10 Home Remedies for Dark Circles

For some people, dark circles under the eye are an everyday occurrence. Many factors can cause these under-eye circles to appear, including genetics and lifestyle choices. Luckily, this frustrating condition isn’t typically a major health issue, although it can sometimes be a symptom of a larger problem. Primarily, dark under-eye circles are a cosmetic issue that signifies stress or age. Concealer can help to cover up unsightly circles, but it doesn’t actually remove them. Thankfully, these dark circles can be treated using effective home remedies that tighten skin and improve circulation.

Get More Sleep

Sleep is one of the most common sources of dark under-eye circles. If you find yourself regularly staying up late and waking up early, it may be time to adjust your schedule. Stress can contribute to under-eye circles as well, so consider reducing the number of commitments in your schedule. Try to stick to the same sleep schedule every day, getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Shut off your electronic devices an hour before bedtime, and try meditation or yoga to relax. Following these steps should reduce eyestrain, increase relaxation and promote healthy nighttime habits that lead to fewer dark circles.

Drink Water

Dark circles under the eyes can also be a sign that you’re not getting enough water throughout the day. If you’re dehydrated, your skin becomes dry and loses elasticity. To test hydration levels, press two fingers on the back of your arm and let go. If the skin slowly fades back to its normal color rather than immediately returning, you’re likely dehydrated. Try to drink at least eight servings of water each day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Doing so should keep your skin healthy and reduce the visibility of any dark circles under your eyes.

Apply Cold Spoons

One popular home remedy for under-eye circles is chilled spoons. While it may seem silly, this could relieve your symptoms. Take a pair of metal spoons and place them in the refrigerator for half an hour. When they’re chilled, remove and gently place them over your eyes. The cool temperature helps to reduce inflammation, and the spoon’s curved shape decreases the amount of pressure placed on the area. If you don’t have any metal spoons handy, an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables can provide the same cooling effect. Remember to use a wrap or cloth around the compress to prevent frostbite.

Use Nasal Spray

One common reason for dark circles under the eyes is nasal congestion. This is why your under-eye area looks darker and duller when you’re sick. To reduce circles caused by nasal congestion, it’s important to treat the congestion instead of just the symptom. Nasal sprays are a quick and effective way of reducing that congestion because they help to clear nasal blockages. However, you should always follow the package directions carefully; nasal sprays can be addictive if used too long.

Take Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 deficiency is another common culprit for dark under-eye circles, so it makes sense that taking a B-12 supplement would be a popular home remedy. B-12 is one of the most effective vitamins you can take as it improves energy and metabolism among other things. It also increases oxygenation within the blood, which may help to reduce tired circles under the eyes. Blood has a tendency to show below the eyes, where the skin is very thin. B-12 helps to create healthy red blood cells, lightening those dark spots. B-12 is also found in animal proteins, so adding lean meat to your diet may be very beneficial.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things that you can do for your skin, so joining a cessation program is an excellent remedy for under-eye circles. Smoking causes cells in the body to break down, which can lead to a variety of cosmetic problems: wrinkles and fine lines, blemishes and visible dark circles under the eyes. If you currently smoke, you’re exacerbating your under-eye problems. Popular cessation techniques include counseling, nicotine patches and gum, and medication. Smoking can damage your health in many more serious ways as well, so it’s best to stop altogether.

Use Sunscreen

If you plan to be outdoors, make sure to lather on sunscreen all over. This includes your face and the sensitive areas around your eyes. Always use an SPF of 30 or higher, even though a tan might seem alluring. Sun exposure causes long-term skin damage, and areas in which the skin is thin, such as under the eyes, are at an even higher risk. You should use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen daily to protect yourself from damaging rays that occur even when it’s cloudy. This helps to protect your skin and reduces the visibility of dark circles and other blemishes.

Use Cucumbers

Chilled cucumber slices are refreshing and relaxing and may help to reduce dark circles. Chill a cucumber for at least half an hour in the refrigerator, then cut two slices. Find a comfortable place to lay down, and place the slices over your eyes. After 20 minutes, remove and wash any residue from your face. The cucumbers contain Vitamin K and also have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them an excellent remedy for dark circles caused by stress or exhaustion. Chilling the cucumber first allows it to act as a cold compress as well, applying gentle pressure to the eye area to reduce swelling.

Apply Moisturizer

Applying moisturizer on a daily basis may also help to eliminate the under-eye discoloration. Your face is exposed to the elements all day, including sun, wind, and smog. Each night, you should gently cleanse your face to get rid of buildup, then apply a moisturizer to repair damaged skin. In the morning, reapply a light moisturizer to replenish hydration lost overnight. There are plenty of facial moisturizers available in stores, but aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturizer. Using one of these creams or gels on your face daily may improve the health of your skin and help fade any unsightly dark circles.

Stop Touching Them

One of the best things that someone with dark circles can do is to leave them alone. Many people tend to touch the area under their eyes throughout the day. When stressed or tired, people often rub their eyes. Also, someone worried about their under-eye circles may apply sunscreen or moisturizer too vigorously and cause further damage. The area under the eye is easily bruised, so avoid rubbing or pressing down forcefully. The last thing you want to do is to further aggravate the area by bruising it, extending the life of your under-eye circles.