How To Remove Dark Circles Permanently At Home?

How To Remove Dark Circles

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    Dark circles are a common concern, lending a tired, dull, aged appearance to the face. If you are thinking about how to remove dark circles, this article is the perfect source of information.

    The skin around our eyes is super sensitive, making under-eye dark circles hard to treat without damaging the area. Although based on anecdotal evidence, natural solutions are known to provide some relief. Keep reading to learn more about dark circles, their types, how to reduce dark circles along with some effective home remedies for dark circles.

    Highlights

    • Dark circles can develop due to allergies, primarily atopic dermatitis.[1]
    • Dark circles can also be genetic, with 59% of cases in a recent study reporting a hereditary predisposition.[2]
    • Smoking affects sleep patterns in people.[3] As a result, smokers often have prominent dark circles.[4]
    • Sun exposure leads to hyperpigmentation and worsens dark circles.[5]
    • Dehydration is also a common cause of dark circles darkening and drying up the skin under the eyes due to lack of moisture.[6]

    What Are The Types Of Dark Circles?

    Dark circles deeply impact the area around our eyes. This part of our face has delicate and thin skin that ages faster than the rest of the face. To understand how to get rid of dark circles, it is important to know their different types and deal with them accordingly.

    Dark circles are of four types:

    • Pigmented Dark Circles: These dark circles, also known as the idiopathic hyperchromia of the orbital ring, are black or brown. They appear when the skin under the eyelids produces excess melanin. The condition can be congenital or caused by other factors.
    • Indented Dark Circles: The indented dark circles are structural in nature. They result from a relatively deeper tear duct groove that leaves a shadow and a darker tone on the surrounding tissue. These grooves become more prominent when the cheek muscles lose fat with age, lending a sunken, under-eye depression.
    • Vascular Dark Circles: These are common among people with a lighter skin tone. They are bluish, pink, or purplish and appear when the microcirculation around the eye contour is weak, making the skin thin or wrinkled.
    • Lifestyle-related Dark Circles: Often, it is not a condition but a lifestyle choice that leads to a darkened under-eye area. These include prolonged screen time, being awake late into the night, disturbed sleep, smoking, alcohol intake, poor dietary choices, stress, sun exposure, and more.

    Depending on the type, it is best to consult a specialist about how to remove dark circles and achieve even-toned, glowing skin.

    What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

    Many factors lead to dark circles under the eyes. Listed below are some of the most prominent ones: 

    • Genetics and family history
    • Age-related skin thinning
    • Fat loss around the eyes
    • Melanin overproduction
    • Frequent eye rubbing
    • Dehydration — temporary or chronic from not drinking enough water
    • Poor sleep habits and sleep deprivation
    • Smoking — leads to loss of hydration and disturbs sleep
    • Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism
    • Iron deficiency (anaemia)
    • Excessive sun exposure leads to UV damage
    • Eczema and other skin conditions
    • Certain allergies
    • Regular alcohol intake
    • Sudden significant weight loss
    • Skin tone, with darker skin being more prone to dark circles
    • Ageing, which accumulates skin damage and causes skin thinning

    Are you struggling with dark circles due to any of the above-mentioned causes? Then, read on to find out how to remove dark circles naturally at home.

    Home Remedies For Dark Circles

    While it is difficult to find effective solutions on how to remove dark circles under eyes permanently at home, here is a collection of remedies that have worked to offer significant relief. If repeated regularly they can help lighten your dark circles considerably. It is also important to note that there is no scientific evidence proving their effectiveness. Everyone’s skin responds differently to treatments, so results also vary.

    1. Tea Bags

    How Does Tea Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Tea bags contain tannins and caffeine. These have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, thus reducing the appearance of dark circles.

    How To Use Tea Bags To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Cold Compress: Steep two tea bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool, then place them over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
    • Direct Application: Brew strong green tea, let it cool, soak cotton pads, and place them over the eyes for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
    1. Cucumber

    How Does Cucumber Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Cucumber has skin-lightening and mild astringent properties. It helps reduce puffiness and refreshes the eyes.

    How To Use Cucumber To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Slices: Refrigerate thick cucumber slices for 30 minutes, then place over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
    • Juice And Pads: Extract cucumber juice, soak cotton pads, and place over your eyes for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
    1. Potato

    How Does Potato Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Potatoes are rich in natural bleaching agents and vitamin C. Therefore, they help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness around the eyes.

    How To Use Potato To Get Rid of Dark Circles?

    • Juice And Pads: Grate a raw potato, extract its juice and soak cotton pads in the juice. Place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
    • Slices: Cut thick potato slices and refrigerate them for 5 minutes. Then, place them over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
    1. Almond Oil

    How Does Almond Oil Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Almond oil is rich in vitamins E and K. It nourishes and moisturises the delicate eye area, helping reduce dark circles and fine lines.

    How To Use Almond Oil To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Night Treatment: Gently massage a few drops of almond oil around your eyes before bed. Leave it overnight and rinse in the morning.
    • Mixed with Honey: Mix a few drops of almond oil with honey. Apply it around your eyes for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
    1. Rose Water

    How Does Rose Water Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Rose water has soothing properties. It is rich in Vitamins A and C. When applied around the eyes it rejuvenates the skin and reduces dark circles and puffiness.

    How To Use Rose Water To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Cotton Pads: Soak cotton pads in rose water, place over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
    • Spray: Pour rose water into a spray bottle, mist over closed eyes, and let air dry.
    1. Aloe Vera

    How Does Aloe Vera Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Aloe vera has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes irritated and dehydrated skin and nourishes it from within.

    How To Use Aloe Vera To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Gel Application: Apply fresh aloe vera gel around the eyes before bedtime and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water to remove.
    • Mix With Vitamin E: Combine aloe vera gel with vitamin E oil and apply the gel around your eyes. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
    1. Mint Leaves

    How Do Mint Leaves Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Mint leaves have a cooling effect. They contain menthol that boosts blood circulation, thus reducing dark circles.

    How To Use Mint Leaves To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Mint Paste: Crush mint leaves into a paste and apply it around your eyes for 10 minutes. Wipe and clean with water.
    • Mint Juice And Cotton Pads: Extract juice from mint leaves and use cotton pads to soak it well. Place these pads over your eyes for 15 minutes and then wash them away for a refreshing experience.
    1. Tomatoes:

    How Do Tomatoes Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Tomatoes contain lycopene and vitamin C, which have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties that work wonders on dark circles.

    How To Use Tomatoes To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Juice Mixture: Mix tomato juice with a spoonful of lemon juice and apply it around your eyes every day for 10 minutes.
    • Tomato Paste: Blend tomatoes into a paste, apply around the eyes for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
    1. Milk

    How Does Milk Help In Removing Dark Circles?

    Milk contains lactic acid and acts as a powerful skin-lightening agent. It also helps to reduce puffiness around the eyes.

    How To Use Milk To Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

    • Cold Milk Pads: Soak cotton pads in cold milk, place them over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water.
    • Milk And Turmeric Paste: Make a paste using milk and a pinch of turmeric powder. Use organic turmeric for best results. Apply it around your eyes for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.

    EXPERT ADVICE

    Home remedies for dark circles are not a cure. However they can help you manage them, providing temporary relief. For long-lasting results, it is best to seek expert advice.

    How To Prevent Dark Circles?

    If you are wondering how to remove dark circles, it helps to look at some ways you can prevent them. Here are some tips that may help:

    • Getting Adequate Sleep:

    Often, lack of sleep causes skin darkening under the eyes. Many people find relief from dark circles when they regulate their sleep cycles and get adequate rest.

    • Elevating The Head During Sleep:

    You can prevent swelling around the eyes by placing your head in an elevated position while sleeping. This reduces the impression of darker under-eye depression and grooves.[7]

    • Applying Cold Compresses:

    Some people have excessive vessels under their eyes. A cold compress helps constrict the blood vessels and reduces their visibility on the skin’s surface. It also helps to reduce swelling around the eyes and can, therefore, help reduce the darkening.

    • Applying Sunscreen:

    Exposure to UV rays causes the skin to age faster, dehydrate, and lose its natural glow. Limiting your time outdoors and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 daily can help reduce sun exposure. Hats and sunglasses are add-ons that aid further.

    • Quitting Smoking:

    Smoking damages skin cells and reduces blood flow. By quitting smoking, you can improve your overall skin health and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

    • Avoiding Alcohol:

    Overconsumption of alcohol not only affects your sleep schedule, it also dehydrates your body. By reducing alcohol consumption, you can reduce swelling and dryness around the eyes.

    • Hydrating Enough:

    Adequate hydration helps maintain skin elasticity. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin around your eyes plump and less likely to develop dark circles.

    • Meditating:

    You can significantly reduce stress and improve sleep quality by meditating regularly. This can contribute to healthier skin and reduced dark circles.

    • Cleansing:

    A gentle, everyday cleansing routine helps prevent dead skin cell accumulation. It also removes pollutants and cleanses clogged pores to give way to smoother, fresh skin around the eyes as well.

    • Moisturising:

    Using a good quality under-eye cream or moisturiser that keeps the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated and plump. You can choose a retinoid-based cream to boost under-eye collagen production. Alternatively, creams rich in arbutin, hydroquinone, and kojic acid also help reduce dark circles by reducing the production of melanin.

    • Managing Allergies:

    Allergies may cause swelling and inflammation around the eyes, leading to dark circles. Proper allergy management is necessary, along with medication or avoiding allergens to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

    • Avoiding Rubbing Eyes:

    Irrespective of the reason for rubbing your eyes, be mindful and gentle with the skin in the area. Forceful or frequent rubbing often damages the blood vessels around the eyes, leading to dark circles.

    Conclusion

    ​Various factors can cause dark circles, including genetics, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions. Addressing these factors through home remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. However, in the case of persistent dark circles, professional treatments may be necessary. Choosing the right dermatologist is crucial for effective dark circle treatment.

    Always opt for an experienced and qualified specialist who offers the latest treatment options based on accurate diagnosis. Whether these involve topical treatments, laser therapy, or other advanced techniques, with expert intervention you can be assured of getting long-lasting results.

    If you, too, are struggling and wondering how to remove dark circles, Book An Appointment with the experienced dermatologists at Oliva Clinics now!

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    About The Author

    Kushneet Kukreja

    A postgraduate in Biotechnology from Kingston University and an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition, Kushneet Kukreja is a passionate writer who works in close association with the dermatologists at our head office to generate valuable and scientifically accurate content for our blog.