After a late night, you wake up to notice half-moon circles under your eyes. When you have dark circles, it can make you look years older. Worse still, everyone wants to know if you are feeling all right because they think that you look tired or sick. Learning how to get rid of black under eye circles is the first step toward having clearer, healthier skin.
Dark circles are a common problem for individuals of any age, race, or gender. One of the reasons that they occur is because of the thinness of the skin. Unlike the rest of your skin, the skin around your eyes is extremely thin and delicate. Your blood veins are closer to the surface, which gives it a blue or dark-colored tint. Your dark circles may develop because of a lack of sleep, a poor lifestyle, or stress. They can be due to seasonal allergies, aging, or an unhealthy diet.
Dark circles can also be a sign of illnesses like liver problems, sinus infections, nutritional deficiencies, or pregnancy. And there is a hereditary component. If your family members suffer from dark circles, then you are more likely to develop them as well. Once you have this problem, your first goal is to find out how to reduce dark circles. Luckily, there are number of home remedies that can help you out.
All you need are a few common household items. Before long, you can banish the dark circles and have a healthier complexion.
What are Dark Circles under the Eyes?
One common myth is that dark circles are caused by being too tired, stressed out, or working too much. In reality, there are a number of reasons why dark circles can happen. Your genetic background is a key factor in the severity and frequency of dark circles. If you have family members who get dark circles under their eyes, then you are more likely to have them, as well.
When you get periorbital dark circles, it is because of the veins under your skin. The skin around your eyes is extremely thin. Because of this, you can see the blood more easily than anywhere else. This skin is only about 0.5 mm thick. On the rest of your body, your skin is about 2 mm thick. Skin thinness means that it is easier to see the veins.
While your veins carry blood, they actually look blue when viewed through your skin. This is because it only allows blue and violet wavelengths of light to pass through. Only blue-colored light bounces back to your eyes. The red-colored wavelengths are absorbed. So, ultimately, you only see the blue colors instead of the red.
Your dark circles occur because the blue color is bouncing back through the skin. Blood vessels are located beneath the surface, where they can be easily seen. The thinness of this skin is the reason why your bruises are more obvious around your eyes than on other parts of your face.
Interestingly, your veins will not appear blue if you have extremely dark or light skin. In these cases, your veins may look brown or green because of your skin color. If you have exceptionally light skin, the veins may actually look dark red or dark purple. Otherwise, the veins will generally appear to be red in color. As you age, your dark circles may get worse.
The skin naturally loses elasticity as it grows older. It also loses its ability to regenerate as quickly. Because of this, it becomes even thinner as you age. Elderly people often develop prominent dark circles under their eyes. Even if they get plenty of sleep, they still have the same dark circles.
If you have periorbital hyperpigmentation, your dark circles may appear worse than normal. This condition often occurs in people with darker skin colors. It means that more melanin is created in the skin beneath your eyes, resulting in darker under eye circles. While you might be genetically disposed to dark circles, there are a few things that can make the situation worse.
If the blood vessels around your eyes are damaged, some blood leaks out. This causes puffy, dark circles to appear. While this is generally not a medical issue, it can cause cosmetic problems. There are many factors that can lead to dark circles.
The common myth that they are caused by fatigue is partially true. When you are extremely tired, your body starts to produce more of a chemical known as cortisol. This stress hormone is intended to give you extra energy and keep you awake. When this happens, the cortisol actually increases the amount of blood in your body. This causes blood vessels like the ones beneath your eyes to engorge, as blood levels rise.
When the vessels are engorged, it makes dark circles more obvious. While you cannot control your genes, you can learn how to get rid of black under eyes. If your dark circles are a new problem, sleeping and eating healthily can help. In addition, there are effective home remedies for dark circles. As a last resort, makeup concealer can hide the dark circles beneath your eyes.
How to Prevent Dark Circles Under Eyes
While you cannot prevent every cause of dark circles, there are some common tricks that can help. Eating the right diet can reduce your risk of developing them. Foods that are rich in vitamin K can help with your blood circulation and coagulation. Since poor circulation worsens dark circles, vitamin K may be able to help.
Some of the major sources of vitamin K include green, leafy vegetables like spinach. You can also find it in Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Some medications can cause dark circles, so you may want to consult with your doctor about the medications that you take. Rubbing and scratching your eyes worsens them, so avoid doing this. Daily exercise can promote better circulation, improved sleep and lower stress levels.
A healthy workout routine can ensure that your blood is flowing where it should be, and not pooling under your eyes. A lack of sleep can worsen your dark circles. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Since sleeping on your stomach can worsen dark circles, you may want to switch to your side or back. Using a moisturizer before bed can boost hydration. In addition, try drinking extra water to prevent your body from becoming dehydrated.
If you currently smoke or drink alcohol, quitting may help reduce your dark circles, as well. The biggest goal of your prevention program is to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Dark circles can be caused or worsened by poor diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep, or ill health. If you live a healthy lifestyle, you are less likely to suffer from this problem.
Home Remedies for Treating Dark Circles
Night Jasmine
Night jasmine is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. This unique herb also possesses astringent and ophthalmic properties that help it cure eye diseases. It is ideal for dark circles that are caused by stress. To use this remedy, you merely need two drops of jasmine essential oil.
Add this to 2 tablespoons of almond, olive, or vegetable oil. After blending the mixture together, apply it to your skin. Massage for three to four minutes. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before you rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can continue using it every day until you see results.
Vitamin E Oil
Many skincare products use vitamin E oil because it is so good for the skin. This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce puffiness, limit dark circles, and improve your skin health.
You can easily blend several drops of vitamin E oil into almond oil and apply it to your skin. There are also over-the-counter creams that contain this oil, as well.
Rose Water
Rose water is an amazing treatment for lightening dark circles. While it lightens the skin, it also has a soothing effect. This powerful antioxidant helps to strengthen your skin cells and rejuvenate your skin. It can work to regenerate tissue, while protecting your skin from inflammation.
In addition, it also has antibacterial properties that prevent your skin from getting infected. To use rose water, apply a few drops onto two cotton pads. Place the cotton pads on your eyes for two to three minutes. Once you remove the cotton pads, sit for 15 minutes. You can use this treatment twice a day until your dark circles are gone.
Buttermilk
This drink is known for its probiotics and lactic acid. It helps to treat discoloration beneath the eyes. For a more powerful effect, mix 2 teaspoons of buttermilk with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the mixture to the skin, and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes. Once the mixture has dried, rinse with lukewarm water. You can repeat this treatment several times a day until you achieve a visible result.
Witch Hazel
This herb is known for containing gallic acid, tannin, choline, saponins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins. Because of these qualities, witch hazel is able to reduce puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. It also helps to rejuvenate the skin and heal cuts. To use witch hazel, you just need to find two cotton pads. Soak in witch hazel, then apply these to the skin for 5 to 10 minutes. Because this is a safe, natural ingredient, you can use it regularly until your results are visible.
Mint Leaves
This is one of the most fragrant remedies for dark circles. Mint leaves are known for having antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It boasts a cooling effect, and can constrict blood vessels. Because of these qualities, mint leaves can help to reduce dark circles. If you only have mint leaves on hand, crush the leaves and apply them under your eyes.
Leave them on for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping the area clean. If you have tomato juice, you can use it to make a paste. Another option is to use lemon juice and fresh mint leaves to make a skin brightening paste. With tomato juice or lemon juice, you should leave the mixture on for 5 minutes before rinsing the area with lukewarm or cold water.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a common ingredient in skin creams because it is so amazing for your skin. This oil contains a large amount of vitamin K, which helps with coagulation and blood circulation. Antioxidants in almond oil help to contract blood vessels that are dilated. The oil helps to relieve puffy eyes while moisturizing your skin. If you only have almond oil available, massage a dime-sized amount onto the affected area for four minutes.
Leave this on your eyes overnight before rinsing it off the next morning. If you have raw honey, you can give your skin a special treat. Add five to six drops of almond oil to 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Next, apply this to the affected area before you go to sleep. You should rinse this mixture off in the morning. Both options can be used every night until you see results.
Avocado
Avocados are rich in vitamins E, B, and K. They also contain fatty acids. Because of these qualities, this fruit can bring moisture and elasticity to your skin. You can apply avocado slices to your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Another option is to mash the avocado slices. Then, blend in several drops of almond oil. Apply this mixture for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Cold Compress
If you are low on essential oils and other home remedies, you can use a simple compress to reduce puffiness and dark circles. To do this, you just need to soak a clean cloth in cold water for several minutes. Wring out the cloth before applying it to the affected area. You can leave this on your eyes for three to five minutes. This entire process can be repeated several times a day until you see results.
Raw Potato
Potatoes are known for having natural bleaching agents. When used on the skin, they help to reduce puffiness and lighten your dark circles. To try this option, grate one of two potatoes that have been chilled already. Using a cotton ball, apply the juice to the area beneath your eyes.
Allow this to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, before rinsing the area with cool water. Another home remedy uses potatoes and cucumbers. Cut the cucumber and peel the potato before blending them. Then, strain the juice and put the mixture into the fridge. Allow the mixture to chill completely before soaking two cotton pads in it for several minutes.
Next, apply the mixture to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with water and repeat until you see visible results.
Fenugreek Seeds
These seeds are high in protein, potassium, and vitamin C. In addition to lightening dark circles, they help to balance the pH level of the skin. As a result, you can enjoy a more even skin tone. To use this mixture, soak 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in water for three hours. Blend in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of milk before grinding it into a paste. Apply the paste for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and repeat until you achieve results.
Glycerin and Orange Juice
If you have glycerin on hand, you can blend it with orange juice to remove dark circles. After applying this mixture, your skin will be left feeling soft and smooth. All you need to do is blend in a little glycerin with fresh orange juice. Use a cotton ball to apply it to your skin for two to three minutes. Rinse, and repeat as needed.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that help to reduce puffiness. At the same time, this oil helps to rejuvenate your skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Blend castor oil and fresh cream using a 1:1 ratio. Apply it to clean skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is also known for moisturizing the skin and reducing puffiness. All you have to do is apply the coconut oil to your skin and massage it for two to three minutes. Do this before bedtime so that you can leave the mixture on overnight. When you wake up, rinse the coconut oil off with water.
Milk and Nutmeg
Nutmeg is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin. It also contains a number of skin-lightening properties. Blend 1 teaspoon of nutmeg into milk to create a paste. Apply this to your skin and let sit for 20 to 25 minutes. Next, rinse your skin with lukewarm water. You can use this technique three to four times a week until your dark circles are gone.
Chamomile Tea
Rich in antioxidants, chamomile tea also cleanses and bleaches your skin. It helps to reduce dark circles that are caused by fatigue, and lighten the skin. All you need to do is soak two chamomile tea bags in hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, put the teabags in your refrigerator to cool off. Once they are cooled, apply them to the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use this mixture every day as needed.
Cold Milk and Rose Water
Rose water is known for lightening dark circles and soothing the skin. The addition of milk heightens rose water's many benefits. To use this technique, you need to blend rose water and milk in a bowl. Soak two cotton pads in the mixture for several minutes. Then, apply the mixture to your skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. When you are done, you can rinse your face with water, and repeat the process as needed.
Tea Bags
Your standard tea bags are a source of antioxidants and caffeine. The caffeine works to shrink blood vessels while reducing fluid retention. Meanwhile, the antioxidants work to get rid of puffiness and dark circles. Because of the tannins in tea, the mixture reduces discoloration, as well.
For this treatment, you need two used tea bags. Black or green tea will work. Refrigerate the tea bags for 30 to 40 minutes. Next, apply them to the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the area with water, and repeat once or twice a day.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes help to lighten the skin naturally. They can also work to remove dark circles. To use this technique, blend tomato juice and lemon juice together in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mixture using a cotton ball. Once the mixture has sat for 10 minutes, rinse it off with warm water. You can apply it as often as needed until you see results.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a popular treatment for dark circles. This cooling vegetable helps to lighten skin while reducing inflammation. It can also work to reduce skin puffiness. The easiest way to use this ingredient is to cut the cucumber into thick slices. Put the slices in your refrigerator for 30 minutes, until they are completely chilled. Then, apply the slices to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the juice off with water, and repeat twice a day until you see results.
Turmeric
This herb is known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It also helps to prevent bacterial growth and inflammation. As a result, it can help reduce puffiness while clearing up your pigmentation. To use turmeric, you need to blend ½ teaspoon of turmeric into pineapple juice to form a paste. Apply this to your skin for 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse the area with water. You can use this remedy every day until you see results.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps to fight inflammation. Vitamin C also helps to heal the skin and rejuvenate its cells. In addition, the bleaching properties of vitamin C help to lighten the skin. To use lemon juice, just apply a few drops to a cotton ball. Run this cotton ball over the skin underneath your eyes. Allow the juice to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off. You can use lemon juice once or twice a day until you achieve the results you desire.
Arnica
Arnica is a folk remedy that has been used to treat swelling and bruises for centuries. Since it is an extremely powerful treatment, you must dilute it with almond, olive, or vegetable oil before using. Otherwise, arnica can cause severe side effects. To use arnica, blend two to three drops of arnica oil into almond, olive, or vegetable oil. Apply this to your skin for three to four minutes. Afterward, rinse the area with water and pat dry.
Apple
Apples are a natural source of vitamins B and C. They also contain potassium and tannic acid. Together, all of these ingredients help to nourish the skin while lightening it. For this home remedy, you need to cut a ripe apple into large pieces. Apply these to your skin for 30 minutes. When the 30 minutes have passed, rinse the area with cold water. You can continue using this treatment until you see results.
Milk
Milk is an easy home remedy because it is found in most households. While it might be easy, it packs a punch in removing your dark circles. This household item is rich in enzymes, amino acids, antioxidants, lactic acid, and proteins. All of these ingredients work together to moisturize the skin, alleviate puffiness, and soften your skin tone. To use milk, you merely need to soak several cotton balls in chilled milk. Apply these to your skin for 5 to 7 minutes. This remedy can be used three or four times a day until you see results.
Dos and Don'ts
- Make sure to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. This helps reduce your dark circles and promote better health.
- Do not use facial masks around or underneath your eyes.
- Avoid alcohol and quit smoking.
- Use warm water to wash your eyes, followed by cold water. This helps to remove dirt and promote blood circulation.
- Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration.
- Chill two metal spoons and apply them to the affected area.
- Use a neti pot and saline water to relieve sinus infections. A sinus infection can worsen dark circles, so try home remedies to treat the infection.
- Reduce your salt intake.
- Exercise daily to promote blood circulation, limit stress, and improve sleep quality.
- Use a moisturizer before bedtime to promote hydration.
- Eat a balanced diet to prevent a nutritional deficiency.
- Use meditation and yoga to lower your stress levels and promote better sleep.
While dark circles might mar your appearance temporarily, there are remedies for dark circles that can help. Your first goal should be to have a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Make sure to get plenty of sleep each night to prevent dark circles from appearing.
If you have a nutrient deficiency, make sure to eat the right foods. Other than living a healthy lifestyle, consider the medications or illnesses that could be causing your dark circles. By treating these illnesses, you may be able to prevent dark circles from occurring.
Other techniques can help you learn how to reduce dark circles. With these home remedies, you can make your skin look healthy and vibrant again.
