes can be easily visible on the surface. This is when we see dark circles and puffy eyes. Having dark circles under the eyes is a very common problem. It is equally seen in both men and women. It can be seen regardless of any age and it can be due to some common reasons or it can have any underlying causes. In this article, we are going to share with you some insights on dark circles and we are also going to give you some remedies to treat it at home.
What Do You Understand By Dark Circles?
Dark circles are normally found under the lower eyelids and they can be seen in both men and women at any age. They are huge dark patches that are normally seen under your eyes. These dark circles are often accompanied by eye bags and they can often make you look tired and old. Among all the other things dark circles can be extremely difficult to remove. Dark circles can affect anybody but it is mostly seen in old and elderly people or people who are prone to pre-orbital hyper pigmentation. People from non-white ethnicities can also be prone to dark circles as they are more prone to hyper pigmentation. Mostly dark circles are not a reason for major concern but there are few cases that demand medical attention.
Why Do We Get Dark Circles?
Dark circles can be caused due to several underlying issues. Some can be lifestyle habits while others can be much graver and can be health or genetics related. Here in this segment, we are going to see some common causes that can lead to dark circles.
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Medications
Medication that can dilate the blood vessels might often cause dark circles. These medications can also increase the existing darkness under your eyes. The skin under our eyes is supremely delicate and when pour blood flow is an increase within our blood vessels it tends to show from beneath the sin. This is when we tend to get dark circles so profusely and prominently.
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Weariness
When there is interference in your sleep cycle and you are not sleeping right then you can have dark circles. Extreme fatigue pr even staying up late for a few hours past your bed timer can also give you dark circles. However, if you oversleep then also it can cause fatigue thereby giving you dark circles. Lack of sleep can make you look pale and dull and this can allow the blood vessels and other tissues to show from underneath your skin. sleep deprivation also makes your eyes look puffy as it can cause fluid build up under your eyes. Due to this what you normally see as dark circles can just be a shadow cast due to the puffy eyes.
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Anemia
When our body experiences a lack of nutrients especially iron then we might get dark circles. Not intaking a proper and balanced diet is a very important factor contributing to the darkness under our eyes. Iron deficiency or anemia suggests that there is not enough oxygen reaching the blood vessels and tissues. This is when our skin can either become pale or the underlying veins and tissues underneath our skin becomes much more visible.
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Age
Another natural factor that contributes to dark circles is age. When you age naturally then the skin under your eyes becomes thinner. This makes the tissues and blood vessels under your eyes to be more visible. When you grow old your skin looses its natural collagen and also the fats required to maintain the skin’s elasticity. This is what makes the dark blood vessels show more prominently giving you dark circles under the eyes.
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Eye Strain
Excessive tension and pressure on your eyes can give you dark circles. Prolonged exposure to TV and computer or phone screens can cause unnecessary strain to your eyes. This can enlarge the blood vessels under your eyes due to which the surrounding skin under your eyes darkens.
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Hypersensitivity
Any sort of an allergic reaction can also give you dark circles. When you are allergic to something your body releases histamines that are meant to kill the harmful bacteria’s. The release of this hormone can dilate your blood vessels under your eyes making it more visible from the surface of the skin. apart from this, it can also cause puffy eyes, redness, and itchiness on your eyes. Allergies can also cause eye dryness that can urge you to scratch and rub your eyes. Doing this will only make the condition worse.
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Lack Of Hydration
Lack of water in your body and dehydration is a very common cause of the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. If your body dies not to receive an adequate amount of water then your eyes can look sunken and dull. The appearance is due to the fact that our eyes lie in close proximity to the bone.
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Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun for a very long period of time can cause dark circles. This is because overexposure to the sun can cause our body to produce melanin in excess. Melanin is the pigment that provides color to our skin and the other features of our body. When melanin is produced in excess our skin color tends to darken. Therefore too much sun can cause to rise especially near the eyes giving the appearance of dark circles.
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Genetics
Genetics plays a huge role when it comes to any features pf your body. And even dark circles are no different. If dark circles run in your family history then it is most likely that you will also be prone to it. This inheritance may happen when you are smaller and it can either worsen or disappear as you age. Dark circles can also be caused due to other genetic diseases such as thyroid.
Tips To Prevent Dark Circles
Treatment of the dark circles normally depends on the type and the underlying issue of your dark circles. However, prevention can be quite easy. Here in this segment, we are going to share with you some tips that will enable you to keep your dark circles at bay.
- The first and foremost thing you can do is get an adequate amount of rest. Try to ease your stress. If you are too tired and you indulge yourself in strenuous activities then you need to get good rest to prevent dark circles. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis.
- Try to consume food that is rich in Vitamin C. these foods are rich in iron and consuming them can improve your hemoglobin thereby reducing your dark circles.
- Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. Also, make sure that your skin locks in the moisture that you provide it in order to be soft and supple.
- Take care of your lifestyle and food habits. Try to consume more of nutritionally rich food and avoid fast or spicy foods. Consume foods that can boost your collagen production in your skin. Taking care of your diet can eliminate pigmentation and also repair the damaged cells and skin around your eyes.
- Visit a doctor if you have allergies, hay fever, nasal congestion or asthma.
- Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes strenuously. Also, avoid any cosmetics that can irritate your skin and cause an allergic reaction.
- Also choose a serum or eye cream that will have active ingredients such as retinol, Vitamin C, E, and K.
16 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes can be extremely common. They are usually caused by sleep deprivation, fatigue, and stress. Dark circles tend to be the problem of every other individual these days. While you are racking your brain thinking about how to get rid of it, we bring to you 13 natural remedies that can help you treat and cure your dark circles right at home. So if you are looking for some natural ways to get rid of your dark circles then keep on scrolling down for best results.
1. Cold Compress
This is one of the easiest and effective ways you can do to cure or treat your dark circles at home. Cold Compress can not only relieve the extra strain and stress from your eyes but it can also balance and regulate the blood flow in the veins underneath your eyes, regulating the blood flow will automatically make the blood vessels become less visible thereby treati9ng the cause of dark circles.
Things You Need
- Ice.
- Towel.
- Washcloth.
- Water.
- Plastic bag.
Steps To Follow
- Place some ice cubes in a plastic bag. You can also wrap it in a washcloth or towel.
- Keep this under your eyes for about 20 minutes.
- Remove once you are done and then pat the area dry.
- Repeat this process every 2 hours if you feel the need.
Do this daily until you see some difference in your dark circles. You can also use refrigerated sheet masks instead of ice. This will not only hydrate your face bit will also play the necessary role in treating your dark circles.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a miracle plant and it has been used for ages to get rid of any issues related to skin and hair. The gel obtained from Aloe Vera contains aloesin that can inhibit your tyrosinase activity. This is generally useful in getting rid of the pigmentation and evening out your skin tone. Aloe vera gel is also great in hydrating your skin thereby making it soft and supple.
Things You Need
- Aloe Vera gel.
Steps To Follow
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and gently apply it under your eyes.
- Massage the gel until it gets totally absorbed by your skin.
- Let it stay overnight and rinse it off in the morning with plain water.
Do this daily at night until you see any difference in your dark circles.
3. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is an emollient. This means that it can provide hydration and also lock the moisture into your skin. Applying sweet almond oil under your eyes can hydrate your eyes thereby getting rid of the dehydration problem. This will also reduce the prominence of the blood vessels under your eyes and can also improve your skin tone.
Things You Need
- Sweet almond oil.
- Cotton balls.
Steps To Follow
- Take 1-3 drops of sweet almond oil on a cotton ball.
- Dab this under your eyes and let it get completely absorbed into your skin.
- Let it stay overnight and then rinse it off the next morning with plain water.
Do this daily for the best results.
4. Cucumber
Cucumber is loaded with vitamins and bioactive compounds that can inhibit your tyrosinase activity. These compounds can reduce the pigmentation and darkness around the eyes. Cucumber can also soothe and calm tired and dull eyes.
Things You Need
- Cucumber.
- Aloe Vera gel.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 1 cucumber and blend it into a blender.
- Take out the paste in a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel into it.
- Mix the ingredients well and apply this paste onto your eyes.
- Let it stay for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with plain water.
Do this 1 time every day for the best results.
5. Tomato
Tomatoes are a great natural remedy when it comes to reducing pigmentation and dark spots. This is because tomatoes are loaded with phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and lycopene. These substances can mitigate the oxidative damages done to skin tissues. It can also reduce the redness of the skin. Applying tomatoes on your dark circles can reduce the pigmentation and even out your skin tone.
Things You Need
- Tomatoes.
- Lemon Juice.
- A small bowl.
- Cotton ball.
Steps To Follow
- Take a tomato and blend it in a blender.
- Empty the paste in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to it.
- Mix the ingredients well and use a cotton ball to dab the mixture under your eyes.
- Let it stay for 20 minutes and wash it off thoroughly with plain water.
Do this 1-2 times a week for best results. Lemon juice can be sensitive to your skin as the skin under your eyes are delicate. Therefore do a patch test to avoid any allergies.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a great source to reduce pigmentation and it exhibits anti-pigmentary properties. Vitamin C is also known to increase the dermal thickness of your eyes. A thick layer under your eyes will help to conceal the dark blood vessels under your eyes and will stop them from appearing on the surface. Lemon juice, however, can be a little harsh on your skin and it can be irritating. Therefore it is advised to do a patch test.
Things You Need
- Lemon Juice.
- A small bowl.
- Cotton balls.
Steps To Follow
- Squeeze out the juice from the lemon and take 1 tablespoon of the juice into the bowl.
- Use a cotton ball and dab the juice onto your dark circles under your eyes.
- Let it stay for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with plain water.
Do this at least 3-4 times a week for best results. Apply sunscreen after you do this remedy.
7. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is rich in proanthocyanidins. This component exhibits anti-melanogenic properties and this is why it can be beneficial on getting rid of pigmentation. Using rosehip oil around the dark circles of your eyes can reduce the pigmentation thereby giving you clear and even-toned skin.
Things You Need
- Rosehip Oil.
- Coconut Oil.
- Cotton pads.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a small bowl.
- Add 3-4 drops of rosehip oil into it and mix well.
- Use a cotton pad and dip it into the solution. Dab this cotton pad on your dark circles and let it get completely absorbed.
- Let it stay overnight and rinse it off in the morning.
Do this every night until you see a considerable difference in your dark circles.
8. Rose Water
Apart from smelling amazing, they are also meant to replenish and rejuvenate your skin. it is a mild astringent unlike cucumber and therefore they are often used as a toner. Using rose water will keep your skin hydrated and also will rejuvenate your skin getting rid of the dark circles and making your skin color even.
Things You Need
- Rose Water.
- Cotton ball.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 2 tablespoons of rosewater in a small bowl.
- Soak a cotton ball in this for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the balls are completely soaked apply these on your eyes for about 15 minutes. Be sure to keep your eyes closed during this.
Do this 2 times daily until you find a considerable difference in your dark circles.
9. Licorice Extracts
Licorice contains glabridin. This component can be helpful in synthesizing your melanin. The lower the melanin the lesser the darkness you will have. Therefore applying licorice extracts on your dark circles can reduce the melanin pigmentation enabling you to get rid of it.
Things You Need
- Licorice Extracts.
- Vitamin K capsule.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 3-4 drops of licorice extracts in a small bowl.
- Break open a Vitamin K capsule and add the components into it.
- Mix it well to get a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste onto your dark circles and let it stay for about 10 minutes.
- After this wash it thoroughly with plain water.
Do this 3 times a week for best results.
10. Potato
Potato juice is rich in azelaic acid and it can inhibit tyrosinase activity that is known to reduce pigmentation. Applying potato juice onto your dark circles can help your dark circles fade.
Things You Need
- Potatoes.
- A small bowl.
- Cotton balls.
Steps To Follow
- Extract the juice of a potato and take 1-2 tablespoons of this juice in a small bowl.
- Dip a cotton ball into the bowl and dab the potato juice on your dark circles.
- Let the solution dry and then wash it off with water.
Do this for at least 2 times a week.
11. Yogurt
Yogurt can be very useful other than eating when it comes to reducing those dark circles under your eyes. It is rich in L-cysteine and it can inhibit tyrosinase activity. This can prevent dark circles and pigmentation under your eyes.
Things You Need
- Yogurt.
- Lemon Juice.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 2 tablespoons of yogurt in a small bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to it and mix well.
- Mix the ingredients well to make a thick paste. Apply this paste onto your dark circles and let it stay for about 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it thoroughly with plain water.
Do this 2 times a week for best results.
12. Honey
Honey has antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. It also contains polyphenols that inhibit tyrosinase activity. This synthesizes the melanin production in your skin and it can reduce excessive pigmentation thereby fading dark circles.
Things You Need
- Honey.
- Lemon juice.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 1 tablespoon of honey in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into it.
- Make a smooth paste and apply this paste onto your dark circles.
- Leave this mixture for about 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with plain water.
Do this one-time daily until your dark circles fade completely.
13. Saffron
Saffron is rich in bioactive compounds. Compounds such as riboflavin and carotenoids can boost the ant-tyrosinase activity in your skin. These compounds can reduce excessive pigmentation and can also prevent them from happening. Applying saffron on your dark circles can reduce the appearance of it.
Things You Need
- Saffron.
- Milk.
- Cotton ball.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take a quarter cup of milk in a small bowl and add 3-4 strands of saffron into it.
- Soak this saffron into the milk for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours strain the milk and dip a cotton ball into it.
- Dab the solution under your eyes on the dark circles.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
Do this at least 2 times a week for the best results.
14. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is loaded with bioactive compounds that inhibit melanogenesis. These compounds can reduce dark circles and pigmentations. Therefore applying grapeseed oil onto your dark circles can help them fade away.
Things You Need
- Grapeseed oil.
Steps To Follow
- Take 2-3 drops of grapeseed oil and massage this gently onto your dark circles.
- Leave this overnight and then wash it off the next morning.
Do this every night until your dark circles fade away.
15. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in phenolic compounds that can inhibit melanogenesis. Using green tea can reduce excessive pigmentation, therefore, can reduce dark circles.
Things You Need
- Green tea bags.
- Water.
Steps To Follow
- Take a cup of water and boil it.
- Dip 2 green tea bags into it and refrigerate then for at least 10 minutes.
- Take out these tea bags and then place them under your eyes on your dark circles.
- Keep them for about 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with plain water.
Do this daily until your dark circles fade away.
16. Turmeric And Mint Leaves
Turmeric is a great ingredient that is known to replenish and rejuvenate sagging and tired skin. Turmeric has a component called cucurmin and it can remove dark spots and pigmentations thereby evening out your skin tone. Mint leaves can remove tiredness and can calm and soothe tired skin. a concoction of these can get rid of the dark circles relieving you from tired and upset skin and eyes.
Things You Need
- Mint leaves.
- A small bowl.
Steps To Follow
- Take 3-4 mint leaves in a blender. Once it is blended strain the juice into a small bowl.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder to it and mix well.
- Apply this onto your dark circles and let it stay for about 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
Do this 2 times a week for best results.
Medical Treatments To Reduce Dark Circles
The medical options are only recommended if you have extremely dark circles. When you go to visit a doctor your doctor might suggest one of these options for your dark circles depending on the diagnosis.
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Skin Lightening Cream
Your doctor might suggest and recommend some skin lightening cream in order to reduce the darkness under your eyes. These creams might include azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid or hydroquinone. These creams are available over the counter and these active ingredients can be very helpful in getting rid of the darkness under your eyes.
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Blepharoplasty
This is a surgical procedure and it needs to be done by a plastic surgeon, or dermatologist or even an oculoplastic surgeon. Doing this will reduce the darkness under your eyes caused by the shadow cast due to puffy eyes. This will, in turn, reduce the appearance of the dark circles.
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Laser Treatment
Laser treatment basically includes heat energy in order to vaporize the cells that are damaged in your skin. this treatment can be used to target the darker pigmented cells under your eyes. Laser therapy is not only useful in treating dark circles but it can also be beneficial in boosting the collagen production in your skin.
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Fillers
Fillers include hyaluronic acid and it is a dermal filler that can be injected by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These dermal fillers are inserted under your eyes and they can boost the volume under your eyes. When your eyes will have volume it will automatically reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
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Chemical Peels
Another option you can have is that of chemical peels. Your dermatologist might recommend light chemical peels in order to reduce the pigmentation under your eyes. These peels might include retinol, glycolic acid or hydroquinone as active ingredients. Peels of this kind might lighten your dark circles and also prevent it from coming back.
Makeup Tricks To Hide Dark Circles
Now that we have seen some home remedies to treat dark circles, let us consider some steps by which you can cover your dark circles immediately. The home remedies might take some time to get rid of the issue permanently, but if you need a quick fix then we are definitely here to help. So keep scrolling down to find out how exactly you can cover your dark circles with makeup.
- When you are trying to hide the stubborn dark circles, it is important to pick the right shade of your concealer or color corrector. Green-based concealers will diminish the redness while the concealers with a yellow tone will correct those bluish dark circles. You can also choose a concealer one shade lighter than your normal skin tone. This will conceal the darkness and will also brighten up your eye area. Also, color corrector work better in concealing any stubborn imperfections than concealers. These will not make your makeup look cakey.
- Now that you have chosen the right shade it is important to apply it at the right place. do not smear your concealer or color corrector directly under your eyes. This will only accentuate them and will be wastage for the product. This is because dragging your concealer dies nothing to hide it. Instead, you should lightly dab the concealer under your eyes to get the maximum coverage. Draw a semi-circle from your cheek to the inside corner of the eye and blend it nicely and gently to get the maximum coverage.
- Use a brush to disperse the product under your eye. And after this use a damp beauty sponge or your clean fingers to blend the product under your eye. Once you are done blending set it with either a translucent powder or a compact.
Dark circles do not involve high risk and it is usually temporary. However, these can be a cause of concern for most people. It can have a deep impact on your appearance and the way you feel. For most people, it even affects their self-esteem. Therefore we shared with you some natural remedies along with some medical treatments that can treat your dark circles. If these remedies do not help then be sure to consult your doctor as it might be the cause of an underlying issue.