Tired of having people at work constantly ask you if you’ve not had a “good night’s sleep” because of your visible dark circles and deep eye bags?
We understand your plight! While there aren’t any miracle overnight fixes for this, there are definitely solutions that can help bring the glow back into your skin with some effective home remedies.
Causes of Dark Circles
You may not be pulling all-nighters and still end up with dark circles. Various factors influence the darkening of the skin under your eyes, such as:
Hereditary: If your family has a history of dark circles, then you can inherit the trait too.
Melanin: High melanin levels in your skin can cause dark circles.
No sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to the dilation of blood vessels, making the circles look darker and more prominent.
Aging: Skin loses collagen with age, which can make the blood vessels more visible, resulting in dark circles.
Allergies: Nasal congestion and allergies can also lead to dilated blood vessels, making the dark circles more visible.
10 Home remedies for dark circles
1. Almond Oil
Almond oil is not only excellent for your hair, but its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help reduce the puffiness under your eye and lighten dark circles. (1)
It also naturally contains retinol, vitamin K, and vitamin E which protects the skin from irritants and keeps it smooth.
How to use it?
- Mix tbsp of honey with 4-5 drops of almond oil
- Massage under dark circles before bed
- Wash off with a cleanser in the morning
2. Cucumber slices:
Cucumber in your water rejuvenates your body, and a slice over your eyes can do the same for your skin.
Cucumber slices for eyes have been an age-old tradition that has proven benefits. The juice of cucumber can reduce inflammation, soothe damaged skin, and help stimulate antioxidants. (2)
The high water content in the cucumber also helps moisturize the under-eye area can prevent wrinkles and keeps the elasticity.
How to use it?
- Chill cucumber in the fridge overnight
- Cut two slices about half an inch
- Place it on your eyes for 15 minutes
3. Potato
When you think of potatoes you think “french fries” but besides the delicious fried goodness raw potato can do miracles for your skin.
Loaded with vitamins like Vitamin C, and Vitamin B and nutrients such as potassium, iron, fatty acids and Quercetin that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These nutrients can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness by lighting the under-eye skin.
How to use it?
- Slice a potato and dip in ice water
- Place it on your eyes for 15-20 minutes
- Repeat it 2-3 times a week
4. Rose water
Rose water has dominated the skin care industry for ages and is suitable for all skin types and ages. It contains Vitamins A & C that can help in lightening discolouration under the eyes.
It can also provide a cooling effect for the eyes to help soothe any eye strain.
How to use it?
- Mix rose water with one tbsp gram flour and lemon juice
- Dab it under the eye with a cotton pad
- Leave for 10 minutes then rinse with cold water
5. Tomato
Perfect in your salad and even better on your eyes!
Tomato contains lycopene that has several benefits such as anti-ageing, UV protection, anti-inflammatory, and most importantly it can help with skin pigmentation.
How to use it?
- Grind a fresh tomato into juice
- Dab it under the eye with a cotton pad
- Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera needs no introduction, it is multi-purpose when it comes to skincare and has nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, selenium and vitamins A, C & E.
All of these nutrients and vitamins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness and lighten the skin under the eye.
How to use it?
- Apply a generous amount of aloe gel under the eye at night
- Rinse it in the morning with warm water followed by moisturizer
7. Mint leaves
The menthol in mint leaves has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that can help reduce irritation, redness and discomfort and soothe irritated skin.
For people who develop dark circles due to allergies mint leaves can be a safe and natural option for at-home treatment.
How to use it?
- Crush mint leaves and make into a paste
- Mix with aloe vera gel
- Apply under the eye and rinse after 10 minutes
8. Coconut oil
Growing up your hair was possibly slathered with coconut oil and pulled back into braids that kept them healthy throughout your childhood. As an adult, the routine is switched while the coconut oil remains however now it’s to keep your skin healthy.
Studies have shown that coconut oil can help cell turnover which means it makes the skin barrier stronger by increasing its thickness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal dark circles that are caused by damaged skin.
How to use it?
- Dab coconut oil under the eye on a bare face
- Gently massage for at least 30 seconds
- Leave it overnight for better absorption
9. Turmeric paste
In an Indian household, turmeric does it all! If you have a cut? Turmeric. If you need your skin brightened? Turmeric.
Turmeric has anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pigmentation, acne and signs of ageing.
How to use it?
- Mix 1 tbsp turmeric powder with almond oil
- Apply the paste under the eye
- Rinse after 15 minutes
10. Lemon juice
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten dark circles and brighten the skin.
The citric acid and vitamin C content in lemon help in reducing pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
How to use it?
- Dilute fresh lemon juice with water
- Dab under the eye with a cotton pad
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off
Conclusion
While dark circles can be daunting for many individuals it is completely normal and with proper care and attention be treated over time.
You do not need expensive skin care, with ingredients you have available at home you can prepare the treatments yourself at a fraction of the cost.
However, before replacing it with any medical treatment get in touch with your healthcare provider for proper advice.
FAQs:
1. How can I remove dark circles fast at home?
To remove dark circles at home use:
- Almond oil
- Cucumber slices
- Potato slices
- Rose water
- Tomato juice
- Aloe vera gel
2. Can ice remove dark circles?
Yes, it can help reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels and providing a temporary tightening effect.
3. How to remove eye bags permanently?
To completely remove eye bags you will need to make lifestyle changes, follow skincare routines and seek professional treatments.
4. Can Vaseline remove dark circles?
It may help by moisturizing the skin around the eyes that can potentially improve its appearance
