Home » Eye Care » How to Reduce Dark Circles: Common Reasons & Natural Remedies

Fact Checked By Skin Formulations | Feb 18, 2022

Definition of Dark Circles Under-Eyes

Under-eye dark circle is the layman’s term for periorbital hyperchromia. It is darkness under (sometimes, surrounding) the eyes. This cosmetic eye problem is common among non-white descent, such as Indian people; although, aging and sleeping disorders can be the primary causes. 

Common Culprits of Dark Circles under the Eyes

The following are the precipitating and aggravating factors of dark under-eye circles: 

• Lack of sleep. People who are not sleeping sufficiently or sleep-deprived develop dark circles around their eyes. Staying up late results in the accumulation of fluid under-eyes and inhibit skin cells from regenerating.



• Aging. Dark circles under the eyes are a result of multiple factors. However, aging is a leading cause. As a person ages, the fat around the eyes decreases in volume resulting in facial hollowing and shadowing.
• Allergies. Severe allergic reactions do not only develop eye puffiness but can also cause dark circles around the eyes. Histamine production triggers inflammation and congestion of nasal passages, increasing pressures in the nose and sinuses.
• Genetics. Unfortunately, dark pigmentation around the eyes runs in the family. If your mother has dark under-eyes, this can be evident as early as during your childhood years and worsen as you grow older.
• Iron deficiency anemia. People with anemia have lower levels of hemoglobin, a protein molecule that carries oxygen to body tissues. Insufficient circulation of oxygen in cells can lead to shadowing and thinning of the skin around the eyes.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption. Nicotine constricts blood vessels resulting in poor blood circulation in cells and tissues, including eye regions. Furthermore, alcohol is very dehydrating, particularly to small blood vessels, making the appearance of dark circles more prominent.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Naturally and Without Surgery

The following are the natural remedies for dark circles:

• Sufficient Sleep. Establishing consistent sleep hygiene makes dark circles around the eyes less noticeable. In an experimental laboratory study, sleep-deprived people show more appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, puffy eyes, and hyperpigmentation around the eyes compared to people who have complete hours of sleep.
• Cold Therapy. A natural remedy for dark circles is cold compress. Cold therapy works by constricting the blood vessels around the eye region, thereby decreasing swelling, making eyes less puffy, and improving hyperpigmentation around the eyes. Apply cold, damp cloth under the eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes daily and notice any difference.
• Sun Exposure. According to the Canadian Family Physician, sun exposure has an indirect impact on the skin. It damages the skin cosmetically and medically. Overexposure to the sun worsens under-eye dark circles. Protect skin from sun exposure by applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses or hat, and avoiding outdoors during peak sun times, particularly between 15:00 and 16:30.



• Do Not Forget Moisturizers. Get a facial moisturizer with retinol content. In a randomized controlled trial, moisturizers with retinol ingredient protect facial photodamage. The retinol-based moisturizer does not only improve skin pigmentation but also promotes firmness and corrects wrinkles.
• Try Cucumber Slices. Dehydration can make eyes look tired, dull, and sunken. According to Fitoterapia, cucumber extracts do not only provide a cooling effect, but they also have very high water content. The seeds, in particular, have therapeutic potential. The vegetable also has a cleansing action and is lipid-lowering. Reduce dark circles around the eye by applying cucumber slices or using cold cucumber juice around the eyes for 20 minutes.
• Get Vitamin K. Vitamin K has dark-circle fighting properties. It is often used as a cosmeceutical base. Moreover, it is widely available as a topical application and oral supplement. However, there are natural sources of it that help decrease eye puffiness and shadows. Olive oil, grapes, spinach, and broccoli have the highest Vitamin K content that improves blood circulation around the eyes and works effectively for under-eye dark circles.
• Almond oil and Vitamin E. Almond oil and vitamin E are other natural remedies for dark circles. Almond oil is not only a rectifier for dry skin conditions, but it is also a rich emollient. On the other hand, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that alleviates the malondialdehyde levels on the skin, which is an indicator of oxidative stress. Both improve skin tone, smoothen complexion, and protect skin against aging.



• Don’t Toss Tea Bags. Make use of green tea bags at home for improving skin health. Tea extracts have overflowing antioxidants, alkaloids, and tannins, which all help in promoting circulation around the eyes, reducing fluid retention and buildup, and stimulating healthy skin growth. Apply chilled tea bags on the eyes for 20 minutes. You can wrap tea bags with a cloth or use a plastic cover to protect eyes from any seepage. Do this repeatedly up to three times daily.

Bottom line

Dark circles under the eyes is a common aesthetic challenge for men and women today. It is a serious concern for many, as this may impact the overall appearance of skin and dip confidence. Depending on its severity, it is possible to reduce darkness around the eyes effectively and naturally by healthy lifestyle changes. Prioritize natural skincare over the expensive use of concealers and makeups. Make skin healthy by getting proper sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using harm-free botanicals. 

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