4 Home Remedies to Treat Dark Circles

Dark circles, also known as perorbital dark circles or perorbital hyperpigmentation, are dark blemishes around the eyes. They can be caused by various reasons, including heredity, lack of sleep and fatigue, anemia, allergy, sun exposure, physical or mental stress, iron deficiency, smoking, hormonal changes, aging, and more.

Of course, when dark circles are a symptom of a more serious problem, you need to treat that problem. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try and combat pigmentation topically. The following remedies will help reduce the appearance of dark circles and make you look less tired.

Cucumber Slices

You’ve probably seen lots of pictures of people with cucumbers over their eyes. But have you ever thought that this is not just because cucumber slices are photogenic? They actually can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and bags under your eyes. Cucumbers contain lots of water, so they help moisturize the skin around your eyes. In addition, they have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause your skin to age faster and become thinner, making dark circles more prominent.

To reduce your under-eye circles, cut a cucumber into thick slices and let them chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Close your eyes and put the slices on each eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse the area with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, for at least a week.

Tea Bags

Both black and green tea contain antioxidants and caffeine. These compounds reduce fluid retention in tissues, shrink blood vessels, and combat puffiness and dark circles. Soak two tea bags, squeeze out excess moisture, and refrigerate the tea bags for 10 minutes. Place them on each of your eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Repeat 1–3 times a day. Instead of black or green tea, you can use chamomile tea. Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, so it will especially helpful if your eyes are red and irritated.

Tomatoes & Lemon

Both tomatoes and lemon contain organic acids that naturally lighten the skin, reducing dark circles. In addition, lemon juice is rich in vitamin C that has strong antioxidant properties. To combat dark circles with the help of lemon and tomatoes, mix 1 tsp unsalted tomato juice with ½ tsp lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed). Apply the mixture to the skin under your eyes, let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse off. Repeat twice a day for a week.

Carrier Oil

Many carrier oils are rich in tocopherol (vitamin E), a natural antioxidant that slows down the aging process in the skin. In addition, they provide the skin under your eyes with fatty acids and moisture, making it soft and supple. When your skin is healthy and hydrated, you don’t need to worry about dark circles.

The best carrier oils to use against dark circles are sweet almond oil, argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and rose hip oil. They all have a light texture and absorb well without leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky. All you need to do is apply several drops of oil on your dark circles and gently massage it into the skin before going to bed. In the morning, wash off the residue if there is any. Do this every night until you see your dark circles disappear.