It is said that the eyes are the key to the personality and soul of a person! Unfortunately, dark circles can take away their beauty and charm by making you look older than your actual age. Here is a detailed article about home remedies for dark circles effectively and permanently removing them. What makes it simpler is that the ingredients are mostly found in our Indian kitchens. Read the complete article to know more about them.
What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles can be caused due to several reasons and not just sleep deprivation as most people think. Some of the causes are allergies leading to rubbing of the eyes, and lack of sufficient sleep, which may cause the eyes to swell up and look puffy, resulting in a shadow-like appearance. Also, the side effects of certain medications too can cause dark circles.
- Hereditary: Genes play an important role in the appearance of dark circles. If your parents or close relatives had them, your chances to get them are likely to increase.
- Loss of Elasticity: With ageing, the skin beneath your eyes starts thinning down due to the loss of Collagen. This can lead to dark circles.
- Anaemia: Iron deficiency lowers your blood circulation to the eyes, which can reveal the pigments accumulated in blood vessels.
- Medications: Certain medicines can cause dilation of blood vessels and gives the appearance of darkish hue, resulting in dark circles.
- Increased Screen Time: Watching the screen of your computer or smartphone can strain your eyes and lead to dark circles.
Home Remedies for Dark Circles Under Eyes:
Here are the 20 Best and Most Effective Home remedies for dark circles that will make you feel younger and energetic.
1. Turmeric for Dark Circles:
For those annoying dark circles to disappear, you should consider this promising turmeric remedy. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties which when adequately used softens the skin under your eye, lending it a smooth look, thereby reducing dark circles. There are a lot of skincare home remedies with turmeric as the main ingredient, and one such remedy especially for reducing dark circles is fresh turmeric paste carefully blended with pineapple.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Turmeric Paste – 1 tbsp.
- Pineapple Juice – 1 tbsp.
Note: In case you do not get fresh turmeric, you can use chemical-free turmeric powder, which is easily available in shops.
How to Prepare?
- Take equal parts of fresh turmeric paste and pineapple and carefully blend the ingredients without any lumps.
How to Apply?
- Take a small amount of the mixture, gently apply on the dark circles and leave it for 15-20 minutes until it dries.
- Using lukewarm water or cold water, rinse your under-eye area thoroughly. You may also choose to use cotton to remove the pack and then wash your face.
How Often You Do This:
- For effective results, you can use this remedy thrice a week.
Precautions:
- Turmeric can turn your skin colour into yellow. Use a mild cleanser to wash it thoroughly.
2. Baking Soda To Get Rid of Dark Circles:
Baking soda is an effective dark circle under eyes remedy. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it softens the skin and also enhances blood circulation, thereby lightening and reducing the darkness under the eyes. Baking soda as used in other remedies as a cleaning agent also is used to cleanse the skin anywhere on the body, even delicate areas like under the eyes or around the lips. It can remove dirt, and dead skin and also lighten the skin colour giving radiance to your under-eye area. Note the remedy and put it to use.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda1 teaspoon.
- Strained green tea1/2 cup.
- Cotton pads 2.
How to Prepare?
- Prepare green tea using herbal infuses and filter the green tea solution. Now, add one teaspoon of baking soda and mix it well.
- Then soak cotton pads for a few seconds in the green tea and baking soda solution. Squeeze out excess water.
How to Apply?
- Gently place the dab cotton pads over the eyes, ensuring the affected under eye areas are covered.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes and remove.
- Wash your under-eye areas with normal water by gently rotating your fingers around.
How Often You Do This:
- You can repeat this remedy every alternate day or thrice a week for quick and effective results.
Precautions:
- Baking soda sometimes may make your skin dry, so to avoid that and any possible itching due to dryness, apply some moisturiser after the remedy process to soothe the skin.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dark Circles:
Apple Cider Vinegar contains minerals, vitamins and enzymes. It contains alpha-hydroxy acid. This helps in cleansing the skin, soothes dull skin and maintains the Ph level. It helps in lightening the skin tone and aids in removing impurities giving the skin a youthful appearance. It is called the magic solution for skin whitening and helps to decrease the dark spots, making skin clear, and prevent ageing effects. This is one of the best remedy for dark circles under the eyes.
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar 1 teaspoon.
- Onion juice1 teaspoon.
How to Prepare?
- Take an onion and grate well.
- Squeeze out the juice using a strainer.
- Add onion juice in equal parts along with apple cider vinegar.
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
How to Apply?
- Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and dab the affected areas directly and allow it to dry.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with normal water.
How Often You Do This:
- Repeat the same on a daily basis for weeks and see the changes.
See More: Treat Dark Circles With Coffee
4. Petroleum Jelly for Dark Circles:
Dark circles can give your eyes a tired look. Petroleum jelly is an excellent source which can lock moisture under the skin and reduce the dryness under the eyes. It hydrates and moisturises the skin. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive to irritants, and petroleum jelly being hypoallergenic is an ideal product. It helps to rejuvenate dull skin under the eyes.
Ingredients:
- Petroleum Jelly – a pinch.
- Lemon juice – a few drops.
How to Prepare?
- Take a bowl.
- Squeeze a few drops of lemon into it.
- Add a pinch of petroleum jelly into it.
- Mix both the ingredients well with fingers.
How to Apply?
- Apply it directly under the eyes and leave it overnight or for an hour.
- Clean with normal water or soft tissue and watch the magic happening within a few days.
How Often You Do This:
- Do the same on a daily basis for effective results.
[ See More: How To Remove Dark Circles In 2 Days ]
5. Lemon Juice for Dark Circles:
The lemon juice is enriched with Vitamin C and it also has bleaching properties which in turn helps to remove dark circles under your eyes in a smooth and easy manner. It also strengthens our immune system and blood vessels in the eye zone. Lemon contains citric acid which helps to tighten the skin and make the dark circles fade away. A regular application helps you lighten the skin tone and makes the skin appear fairer and bid goodbye to your stubborn dark circles.
Ingredients:
- Lemon – Juice of a lemon.
- Fresh tomato puree – 1 tablespoon.
- Gram flour – Pinch.
- Turmeric – Pinch.
How to Prepare?
- Take a bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the bowl.
- Next add tomato puree, which can be made easily with the help of a blender.
- Add a pinch of gram flour and a pinch of turmeric.
- Now all you need to do is to mix all the given ingredients well in a bowl so that no lumps are formed and a thick paste is formed.
- Ensure that the pack is thick and not runny.
How to Apply?
- Gently apply the thick paste around the eyes and allow it to dry or wait for 15 minutes.
- Clean the face with lukewarm water and wipe with a soft towel.
How Often You Do This:
- For faster results apply this paste thrice a week and see the changes take place.
6. Aloe Vera for Dark Circles:
This miraculous plant is a rich source of Vitamin E and C, and its application does wonders on the skin. It boosts collagen production and reduces the pigmentation and makes it look healthy and smooth.
Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera gel – 2 teaspoons.
- Cotton pads 2.
How to Prepare?
- Take an Aloe Vera stem and cut it with a sharp knife on both sides to remove the white translucent gel from within. If Aloe Vera is not available at home, one can choose from the readily available Aloe Vera gel available in our stores.
How to Apply?
- Apply some fresh or store-bought Aloe Vera gel on the cotton pads and then gently place it under the eyes and massage well for 5-10 minutes.
- Allow it to remain and then wash it off with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- Apply this daily before bedtime.
7. Cucumber for Dark Circles:
Cucumber has a number of antioxidants present including cucurbitacins, vitexin, orientin and is oscoparin. It also contains vitamins C and K. Vitamin K, which is present in cucumbers, can reduce dark discolourations. It is said that cucumber slices work best and help to reduce swelling and dark circles when chilled. The cool temperature discourages the accumulation of fluid under your eyes. The cucumber has skin-lightening properties and is a natural astringent. Its application lends a soothing and refreshing feel throughout the day.
Ingredients:
- Cucumber juice.
- Lemon juice.
- Cotton pads.
How to Apply?
- One method is to simply cut two thick slices of cucumber and freeze it in the freezer for an hour and then place it over the eyes for 10-15 minutes and then wash the face with water. Repeat this daily for faster results.
- You can also mix equal quantities of fresh cucumber juice along with lemon juice in a bowl.
- Cucumber juice can be got by grating the cucumber and extracting juice through a strainer.
- With the help of cotton pad, soak it in this mixture and apply all over the eyes and allow it to dry, followed by another application of the same juice, which is allowed to dry.
- Then wash the face with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- Apply it thrice a week for better results.
Read More: Treat Dark Circles With Cucumber
8. Gulab Jal or Rose Water:
This is one of the handiest and easy ingredients available in every home or kitchen. Rosewater is produced by means of meticulous steam-distillation of the fresh rose petals and it contains nutritious juices and pure rose oil. The Gulab Jal or rose water helps to rejuvenate the skin and also helps to reduce the patchy dark circles around the eyes and lends a soothing effect. It also acts as an astringent and evenly tones the skin colour.
Ingredients:
- Pure rose water.
- Cotton pads.
How to Prepare?
- In a bowl pour some store-bought rose water or Gulab Jal.
- Soak the eye pads for five minutes.
How to Apply?
- Place the rose water-soaked pads on the closed eyelids and leave it there for about 10- 15 minutes and feel the cooling effect.
- Then remove the pad and wash the face with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- Repeat this twice daily and follow the same for 15 days to see the changes.
9. Yoghurt for Dark Circles:
You can wave goodbye to the unsightly dark circles with yoghurt naturally. The pro-biotic and the lactic acid present in the yoghurt acts as a natural bleaching agent which in turn helps to minimize dark circles and lightens the skin tone. The lactic acid exfoliates the skin and removes the impurities, bringing in a natural glow and evenness to the skin.
Ingredients:
- Yoghurt – 1 teaspoon.
- Turmeric – a pinch.
How to Prepare?
- Take a bowl.
- Add yoghurt and a pinch of turmeric.
- Mix them both well to form a smooth paste.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste under the eyes and leave in to dry or for 20 minutes.
- Now wash with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- Apply this four times a week for the best results.
10. Honey for Dark Circles:
Regular application of honey can help by nourishing the skin and is one of the best remedy for dark circles under the eyes. It has antioxidant properties that aid in softening the skin, making it soft. It works as a natural bleach and works as an amazing moisturizer. And it helps to retain the natural moisture of our skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is also said to be a powerhouse of nutrients, which flushes out toxins and improves the overall quality of the skin.
Ingredients:
- Organic honey – 1 teaspoon.
How to Apply?
- Apply a thin layer of honey all around the eyes and especially under the eyes.
- Massage with fingertips for 2 minutes.
- Moisten fingertips before application.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
- Wash with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- Apply this thrice a week for effective results.
11. Grape Seed Oil For Dark Circles:
Grape seed oil is full of anti-inflammatory properties and contains flavonoids, which greatly help to reduce and lessen the dark circles under the eyes. It also works as a moisturizer and softens the skin. It is an effective cost-friendly alternative to expensive eye creams as it’s main ingredient is vitamin E. The astringent quality of grape seed oil tightens the skin under the eyes and improves overall skin tone. It is very safe to apply around the eyes as being natural it will not cause any irritation or harm to the eyes.
Ingredients:
- Pure grapeseed oil – 3-4 drops.
How to Apply?
- Gently with the tip of your fingers apply the grapeseed oil all over the eyes and massage it for 5-10 minutes.
- Leave it for an hour.
- Wash its water.
How Often You Do This:
- Apply it daily for better results.
12. Shea Butter for Dark Circles:
The Shea butter can be used as a treatment for dark circles under eyes home remedies. Shea butter is a fatty substance obtained from the nuts of a Shea tree. Shea butter is said to contain high concentrations of vitamins and fatty acids. It also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is used in cosmetic skin preparations. Shea butter helps to lubricate the skin and gradually diminishes the darkness under the eyes. It helps you to keep the skin well hydrated.
Ingredients:
- Shea butter 1 teaspoon.
How to Apply?
- Take the required amount of Shea butter on the fingertip and massage it gently around the eyes in a circular motion for five minutes.
- Then allow it to remain for an hour.
How Often You Do This:
- This can be used twice daily for quicker results.
13. Coconut Oil for Dark Circles:
All of us are aware that coconut oil has multiple health benefits. The application of coconut oil can also make one’s skin appear beautiful and helps to get rid of darkness under the eyes. It is one of the best home remedies for dark circles under your eyes. It helps to even out skin pigmentation. And it contains anti-bacterial components. Coconut oil is a rich source of vitamin E and moisturizes and nourishes the skin, in turn, helping to reduce the dark circles and wrinkles which start forming under the eyes.
Ingredients:
- Pure virgin coconut oil 10 drops.
How to apply?
- Take some drops of extra virgin coconut oil.
- Massage this oil under and all over the eyes gently with your fingertips.
- Massage it for five minutes in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions and leave it on overnight.
How Often You Do This:
- Do this daily and watch the dark circles beginning to lighten and fade.
14. Potato Juice for Dark Circles:
All of us use potatoes to add flavour to recipes, but now this miraculous vegetable helps to reduce dark circles under the eyes. The potato acts as a natural bleaching agent and helps to reduce puffiness around the eyes and lightens the dark circles under the eyes. The coldness helps to reduce the swelling and minimize the discolouration under the eyes. The vitamin C and starch in potato helps to improve the beauty of the skin.
Ingredients:
- Potato – 1.
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon.
- Raw milk – 1-2 tablespoons.
How to Prepare?
- Boil the potato until soft.
- Peel the potato and mash it into a smooth paste.
- Add olive oil to this paste along with raw milk.
- The consistency should be spreadable.
How to Apply?
- Now apply the paste to the skin and let it remain for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
How Often You Do This:
- Repeat this daily for faster results.
15. Liquorice Extract for Dark Circles:
Liquorice contains glabridin, which helps to reduce pigmentation and also ensures proper blood flow under the eyes. It protects the skin from UV damage. It has many components which enhance the skin texture. And it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the dark skin under the eyes. Liquorice is an excellent ingredient, especially for those with oily skin.
Ingredients:
- Liquorice extract 5 drops.
- 1 vitamin E capsule.
How to Prepare?
- The first prick opens the vitamin E capsule.
- Squeeze out the oil and mix it well with liquorice extract.
- If required you can add some water or milk and make a thick paste out of it.
How to Apply?
- Apply this with fingertips on the dark area.
- Let it remain for 15 minutes.
- Clean with water and soft tissue.
How Often You Do This:
- Repeat this on a daily basis for faster results.
16. Tomatoes To Remove Dark Circles:
Tomatoes are one among the excellent natural remedies for dark circles around the eyes and are known for their bleaching properties. They have the ability to lighten dark circles as they brighten the skin tone making it appear lighter and can be used in various combinations to fade away the dark circles.
Ingredients:
- Tomato juice 1 teaspoon.
- Lemon juice 1 half teaspoon.
- The pulp of tomatoes for another method.
How to Prepare?
- With the help of a blender obtain tomato juice.
- Squeeze out some lemon juice.
- Tomato pulp is required if following the second method.
How to Apply?
- Apply tomato-lemon juice on the affected area.
- Keep this on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash with cold water gently.
- Tomato pulp can be applied directly on dark circles and left overnight, can be washed off with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- Follow either of these 2 methods for at least 2-3 weeks, to see results.
17. Green Tea Bags for Dark Circles:
Green tea is one of the popular home remedies for dark circles. It is rich in antioxidants and tannins, and they play a major role in lightening dark circles. They help in reducing the puffiness around the eyes, and the astringent property helps to constrict the capillaries and blood vessels under the eyes. Green tea is useful in the removal of fine lines and wrinkles too. They are an affordable option which can be tried at home several times a day.
Ingredients:
- Few green tea bags.
How to Prepare?
- Boil water in a vessel.
- Fill half a cup of hot water.
- Allow the tea bags to steep in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Allow them to cool until warm, or place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
How to Apply?
- Place the brewed tea bags over the eyes.
- Massage using gentle pressure on the tea bags.
- Let it remain for some time.
- Wash with cold water.
How Often You Do This:
- This can be done on alternate days.
18. Castor Oil for Dark Circles:
If you are embarrassed by dark circles or raccoon eyes, then castor oil is the most effective home remedy for dark circles. Castor oil is known to contain fatty acids and antioxidants that can help in reducing dark circles. It consists of Omega-3 fatty acids, which keeps the skin well hydrated. It is also referred to as a natural moisturizer. And it helps in the reduction of fluid accumulation. It can be used in the removal of under-eye circles as it helps in the shrinkage of blood vessels.
Ingredients:
- Castor oil.
- How to prepare?
- Warm some castor oil.
How to Apply?
- Take some warm castor oil.
- Massage a few drops of castor oil under the eyes for 1-2 minutes with your fingertips.
- Let it remain overnight.
- Wash with warm water the next day morning.
How Often You Do This:
- Continue to do this for a few days until desired results are seen.
19. Kumkumadi Tailam To Get Rid of Dark Circles:
Kumkumadi tailam is otherwise referred to as “saffron oil.” This is a product of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala or Vaidyaratnama Oushadhasala, which is known to reduce dark circles under the eyes as it helps reduce pigmentation. This acts as an excellent remedy for dark circles around the eyes.
Ingredients:
- Kumkumadi tailam – few drops.
How to Apply?
- Apply a few drops of Kumkumadi tailam and massage under the eyes gently.
- Let it remain overnight.
- Wash well the next morning with water and pat dry.
How Often You Do This:
- This can be done daily at night.
20. Sweet Almond Oil for Dark Circles:
Sweet almond oil is known to reduce under-eye puffiness due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts as an excellent moisturizer and helps in lightening dark circles, because of its natural bleaching property. It has vitamin E, K and Retinol, which keeps the delicate skin under the eyes smooth.
Ingredients:
- Sweet Almond oil.
How to Apply?
- Massage a few drops of sweet almond oil.
- Use fingertips to massage gently for 1-2 minutes under the eyes.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash with warm water the next morning.
How Often You Do This:
- This can be repeated daily.
Additional Tips To Get Rid OF Dark Circles:
- Patch Test: Before you embark on any of the natural home remedies, please make sure to do a patch test on the skin in order to avoid any skin irritation.
- Allergies: Make sure to find out if one is allergic to any of the ingredients used in the remedies.
- Sufficient Sleep: Ensure that one has sufficient sleep to avoid dark circles and avoid sleep deprivation.
- Eye Exercises: Take care to regularly perform eye exercises to avoid fatigue, this is especially for those who spend long hours in front of the computer.
This detailed article gives us a long list of home remedies for dark circles that can be followed within the comfort of our own homes. Most of the ingredients are easily available and hence, one can avoid using harsh chemicals or creams. Also, exercise caution with the use of patch tests and also if one has allergies to any of the ingredients used in the above home remedies. Do let us know which remedy has worked well for you!
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers:
1. What are The Vitamin Supplements Useful in The Removal of Dark Circles?
Vitamin C can be used safely around the eyes as it aids in the removal of fine lines with the help of collagen-building abilities. They also help in brightening the skin and making skin firmer. Vitamin K is one of the most common ingredients used in anti-aging creams that are used under the eyes. They prevent the breaking of capillaries and make the blood vessels strong. Vitamin E can be used topically and they help in reducing puffiness and swelling. It is an antioxidant.
2. Can Hyaluronic Acid Be Used to Remove Dark Circles?
Hyaluronic acid can be used under the eyes. They do the work of lightening and brightening the skin. These fillers can be used to plump up the area under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by our body. It works as a humectant. When it can work wonders for anti-ageing then it can most certainly be used for under-eye dark circles.
3. What Is The Difference Between Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags?
Dark circles are caused when there is a congestion of veins below the eyes due to lack of sleep and this can very easily be seen in fair-skinned people. They are also caused due to several other lifestyle factors like stress, iron deficiency etc. Under-eye bags are also called as under-eye pouches. These are caused mainly due to a combination of skin laxity and fat herniation.
