Dark circles under the eyes might not seem like a serious problem…to those who don’t have them. This discolored skin is very common (exact numbers aren’t certain, but certainly millions of people have them due to various triggering factors) and indicative of multiple things. For example, some people simply have a genetic predisposition for them: if your mom has them, you might.
However, other people might develop them after long sleep nights (either partying and having fun or simply through insomnia), and they might stick around for a long time. Are they serious? Well, no, but many people think they’re unattractive and want to get rid of them. Some even try home remedies that dark circles under the eyes can’t resist, but do these natural remedies for dark circles really work?
In this article, we’ll examine dark circle treatment at home and help you decide whether it’s worth studying how to get rid of dark circles naturally. The practical and innovative strategies highlighted in the following sections can give you a deep insight into these processes and the benefits they provide you. Without further ado, let’s dive right in to see if we can get rid of those dark circles for good!
Understanding Dark Circles: Causes and Contributing Factors
Before examining home remedies for dark circles under the eyes, it’s important to know what causes them. Things like genetics, age, sleep deprivation, allergies, and lifestyle issues can make natural remedies for dark circles necessary for you. So before starting dark circles treatment at home, examine these contributing factors to see if they impact you: then choose the therapy you want.
Genetic Predisposition to Dark Circles
Have you always had dark skin under the eyes, or do you get darker circles faster than your friends or partner? Well, there’s a very good chance that you have a genetic predisposition to dark skin under the eyes. Look at your parents’ eyes: do they also have dark circles that seem to linger?
Well, there’s a good chance that they passed this down to you…which makes it harder to eliminate them. It’s not impossible to at least mitigate this appearance a little bit. However, if genetics are to blame, your treatment options are more limited, so keep that in mind when reading further.
Impact of Age and Skin Thinning
As we age, we lose elasticity in our skin due to decreasing levels of collagen in the skin. That’s why older people develop wrinkles…but it also contributes to darkening skin beneath the eyes. Why exactly does this happen? Well, there are many unique underlying issues at play here.
Typically, as your skin loses elasticity, the dark tissues and vessels beneath your eyes start to show more easily. That’s the thing: that dark tissue is always there beneath your skin, and aging can cause it to show up more heavily under your eyes. You might also get dark patches like these elsewhere.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue
Do you struggle to sleep due to insomnia, working a third shift, or a busy and active lifestyle spent partying with friends? You probably see a lot of dark circles under your eyes: it’s one of the most common symptoms of fatigue and poor sleep patterns and can linger for days after.
Other changes in your facial appearance may also develop, including a “sadder” look, as well as changes to your eyes, mouth, and skin. A good night’s sleep might help to decrease some of these symptoms, though they’re likely to stay persistent for a long time if sleep issues persist.
Allergies and Under-Eye Discoloration
Not all dark circles are permanent or semi-permanent; some can come and go unexpectedly. Chief among them are “allergic shiners,” aka dark circles caused by nasal allergies. Those with persistent allergies might experience these darkened eyes during severe allergy seasons.
Thankfully, treating allergic reactions with medication or simply avoiding your triggers can reduce your “shiner” and keep your eyes looking great. Among all the dark circles we’ll discuss here, these are the least severe and typically don’t require you to learn how to get rid of dark circles naturally.
Lifestyle Factors, Such as Diet and Stress
Everybody has a different lifestyle than their friends and family members. Some people eat very healthily and exercise regularly, while others simply don’t bother. If you don’t eat well, exercise regularly, or manage your stress properly, you might develop dark circles under the eyes.
By adjusting your lifestyle and paying closer attention to your health, you can reduce these circles…and even eliminate them. It will require permanent changes and not just temporary adjustments, though, so make sure you’re ready for that kind of serious commitment.
Home Remedies for Dark Circles: Natural Solutions
While these home remedies for dark circles under the eyes typically won’t get rid of dark circles overnight (there aren’t many options that work that quickly), they provide a healthy way of managing this problem. Natural remedies for dark circles can make your eyes look young and healthy again.
When choosing these dark circles treatment at home options, choose carefully. Knowing how to get rid of dark circles naturally can help you avoid expensive plastic surgery treatments. Furthermore, they’re things you can share with your friends and loved ones: an awesome, caring gift!
Cold Compresses and Ice Packs
Here’s an easy treatment you can do at home with minimal trouble. Cold packs and compresses can help shrink blood vessels in the eye, reduce darkness and swelling, and help you look younger and healthier. Simply wrap a towel around a bag of ice (with water to reduce the cold severity) and apply it directly to your eyes for 15-20 minutes: any longer, and you risk frostbite — yikes!
Cucumber Slices and Potato Slices
You’ve probably seen videos of people at spas with cucumbers or even potatoes (!) on their eyes and thought it looked ridiculous: how could people be so gullible? Well, here’s the thing — potatoes and cucumbers really work! They provide a great concentration of anti-inflammatory properties, skin-lightening nutrients, and even hydration benefits that can manage dark circles very well.
Tea Bags and Green Tea Soaks
Most of the evidence for tea bags and green tea soaks is anecdotal…very few studies exist analyzing their benefits. However, many people swear that putting wet tea bags (particularly green tea) on the dark circles under the eyes helps reduce the puffiness, swelling, and inflammation common with dark circles. Make sure to wear an eye mask to avoid getting tea in your eyes.
Aloe Vera Gel and Rosewater
Aloe vera gels and rosewater soaks are very popular solutions for dark circles under the eyes…but do they really work? Aloe vera is well-known for improving skin moisture (dehydration is a very common cause of dark circles) and may support healthier skin aging. The same is true of rosewater, though it’s not as heavily studied as aloe vera. Why not try it now? They’re definitely not harmful.
Almond Oil and Vitamin E Oil
Dermatologists state that almond oil and vitamin E oil provide many benefits for dark circles under the eye. Almond oil, in particular, helps manage blood circulation and thinning skin. This option works well for people with low blood circulation caused by various health issues…it’s not as powerful for people with a genetic predisposition towards dark circles.
DIY Turmeric Masks and Honey Masks
Turmeric and honey are very popular for skin-related health issues…particularly aging and eye circles. Honey is very anti-inflammatory, while turmeric naturally brightens your skin tone and makes it even more attractive. Making a skin mask of these very healthy items (you can combine them or use them separately depending on your preferences) can ensure you take better care of your skin health.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Sleep Hygiene and Stress Reduction
Sleep hygiene is the act of properly preparing for sleep every night. Turn off your electronic devices two hours before bed and try to reduce your stress so you can rest better. Mediation, yoga, and other mindfulness exercises can help you sleep better and improve your overall health. It’s a smart option if you’re struggling with insomnia or tend to stay up late on the weekends and need to catch up.
Prevention Strategies for Dark Circles
Pair your home remedy for dark circles under the eyes options with preventative methods that complement your natural remedies for dark circles. Once you know how to get rid of dark circles naturally, you can use these prevention techniques to ensure they don’t come back.
Prioritize Quality Sleep and Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Set a consistent sleep schedule to avoid developing dark circles in the first place. Of all the dark circles treatment at-home options, this is the most beneficial. Great sleep minimizes various health problems and makes you a happier person…so buy a great bed, turn out the lights, and get rested.
Maintain a Balanced Diet Rich in Nutrients and Hydrating Foods
Eat a very balanced diet that includes hydrating foods that naturally cut down on your dark circles. Tomatoes, cucumbers (remember those?), celery, sesame seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, citrus fruits, berries, cruciferous vegetables, spinach, watermelon, and nuts can all protect your eyes.
Practice Good Hydration Habits: Drink Plenty of Water
Poor hydration can significantly contribute to your dark eyes: it can also cause other health issues, including poor sleep. Create a strong hydration habit (a minimum of eight glasses a day) by having bottles of water that you plan to drink throughout the day at specific times: scheduling is great.
Protect the Delicate Eye Area from Sun Damage with Sunglasses and SPF Eye Cream
Though we haven’t touched on it much here, UV rays (particularly those from sustained tanning bed usage) may cause dark circles by damaging the skin. Use a strong sun cream around your eyes with strong SPF (30+) or wear sunglasses with a similar protection level to keep your eyes safe.
Manage Allergies and Underlying Health Conditions
If you have persistent health problems that cause dark circles (i.e., allergies, blood circulation issues, etc) talk with your doctor about how to manage them. They can come up with a treatment plan that minimizes their impact on you…ensuring that you can keep them better controlled and managed.
