To minimize dark circles under your eyes, use soothing home remedies like cucumber slices or tea bags.
Why do you get dark circles under your eyes?
Depending on your skin color, the dark circles under your eyes may look bluish, purple, dark brown or black. In most cases, these dark circles are nothing to worry about.
But sometimes, dark circles under your eyes can indicate a need for lifestyle changes, like getting quality sleep or following a healthier diet.
The area under your eyes may seem darker because of constricted blood vessels that result in hyperpigmentation or from thinning of the skin around the eyes.
Dark circles may form under your eyes due to:
- Aging
- Allergies (e.g., hay fever)
- Anemia caused by iron deficiency
- Dehydration
- Dermatitis
- Eye drop treatment for glaucoma (e.g., bimatoprost)
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
- Hyperpigmentation (Occurs when your body produces more melanin.)
- Inherited genes
- Overexposure to sunlight
- Reduced levels of fatty tissue around your eyes
- Sleep deprivation or poor sleeping habits
- Smoking
- Thinning skin under your eyes
- Thyroid conditions
Risk factors for dark circles under your eyes include:
- Old age – As you age, you naturally lose fatty tissue and the skin around your eyes starts to thin. These changes can make dark circles appear more defined among the elderly. Additionally, aging can cause a tear trough or a hollow under the eyes, which can make dark circles form.
- Ethnicity – Dark circles are more common if you have darker skin tones. These dark circles also affect people of color more often than white people because of changes in pigmentation.
Natural remedies for dark circles
While you can't completely get rid of them, using skincare products that contain antioxidants may help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Antioxidant skincare products
Organic face creams and under-the-eye products with antioxidants can help minimize the appearance of dark circles. Look for products with vitamins E and C to help improve your skin's appearance. (Related: How does cocoa butter moisturize and promote skin health?)
Cold compress
Put a cold compress on your eyes to constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Cucumber slices
Apply cucumber slices to your eyes to relieve tiredness and minimize swelling. Cucumbers are high in water and vitamin C, which can help moisturize your skin. Cucumber also contains silica, which is needed for healthy tissue.
Hydration
Dehydration may cause dark circles under your eyes. If you don't drink enough water, the skin beneath your eyes may become dull, making your eyes look sunken.
This happens because the skin under your eyes is very close to the underlying bone in your face.
Improving sleep quality
Get enough quality sleep every night to help to prevent dark circles under your eyes.
Teabags
Teabags can help lessen dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. The caffeine in black, green or herbal tea has antioxidant properties and helps stimulate blood circulation around your eyes. Boil two tea bags in water, let them cool, then place them over your eye.
Alternatively, you can refrigerate boiled tea bags to add a cooling effect.
Preventing dark circles under your eyes
To prevent the appearance of dark circles, follow the tips below:
- Wear UV protection sunglasses.
- Manage stress and get quality sleep.
- Stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption. These habits may speed up the aging process and increase your risk of getting dark circles.
Minimize dark circles under your eyes with home remedies like the ones above. More importantly, get enough sleep every night, follow a balanced diet and stay hydrated to keep your skin healthy.
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