How to Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles

Dark under-eye circles are a common worry for both women and men. Late-night deadlines to environmental toxins lead to under-eye bags.

Despite dark circles not being a cause for a health concern, they make the individual self-conscious with their appearance.

Dark circles allude to being tired, unhealthy and aged. In particular, those with a darker skin tone are more susceptible to dark circles.

It comes as no surprise that South Asians are prone to suffering from dark circles. Yet, it does not have to be this way.

There are several methods to reduce the appearance of darkened under-eye skin.

We explore both natural remedies and cosmetic treatments to help combat dark circles.

What Causes Dark Under-Eye Circles?

Typically, dark circles are associated with fatigue, yet this is not the only cause for eye bags.

There are several other causes, for example:

• Lack of sleep.
• Reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes
• Anaemia caused by iron deficiency
• Hyperpigmentation
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Stress and fatigue
• Heredity
• Ageing
• Allergies
• Dehydration
• Eczema

At-Home Treatments

Who does not enjoy a DIY remedy? They are inexpensive, quick and easy to follow.

The best thing is, most of the products are items that you already have sitting in your kitchen cupboards.

Tea Bags

Everyone loves a good cup of tea daily. In this instance, green tea is most effective at helping to eliminate dark under-eye circles.

Green tea contains plenty of antioxidants and tannins which have astringent properties (a contraction of skin cells) to lessen the dark circles.

Follow these simple steps ahead:

1. Place two tea bags in water.
2. Using the brewed teas bag, place them over the eyes.
3. Leave them over the eyes for 10-15 minutes.

During this short period, the tannins constrict the blood vessels under the eyes.

While the green tea works to combat the under-eye bags by decreasing the dilation of blood vessels.

In addition, if you suffer from a puffy under-eye area, the caffeine shrinks the swelling.

You can also place the water in the fridge before dipping in the tea bags. This will add a soothing cooling effect on the eyes.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a cult favourite for those who love to bake. It is a classic ingredient found in almost everyone’s kitchen.

Yet, what many are unaware of is baking soda’s anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties.

This allows it to act as a great way to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Follow the steps below:

1. Mix a tbsp. of baking soda with lukewarm water.
2. Soak a cotton pad into the mixture.
3. Apply the cotton pad under the eyes.

This effective method will help you achieve the best results if it is repeated three times a week.

Turmeric

Turmeric also known as Haldi, is a powerhouse product which helps combat numerous beauty/health worries.

Turmeric contains natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and curcumin. This work to minimise dark circles. Follow the method to achieve the best results:

1. Mix ½ tsp of turmeric with a few drops of almond oil.
2. Apply the paste to the under-eye area.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes and wash off with water.

To achieve the best results, repeat the process three times a week.

The inclusion of almond oil is perfect for those who suffer from dry skin. Yet, if you have oily skin, then substitute the almond oil for a few drops of water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is can be used as a salad dressing for improving the condition of hair.

Yet, what many do not know is that apple cider vinegar helps lighten dark circles.

The combination of minerals, vitamins and enzymes tackle the darkness under the eyes.

Follow the simple procedure for bright under eyes:

1. Pour apple cider vinegar on a cotton pad.
2. Gently massage the under-eye area with the cotton pad.
3. Repeat this process in the morning and night.  

Potatoes

Baked, mashed or fried potatoes are enjoyed by everyone. But applying them to the skin is a different entity.

Potatoes transfer antioxidants, vitamin C, starch and enzymes to the skin. These nutrients help nourish the thin skin under the eyes.

Another benefit of potatoes is their ability to stay cold for long periods. This coldness enables potatoes to reduce swelling and inflammation of the vessels under the eyes.

As a result of these factors, the appearance of dark circles is minimised.

There are two ways to use potatoes on the eyes. Follow whichever method suits you best.

Method One:

1. Evenly cut a potato into thin slices.
2. Place two slices over the eyes and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Alternatively, follow method two:

1. Grate potato into a dishcloth.
2. Squeeze the cloth filled with grated potato into a bowl releasing the juice.
3. Soak two cotton pads into the potato juice.
4. Apply the pads over the eyes for 10-15 minutes.

These methods should be repeated at least three times a week for the best results.

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids which help rejuvenate and hydrate skin. It stimulates the under-eye tissues which, in turn, removes the discolouration of the skin.

Also, the antioxidants in castor oil help reduce the inflammation of blood vessels and fluid retention.

Castor oil also boosts the production of collagen and elastin in the skin which benefits visibly improve dark circles.

Follow this application process and reduce the look of dark circles:

1. First, wash your hands and pat dry.
2. Take 3-4 drops of castor oil on the tip of your ring finger.
3. Gently massage the oil under the eyes.

To acquire the most effective result, leave the oil on overnight.

The castor oil can also be mixed with a few drops of almond oil, mustard oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil for extra nourishment.

Sleep Away the Dark Circles

Despite this sounding tedious, sleep deprivation can lead to the under-eye area appear darker.

This is because it tends to go paler in colour which contrasts the darkness under the eyes, alluding to dark circles.

It is important to ensure you achieve the maximum hours of sleep. Adults are required at least eight hours of sleep.

Cosmetic Treatments

Alternatively, if at-home remedies are not for you, then it is worth looking at cosmetic procedures.

Although dark under-eye circles are not a health concern, they tend to make you look unhealthy, tired and older.

Concealer

It is well-known that makeup is a girl’s best friend. In particular, concealer is applying on areas of concern.

Applying concealer under the eyes is a quick-fix to hiding dark circles. Choose a shade which matches your skin tone to cover dark circles and apply a lighter shade to highlight under the eyes.

This method will temporarily cover eye bags. Another great trick is to apply an orange colour corrector to contrast the purple tones of dark circles.

Then proceed to apply concealer on top.

Chemical Peels

If you consult a dermatologist for your dark under-eye circles, they may recommend using light chemical peels.

These chemical peels work to lighten the dark pigmented area under the eyes.

Typically, these peels contain glycolic acid, retinoic acid or hydroquinone.

These chemicals work to remove deal skin cells and stimulate new skin cells that visibly appear healthier.

Chemical peels are often the first choice of dermatologists as they make your under-eye area stronger.

Facial Fillers

Facial fillers are one of the most common cosmetic procedure. They are injected into the skin making lacklustre skin appear firm and strong.

Facial fillers are aimed at improving signs of ageing and the production of elastin and collagen. These benefit the elasticity of the skin.

This method works best with dark circles that are caused by hyperpigmentation.

Prescribed Skin Lightening Cream

Another popular method prescribed by dermatologists is skin lightening cream.

It is to be noted that this method is strictly applicable to reduce dark circles and not to lighten skin in general.

Skin lightening cream contains azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid or hydroquinone.

The inclusion of these ingredients helps reduce the visibility of dark circles. Yet, these creams must be applied with precaution.

It is advised to always carry out a patch test first to ensure you do not react to the chemicals in the product.

It is important to note, with any type of cosmetic procedure it is imperative to consult with a doctor.

This method of treatment can also be expensive and painful, therefore careful consideration is required.

All the above methods, although they are not permanent, with consistent application, can effectively reduce dark circles.

For anyone with dark circles, they know how it feels when people comment on how exhausted you look.

It can be annoying, therefore, follow these hacks and reduce the sullen look of your eyes.