Dark circles, or periorbital hyperpigmentation, often set in after puberty or early adulthood(1). While men are also afflicted by this condition, women are more prone to developing dark circles.
It is estimated that nearly 30. 76% of the population(2) struggles with it. However, given that there are a number of cosmetic products available in the market indicates that it could possibly be more common. Let us take a look at how to get rid of dark circles permanently using home remedies.
Naturopathic Remedies for Dark Circles
Causes of Dark Circles
Before we explore tips on how to remove dark circles, let us first understand what causes dark circles around the eyes? The most common culprits behind dark circles are:
- Sleep deprivation or excessive sleep.
- Stress.
- Exhaustion or tiredness.
- Nasal allergies.
- Skin conditions like eczema, which cause constant rubbing and itching.
- Sun exposure.
- Ageing.
- Genes.
Here are a few natural remedies on how to reduce dark circles.
[Read: Home Remedies for Dark Circles]
CURE 1: Carrier and Essential Oils for Dark Circles
Applying a few essential or regular oils topically can help erase dark circles. Here are a few oils that work:
1. Coconut oil for Dark Circles
The healthy oil extracted from the dried-up flesh of the coconut contains a significant amount of healthy compounds.
Why Does it Work?
Coconut oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin(3), which improves the skin’s health and elasticity. As a result, dark circles begin to disappear shortly.
[Read: Coconut Oil for Oily Skin ]
Ingredients
- A tablespoon of raw-pressed, virgin coconut oil
Procedure
- Apply a layer of the coconut oil on the skin under your eyes
- Massage it into your skin in a clockwise and anti-clockwise circular motion.
- Let it sit overnight.
How much to use?
Apply the oil every night before you go to bed
2. Sweet Almond oil for dark circles
Sweet almond oil offers a plethora of goodness to your brain, nervous system, and skin. Thus, using almond oil for dark circles has been an age-old natural remedy.
Why Does it Work?
Almond oil is a rich source of Vitamin E; in fact, a drop of almond oil can supply 26% of the recommended daily intake. It can also be used as an emollient to make the skin supple and soft.
Ingredients
- A few drops of sweet almond oil
Procedure
- Pat on the almond oil on the skin beneath your eyes.
- Massage it into your skin using gentle circular motions.
- Leave the oil on overnight and wash it off the following morning.
[Read: Benefits of Using Castor Oil for Skin]
How much to use?
Follow this routine every night until the dark circles disappear.
3. Castor oil for dark circles
Castor oil is good for the skin you can use castor oil for getting rid of dark circles. Let’s take a look at how you can do so.
Why Does it Work?
Castor oil conditions the skin and makes it soft. It has the ability to breathe a new life into your skin, thus, making the skin beneath your eyes wrinkle-free and less dull(4).
Ingredients
- A few drops of organic castor oil
Procedure
- Apply the organic castor oil under your eyes
- Massage it gently
- Leave it overnight and wash it off the following day
How much to use?
Make this regimen a daily habit until the dark circles disappear.
4. Argan oil
The golden Moroccan oil could be your magic remedy to make the dark circles disappear for good.
Why Does it Work?
The composition of argan oil is much like the body’s natural oil. As such, it can easily penetrate through the skin barrier and reach the deeper layers. The high content of Vitamin E and antioxidants restore the natural radiance of your skin. Further, it can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles(5).
[ Read: Essential Oils for Dark Circles ]
Ingredients
- A few drops of organic argan oil
Procedure
- Use the ring or pinky finger to dab on the argan oil on the skin around your eyes.
- Tap on your skin to increase its absorbing capacity.
- Leave it on overnight and do not rinse it off.
How much to use?
Do this every night before going to sleep.
CURE 2: Supplements
While the body can derive the necessary vitamins from the food that we eat, some of it cannot be fully absorbed by the body. To supplement it, we need to ingest certain vitamins to enjoy their healing powers. Here are a few vitamins for dark circles:
1. Vitamin E
Vitamin E can boost your skin health. Naturally, it can also help with dark circles.
Why Does it Work?
Vitamin E is responsible for nourishing your skin and improving skin condition. It can lighten the complexion and, in process, help dark circles disappear.
Ingredients
- A few Vitamin E capsules
- Cotton swab
Procedure
- Pierce the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze out the oil.
- Dab the oil onto the cotton swab and apply it on your skin.
- Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off.
How much to use?
Apply Vitamin E oil twice a week to see noticeable results.
2. Vitamin K
In addition to Vitamin E, Vitamin K can also help you in getting rid of dark circles.
Why Does it Work?
According to a 2015 study(6), those who applied Vitamin K enriched eye pads under their eye noticed the erasure of their dark circles and fine lines.
Ingredients
- Vitamin K enriched oil
- Cotton pads
Procedure
- Dip the cotton pads in the Vitamin K enriched oil.
- Place it on the skin beneath the eyes.
How much to use?
Do this once a week to reduce the intensity of dark circles.
CURE 3: Foods
Certain food items can have a detrimental effect on dark circles. Try out the following foods if you wish to get rid of dark circles permanently.
1. Turmeric for dark circles
Turmeric is a golden spice that holds the answer to a number of diseases and ailments. Let’s take a look at how to use turmeric for dark circles:
Why Does it Work?
Turmeric possesses skin lightening properties(7). It enhances the appearance of dark and dull skin present below your eyes. Mixing turmeric with almond oil makes the combination more potent against dark circles.
Ingredients
- Half a teaspoon of turmeric
- A teaspoon of almond oil
Procedure
- Combine the turmeric powder with almond oil to make a paste
- Apply this paste to your skin below the eyes and massage it for about a minute
- Leave it on for nearly 20 minutes
- Wipe it off with a wet tissue or rinse off the paste
How much to use?
Apply this paste three to four times a week for best results.
2. Cucumber for Dark Circles
Applying cucumber slices to lighten the skin has been a tried and tested remedy passed down through generations.
Why Does it Work?
Cucumber is loaded with antioxidants such as vitexin, cucurbitacins, and orientin, which can easily reduce the intensity of dark circles.
Ingredients
- A fresh cucumber
Procedure
- Slice the cucumber and place it in the fridge for about thirty minutes
- Take out two slices and place them over your eyes while ensuring that they cover the affected area completely
- Let them sit for about ten minutes and then rinse your eyes using cold water
How much to use?
Follow this routine twice a day for nearly a week.
3. Tomato
Tomatoes are a healthy fruit that can help improve your skin.
Why Does it Work?
Lycopene, a phytochemical compound present in tomatoes, can benefit the skin(8) and undo skin darkening. It is also capable of protecting the skin from any further damage.
Ingredients
- A teaspoon of tomato juice
- A teaspoon of lemon juice
Procedure
- Mix the juices together
- Apply it over the affected area and let it sit for about ten minutes
- Wash it off using cold water
NOTE: Those with sensitive skin can add a teaspoon of rose water to the above mixture before applying it to their skin.
How much to use?
Follow this routine for two to three weeks and do this nearly twice a day.
CURE 4: Home remedies for dark circles
Here are a few home remedies that can help get rid of dark circles.
1. Green tea bags
While green tea is exceptionally beneficial for health, green teabags also have a little something to offer.
Why Does it Work?
Dark circles could be formed due to the dilation of the blood vessels under the eye. The tannins and antioxidants in green tea prevent the dilation of blood vessels. Thus, the constriction of blood vessels undo the dark circles.
Ingredients
- Two green tea bags
Procedure
- Dip the tea bags in some water and refrigerate it for about thirty minutes
- Place the cold tea bags over your eyes and let it sit for about fifteen minutes
- Wash your face with some cold water
How much to use?
Apply the green tea bags daily until the dark circles disappear.
2. Baking soda for dark circles
Baking Soda or Sodium Bicarbonate can help you get rid of a number of skin problems, one of them is dark circles.
Why Does it Work?
Baking soda can not only soothe the skin but also lighten the complexion. Further, the anti-inflammatory properties(9) boost the blood flow to regions under the eye, thereby making the skin lighter. Additionally, it is highly potent against allergies, which could be causing dark circles.
Ingredients
- One-eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda
- A cup of water
Procedure
- Stir in the baking soda in the water
- Drink the mixture
NOTE: You could also apply a topical paste of baking soda and water.
How much to use?
Do this twice a week to notice your dark circles disappear.
[ Read: Coconut Oil for Dark Circles ]
3. Lemon juice for dark circles
Vitamin C-rich lemon juice can help get rid of dark circles. Learn how:
Why Does it Work?
Lemon juice contains skin lightening properties(10). Furthermore, the Vitamin C content acts as an antioxidant, which nourishes and rejuvenates the skin.
Ingredients
- Lemon juice.
- Cotton swabs.
Procedure
- Dip the cotton swab in lemon juice and gently apply it over the dark circles’ region.
- Leave it on your skin for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cool water.
How much to use?
Follow this remedy twice daily. Remember to moisturize your skin after every application as lemon tends to leave your skin dry.
CURE 5: Herbs
Some herbs possess the bioactive compounds required for reducing dark circles. Here’s a list of a few of them:
1. Liquorice extract
Liquorice or mulethi is a popular Indian herb used for treating coughs. However, it is also rather potent against dark circles.
Why Does it Work?
Liquorice is rich in glabridin, which protects the skin from the damaging effects of UVB radiation and suppresses pigmentation(11). As a result, it helps in lightening dark circles.
Ingredients
- Three to four drops of liquorice extract.
Procedure
- Apply the liquorice extract to the area.
- Leave it on for nearly ten minutes.
How much to use?
Follow this routine every day.
2. Crushed mint
Mint not only offers freshness to your food or drink but also tackles various health issues. Here is a remedy using mint leaves for treating dark circles.
Why Does it Work?
Mint leaves are rich in Vitamin C, which lightens the skin(12) and reduces dark circles. It also improves skin health.
Ingredients
- Some mint leaves.
Procedure
- Crush the mint leaves and add water to it until you get a consistently smooth paste.
- Apply it under your eyes and let it sit for nearly 10 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
How much to use?
Try this recipe every night before going to bed.
3. Parsley
Parsley is a widely-used herb, especially in continental and European dishes. However, it can offer health benefits in addition to taste and flavour to food.
Why Does it Work?
Parsley is loaded with beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, and various vitamins and minerals(13). It has the capacity of evening out skin tone and preventing the formation of wrinkles(14).
Ingredients
- Half a cup of parsley leaves.
- A tablespoon of yoghurt.
Procedure
- Blend the parsley leaves with the yoghurt to make a paste.
- Apply the mixture as an eye mask over the dark circles.
- Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off using cool water.
How much to use?
Apply this eye mask thrice a week.
While dark circles do not pose any harm to an individual, it can really bring down one’s confidence and self-esteem. Thus, you may try out these home remedies to get rid of dark circles, and you will soon observe a noticeable difference in your skin tone. You could even give vitamin-enriched skin creams a chance to lighten the dark circles further.
FAQs
Now that you know how to get rid of dark circles, let us address a few frequently asked questions about them.
1. Are dark circles hereditary?
Unfortunately, yes. Some forms of dark circles are hereditary and are passed down from generation to generation.
2. How to remove dark circles permanently?
A number of natural remedies that will help you get rid of dark circles permanently have been listed above. Depending on the intensity and severity of the condition, a dermatologist may recommend chemical peeling, laser treatment, intense pulsed light treatment, or even surgery.
