Home Remedies for Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes are common among people of all ages and genders. It is associated with a tired or stressed appearance and makes people look older than they actually are. Dark circles are not a medical condition but can affect a person’s confidence and appearance.
Fortunately, natural home remedies can easily and affordably help to reduce dark circles. These remedies use everyday ingredients that are not hard to find and very easy to prepare. When you combine natural remedies with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, it leads to long-term improvements.

What are Dark Circles?

Dark circles are darkened or discoloured patches of skin under the eyes. This condition may involve light shadows or deep, prominent discolouration associated with puffiness. The area below the eyes is particularly thin and delicate and is prone to show changes in blood flow or pigmentation.
Dark circles are not a medical condition but a cosmetic issue that suggests fatigue, stress, or ageing. Symptoms of dark circles include visible dark patches and under-eye swelling. Knowing what dark circles symptoms are helps determine their causes and the best remedies for them.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles under the eyes may be caused by factors that are internal or externally involved. The first step toward tackling these issues is recognition of the causes.
Lack of Sleep: The primary culprit is inadequate sleep. Sleeping less than the recommended 7-8 hours causes blood circulation to slow down. This in turn causes the pooling of blood under the eyes and creates dark circles.
Ageing: The skin loses collagen and elasticity with age and the skin under-eyes becomes thin. This makes it look like darkened skin as blood vessels are visible.
Stress: Chronic stress affects circulation and diverts blood flow away from the face. This makes blood vessels under the eyes more prominent and creates a darker tone.
Dehydration: Your skin becomes dreary and sunken when your body is dehydrated, showing the dark colour beneath the eyes.
Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure causes melanin production and pigmentation under the eyes, worsening dark circles.
Allergies: Allergies that cause nasal congestion or itching can dilate blood vessels under the eyes & cause puffiness and dark discolouration.
Smoking and Lifestyle Choices: Smoking limits oxygen and nutrient supply to the skin. Poor dietary habits and alcohol consumption cause puffiness and discolouration under the eyes.

Home Remedies and Tips

Simple home remedies for dark circles can be made with easily available household ingredients. These remedies are easy to follow and lighten the under-eye area and rejuvenate the skin.
Almond Oil: One of the best remedies for dark circles is almond oil. It's full of Vitamin E and antioxidants which brighten and improve the surface of the skin. Almond oil also provides nourishment to the under-eye area. All this helps to minimise pigmentation and fine lines. To use almond oil, massage a bit of almond oil under your eyes before bed and leave overnight. Wash it off in the early morning in lukewarm water.
Cucumber Slices: Cucumber is another natural remedy for dark circles. Its water content and mild astringent properties calm and hydrate the skin & reduce puffiness. Antioxidants in cucumber also promote blood circulation around the eyes. Refrigerate a cucumber, cut into rounds, and put slices over your eyes for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water after application.
Potato Slices or Juice: Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents that lighten dark spots and pigmentation. The starch and antioxidants in potatoes also help reduce puffiness and nourish the skin. To use, slice a raw potato into thin pieces or extract the juice. Put slices or liquid on the under eye area and then leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this process twice a day.
Rosewater: Rosewater is a mild but powerful remedy for dark circles. It is high in antioxidants that renew the skin and decrease pigmentation. To use, soak cotton pads in pure rosewater and place them over closed eyes for 15 minutes. This remedy is soothing and can be taken twice daily for several weeks for visible results.
Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E provides hydration and contains anti-ageing properties. It is a good choice for dark circles. It fixes broken skin, decreases pigmentation, nourishes and moisturises the under-eye area. You can use pure Vitamin E oil or mix it with a bit of coconut oil. Apply the oil under your eyes at night and leave on until morning. Regular application will improve skin elasticity and lighten dark circles over time.
Green Tea Bags: The antioxidants and tannins in green tea help reduce puffiness and lighten skin under the eyes. Green tea bags can be an easy fix for dark circles. Soak tea bags in water and refrigerate. When chilled, put the tea bags under the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat daily for best results.
Aloe Vera Gel: Topical Aloe vera gel is pretty popular for its hydrating and healing properties. It calms the skin, eases inflammation and also lessens pigmentation. Fresh aloe vera gel under the eyes can reduce dark circles and puffiness. Massage aloe vera gel under your eyes before bed and leave it overnight.
Cold Compress: A cold compress can be an instant fix for puffiness and dark circles. The cold constricts blood vessels under the eyes, making them look lighter. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth and press against your eyes for five to ten minutes. You can also use a chilled spoon or a cold gel mask.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

Along with home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes are necessary to control dark circles. Listed here are some helpful suggestions for integrating these changes into your life.
Prioritise Sleep: Sleep 7-8 hours every night. Sleeping enough allows the body to repair and renew, reducing the tired look that dark circles often impart.
Stay Hydrated: The skin under your eyes looks dull and sunken from dehydration. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep skin elastic and less puffy.
Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure: Wear a high-SPF sunscreen daily and sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats outdoors. Too much sun exposure causes increased pigmentation, leading to more dark circles.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress also affects blood circulation, making the blood vessels under the eyes more visible. Try yoga, meditation or a 10-minute breathing exercise to help relieve stress.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking reduces oxygen supply to the skin and alcohol dehydrates the body. Both habits make dark circles more prominent and should be minimised.

Diet for Dark Circles

A balanced diet is important for skin health and dark circle reduction. Nutrients promote circulation, hydrate the skin and prevent pigmentation. Include the following foods in your meals:
Foods Rich in Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons and grapefruits), strawberries and bell peppers stimulate collagen production and beautify the skin.
Iron-Rich Foods: Iron deficiency can cause poor blood circulation and dark circles to appear. Include spinach, lentils, lean meats and fortified cereals.
Vitamin K Sources: Foods like kale, broccoli & brussels sprouts aid in reducing blood clotting and paleness around the eyes.
Hydrating Foods: Include water-rich fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery to keep your skin moist from the inside.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s can be found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds and help reduce dark circles.
Cut Down on Processed Foods: Avoid salty, sugary and processed snacks, which increase water retention and puffiness.