Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Living the fast life is not easy. Juggling between a job, children, family, and maintaining a social life can really take a toll on your body, and show on your face. The biggest effect of this often shows in our eyes. They become puffy, tired and you start to develop dark circles.

LIVING THE FAST LIFE IS NOT EASY. JUGGLING BETWEEN A JOB, CHILDREN, FAMILY, AND MAINTAINING A SOCIAL LIFE CAN TAKE A TOLL ON YOUR BODY, AND SHOW ON YOUR FACE. THE BIGGEST EFFECT OF THIS OFTEN SHOWS IN OUR EYES. THEY BECOME PUFFY, TIRED AND YOU START TO DEVELOP DARK CIRCLES.

While heredity can cause dark circles, your lifestyle also plays a big factor in having them. Lack of sleep, stress, too much alcohol, and smoking are all symptoms that can contribute to dark circles. As you get older, your skin becomes thinner too; so it’s best to take care of yourself the minute you see the signs. 1

CAUSES OF DARK CIRCLES

To find any dark circles under eyes treatment that is effective, you first need to understand the causes of dark circles. The most common causes include:

• Sleep deprivation or impaired sleep
• Allergies, including allergic rhinitis and contact dermatitis
• Hyperpigmentation and pigmentation irregularities
• Excessive sun exposure
• Frequent scratching and rubbing of the eyes
• Reduction in fatty tissue deposits around the eyes
• Increased thinness of skin below the eyes
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Dehydration
• Smoking

The risk of dark circles can also increase with –

Aging: The aging process is one of the main causes for dark circles under the eyes as there is a loss of fatty tissue and thinning of skin in the area. These changes are inevitable with aging and can increase the visibility of dark under eye circles.

Heredity Factors: Dark circles are known to be hereditary, so if many members of your family have suffered from the problem, you would be at high risk too.

Below are a few preventive home remedies to puffiness and dark circles.

ALMOND OIL

Almond oil has a lot of nutrients and vitamins that benefit the eyes and is also an emollient, which helps the skin, become supple. 2 A good moisturizer and a type of oil that is neutral to all skin types, almond oil can lighten the dark circles around your eyes. Directions: Apply oil at night before going to bed on dark circle area and massage lightly. Leave overnight and wash off with cold water the next morning. You can mix it with Vitamin E oil or use it as is. This can be used daily. 3

CUCUMBERS

We’ve seen this remedy in movies, and some spas and salons even offer this service. Cucumbers can cause skin-whitening and have mild astringent properties that can help lighten your dark circles. It is also cooling and soothing for the eyes because cucumber consists of about 95% water. This will also help reduce the puffiness under the eye. This can be used daily. Directions: Chill cucumber slices for about 30 minutes. Then place them on the eye and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Remove cucumber and wash your eyes thoroughly with cold water. This can be done twice a day.3

RAW POTATOES

Not many people may know, but raw potato juice is a great remedy for dark circles. Potatoes carry natural bleaching agents that can help reduce and lighten your dark circles as well as puffiness around the eyes! Directions: Chill raw potatoes in the fridge till cool. Grate a raw potato and extract the juice. Use a soft eye cotton pad and soak it in the juice. Apply cotton pad on dark circles and eyes for about 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. This can be done 2 times a day.3

ORANGE JUICE

Orange juice is filled with vitamin C and which is very important for the skin. If you mix orange juice with a little bit of glycerin you can create a paste to apply on the dark circles. This will help lighten them and also give your eyes a healthy glow. 4 Directions: Combine orange juice with a few drops of glycerin and mix well. Apply the mixture over dark circles and leave on for about 5-10 minutes. Remove and wash with cool water. Orange juice is acidic so if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to try out other remedies instead.

HONEY

Honey is not only good for the hair but it is also very beneficial to the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and also works as natural bleach. Honey is also a natural anti-oxidant and can help fight free radicals that create dark circles and puffiness, is a great moisturizer, and works well on sensitive skin. You can mix honey with multiple ingredients or use it as-is for your dark circles. Directions: For Raw Honey: Apply on dark circles and massage for a few minutes. Leave on for about 10 minutes and wash it off with cold water. You may apply a moisturizer after. This can be done daily. For Honey with lemon and turmeric extract: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 4 drops of lemon or orange juice if you have sensitive skin, and a pinch of turmeric together. Once the paste is created apply on dark circles and massage for a few minutes. Leave it to dry and wash it off with cool water. You may repeat this process a few times a week for best results. For Honey with coconut and castor oil: Take ½ a tablespoon of both oils and mix with ½ teaspoon of honey. Mix well and apply to affected areas. Leave on for 10 minutes and wash it off with cool water. This can be repeated daily. 5

The next time you binge-watch your favorite show, or have too much screen time because of work, or are like life is too taxing, create a mini spa for yourself at home and try one of these remedies to help cool your eyes and provide direct nutrients and care to your dark circles. For those who don’t have dark circles but can maybe see the signs, try out the recipes, and take your preventive measures! You may not see instant results, but you will feel a little fresher and better about yourself!