Home Remedies For Dark Circles: 10 Expert Tips To Light Up Your Under Eye Area

Don't you think one of the most annoying skin problems every woman faces is stubborn dark circles? Those who deal with it know that an easy solution to hide them is by applying multiple strokes of concealers on the under eye area. But do you think hiding them can be the ultimate solution? The problem lies at the root, my friend. General lifestyle changes like sleeping more, staying hydrated and trying not to rub your eyes often can help a great deal to tackle dark circles. Then there are also some home remedies which work effectively. That is why, we have come up with expert advice on various home remedies for dark circles.

Ruby Sachdev who is a consultant aesthetic physician and regional head dermat at VLCC Bangalore says, "As much as we would want to avoid it, the truth is, we all age and so does our skin. Early signs of ageing include under-eye dark circles and bags. As we age, skin naturally loses collagen and grows thinner. That makes the veins around the eyes more prominent. Gradually, more and more blood leaks due to the stretching of delicate capillaries, causing strain and leading to even darker under-eye dark circles (seen more prominently in fairer and thin-skinned people). That is how our genetic makeup also comes under play for dark circles. Stress, excess screen exposure and lack of sleep add to the above."

(Also read: What Are The Causes Of Dark Circles? How To Prevent This Skin Problem?)

Effective Home Remedies For Dark Circles

Here are some home remedies for dark circles shared by Ruby Sachdev:

1. Cold Compress

Cold compress really helps. Doing it in the morning or evening and even better if twice a day for 10 minutes with cucumber slice or juice. It has skin lightening properties and works as a mild astringent. Cold green tea bags which have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help as well.

2. Use Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopenes, a substance excellent for cardiovascular health, vision and skin. Mix equal part of tomato juice with lemon juice and use a cotton ball or makeup remover pad.

3. Potato Juice

Potato juice is a rich source of Vitamin-C, antioxidants and is great for synthesis of collagen formation. To harness the power of potato juice, soak some cotton makeup remover pads in the juice, apply on your eyes for ten minutes and rinse with warm water.

4. Use Dairy Products

Dairy products like cold milk, buttermilk with turmeric paste are a rich source of vitamin-A which contain retinoids. These are great for skin looking bright and young. You can dip cotton pads and can apply them to your under eye area for a quick refreshment.

5. Oil Massage

Massaging your under eye area with oil can be a great solution. You can do it with the with the below oils which are available on your kitchen shelf.

1. Vitamin E oil fights free radicals which cause signs of ageing

2. Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties

3. Argan oil is a rich source of vitamin E

4. Grape seed oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties

6. Turmeric Paste

Home remedies of dark circles are incomplete without utilising turmeric. It is yet another natural ingredient that is available in every household and comes with anti-inflammatory properties which minimises dark circles.

How To Prevent Dark Circles?

Dr. Saurabh Sharma, MS and M.Ch (plastic surgeon), who is the founder of Specialist Clinic, Jalandhar suggests, "Most of the times, dark circles are temporary and are often an indication of ageing or lack of sleep. Though there are a number of at-home and medical treatments available to improve the appearance of your eyes, dark circles are typically no cause for alarm. However, if the discolouration or swelling worsens over time, schedule a visit with your doctor to ensure you have correctly diagnosed the issue and are receiving the best treatment."

He shares a few prevention measurements for dark circles. Take a look:

1. Try to ease your stress.

2. Have a diet rich in iron and vitamin C. Food rich in iron will improve your haemoglobin content and reduce your dark circles.

3. Always moisturise the skin under the eye. Dry, dehydrated skin will make the under-eye area dull and more prone to allergies.

Dr. Sharma also suggests some home remedies for dark circles:

1. Use Cold Cucumber Slices

Cucumbers contain antioxidants that can reduce puffiness around the eyes. As a natural astringent and a coolant, cucumber causes the skin tissues to contract. This makes under-eye circles less prominent. Place finely cut cucumber slices on each eyelid. Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse.

2. Try Cold Tea Bags

The antioxidants and caffeine in tea bags help shrink blood vessels and reduce fluid retention, which can reduce puffiness. The tannins in the tea can reduce discolouration.

3. Get Extra Sleep

Catching up on sleep can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Sleep deprivation can cause your skin to appear pale, making the dark circles more obvious. Allow yourself seven to eight hours of rest to prevent dark circles from appearing.

4. Elevate Your Head

While sleep deprivation can play a part in producing those dark bags under your eyes, sometimes it's how you sleep. Elevate your head with a few pillows to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes which can make them look puffy and swollen.