There was a time when I loathed waking up in the morning because I would have to look into the mirror and see those dark circles staring back at me. But when I got to know about some simple remedies that can help cure the condition, my joy knew no bounds.
If you too are one of the many individuals being tormented by dark circles, this post will definitely help you.
Getting dark circles under the eyes has become a common phenomenon today. Look around, and a majority of the people you see have dark circles marring their otherwise natural beauty.
There are a number of factors that cause dark circles. These include excessive stress, inadequate sleep, lack of proper diet and intake of water, prolonged illness, and continuous exposure to computers.
Worry not, there are several home remedies for dark circles. And the best of those is what we are going to talk about.
1. Tomatoes
2. Almond Oil
3. Orange Juice
4. Grated Potatoes
5. Tea Bags
6. Cucumber
7. Mint Leaves
8. Cold Milk
9. Rose Water
10. Almonds
11. Nutmeg
What You Need
1 teaspoon tomato juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1. Mix the tomato juice with lemon juice and apply this mixture on the affected area.
2. Let it stay for 10 minutes, and wash off with cold water.
Repeat twice a day, and follow it for about two to three weeks.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a phytochemical that is beneficial for skin (1). Lycopene has also been found to protect the skin from damage.
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A few drops of sweet almond oil
Note: Almond oil is of two types – bitter and sweet. Bitter almond oil is used in aromatherapy, and must not be used on skin or taken orally.
1. Apply a little amount of almond oil on your dark circles and gently massage it into the skin.
2. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning.
Do this every night, before going to bed, till you see the dark circles disappear.
Almonds are an extremely good source of vitamin E (2). The oil can be used as an emollient, as it has properties to make the skin soft and supple (3).
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1 teaspoon orange juice
A few drops of glycerin
1. Mix the orange juice and glycerin, and apply this mixture on the dark circles.
2. Let the mixture stay on for 10 minutes, after which you can wash it off with cold water.
Do this every morning. You can repeat it thrice a week.
Orange is a rich source of vitamin C, a nutrient that is known to conceal dark coloration (4).
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1 raw potato
1. Grate the raw potato and extract the juice from it.
2. Soak two cotton balls in the juice.
3. Place the cotton balls on the dark circles, ensuring that they cover the affected area entirely.
4. Leave the cotton balls undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then remove and wash your eyes with cold water.
Twice a day regularly for two to three weeks.
Potatoes contain enzymes, starch, and vitamin C – all of which nourish the skin around the eyes and help treat dark circles.
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2 green tea bags
1. Dip the tea bags in water and place them in the refrigerator for a while.
2. Remove the tea bags from the fridge and place them over your eyes for about 15 minutes, after which you can wash your face.
3. Your eyes will feel refreshed.
Do this daily till you notice considerable improvement.
Dark circles are caused due to the dilation of blood vessels under the eyes. Green tea helps in reducing this dilation, thereby curing dark circles. Also, tea contains tannins that have astringent properties – they constrict the blood vessels and capillaries under the eyes, and help reduce dark circles (5).
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1 fresh cucumber
1. Cut the cucumber into thick slices and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2. Take two slices out of the fridge and place each of them on the eyes, ensuring they completely cover the affected area.
3. Leave them undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then wash your eyes with cold water.
Twice a day for about a week.
Cucumber contains a number of antioxidants (like vitexin, orientin, and cucurbitacins) that help treat under eye dark circles (6).
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A few mint leaves
1. Crush the mint leaves and mix them with a few drops of water till you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply this paste under your eyes and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
3. Wash with cold water.
Every night before going to bed. Continue doing it for a week.
Mint leaves are rich in vitamin C, which has the efficacy to treat dark circles and improve skin health (7).
Caution
Peppermint leaves can cause allergic reactions like flushing in some people (8). Ensure that you do a patch test before using this remedy.
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A bowl of cold milk
1. Take a cotton ball and dip it in the bowl of cold milk.
2. Now place the cotton ball on your eyes, making sure it covers the affected area completely.
3. Keep it on for about 15 minutes, after which you can wash off with regular water.
Once every day for two weeks.
Milk contains lactic acid that has shown to improve the smoothness, thickness, and firmness of the skin. The acid also diminishes fine lines and wrinkles (9).
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Rose water
Cotton balls
1. Take two cotton balls and soak them in rose water.
2. Place them under your eyes and leave them on for 15 minutes.
3. Wash off with cold water.
Do this daily for four weeks for best results.
Rose water has antioxidant properties that help in strengthening the skin cells and rejuvenating the skin, thus helping you in getting rid of the ugly dark circles (10).
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Crushed almonds
Raw milk
1. Mix one tablespoon of crushed almonds with fresh raw milk to make a paste.
2. Apply this paste on the under eye area and leave it on for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse off with cool water.
Once daily, till you start seeing results.
Why This Works
Almonds contain vitamin E that not only enhances the natural glow of the skin but also has soothing properties that help in reducing dark circles (11), (12).
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Nutmeg powder
Raw milk
1. Take two teaspoons of nutmeg powder and mix enough milk to make a paste.
2. Apply this paste to the affected area.
3. Keep it on overnight and rinse off the next morning.
Daily before going to bed till you see your dark circles reduce.
Nutmeg is known to work against blemishes and skin darkening due to the presence of vitamin E and vitamin C (13).
These are some of the best home remedies for dark circles under eyes. So are you ready to give these a try?
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Apart from these wonderful home remedies, there are certain treatment options as well that can help you get rid of dark circles.
Chemical peeling involves a number of chemical agents to treat various skin conditions like hyperpigmentation on the face or body, scars due to acne or wounds, and fine wrinkles. It is a non-invasive treatment for dark circles.
A chemical peel is generally performed by a dermatologist and anesthetist. Chemical peels help in rejuvenating the skin around the eyes by exfoliating the damaged upper layer of the skin to reveal a new and healthier skin layer.
The latest and the most effective peel for dark circles is the Argi peel, which contains arginine, lactic acid, allantoin, and aloe vera. Arginine is an amino acid derived from brown sugar that boosts collagen, increases elasticity, and moisturizes the skin. Lactic acid exfoliates and lightens the skin, and also fades hyperpigmentation (14). Allantoin and aloe vera help to moisturize and soften the skin (11). This is used in conjunction with vitamin C and matrixyl that provide firmness and resistance to the skin around the eye.
The duration of the treatment depends on the type of treatment (superficial, medium, or deep peel) one opts for (15).
The procedure for superficial peel takes the least amount of time (it is done on an outpatient basis). Recovery happens quickly, and most people return to their normal activities immediately.
The procedure for medium peel takes about 40 minutes, and the recovery time could be anywhere between five to seven days.
The procedure for deep peel takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and the recovery time could be anywhere between 10 to 14 days.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment reduces dark circles by destroying the pigment cells that cause discoloration. It also smoothens the skin under the eye. IPL uses high energy light waves to penetrate the skin under the eye. The light waves constrict blood vessels, which results in less prominent discoloration.
IPL treatment is one of the most effective treatments for dark circles, but it is too expensive. A person will be required to sit for several sessions (each about an hour long) to achieve the desired results. The frequency of the treatment depends on the magnitude of the circles and overall health and lifestyle of the patient.
Laser treatment is another effective way to remove dark circles. Here, the fat deposited under the eye is targeted. Post the treatment, the skin under the eye becomes smooth and less discolored.
Ultraviolet or infrared invisible light is used in the treatment to create a wavelength that releases energy as the light moves across the skin. The energy is absorbed through the skin layers and gives a soothing effect while correcting the dark and irregular skin pigments that cause dark circles.
The treatment is basically an outpatient procedure that can be performed within an hour. However, one can’t note improvement right away – the best results take about three to six sessions.
Eye surgery for dark circles is known as blepharoplasty that is performed by a plastic surgeon. The under eye fat deposits are removed, resulting in less puffiness, less discoloration, and more lively eyes.
The procedure can take anywhere between one to three hours. Recovery from the surgery can take up to several weeks.
Various topical creams, ointments, and gels are available in the market to minimize the appearance of dark circles. You have to ensure that the creams contain active ingredients that can give optimum results. These active ingredients include vitamin K that helps to reduce dilated blood vessels, and vitamin C and alpha hydroxyl acids that aid the stimulation of collagen production of the skin. These nutrients also help lessen the appearance of dark circles caused by aging and genetics.
Some of the best under eye creams available online are:
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream is a moisturizing eye cream that protects the delicate skin around the eyes and reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, puffiness, and wrinkles. In addition, it also keeps the skin soft and smooth.
Price: $19 for 15 ml
Buy it here: Amazon
This is a lightweight eye cream that helps reduce puffiness, brightens the eyes, reduces dark circles, and smoothens the lines around the eyes. Within two weeks of usage, you can see a considerable reduction in dark circles and puffiness.
Price: $38 for 15 ml
Buy it here: Amazon
This is one of the most affordable and effective under eye gels available in the market. This under eye gel gives an immediate cooling effect and refreshes the eyes. With regular application, it effectively combats dark circles and eyes that look tired and exhausted. You will find visible improvement within a month of usage, which leaves your skin fresh, healthy, and nourished.
Price: $7.27 for 20 ml
Buy it here: Amazon
Khadi Under Eye Gel contains some natural ingredients like olive, almond, and wheat germ oils, soy protein, and aloe vera (that not only moisturizes the under eye area, but also provides an instant cooling effect to the eyes). With gradual usage, this eye gel reduces puffiness and fine lines around the eyes and refreshes exhausted eyes.
Price: $10.60 for 50 ml
Buy it here: Amazon
Yes, dark circles indeed are an unappealing condition. But, now that you know how to get rid of dark circles under eyes, you really don’t have to worry much. Try these remedies and let us know how they worked for you.