How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes (10 Proven Strategies)

Any dark discoloration found under the eyes is usually known as dark circles, dark rings or dark shadows.

There are many reasons that dark circles can appear under the eyes, and both women and men of any age group can experience this annoying problem.

Some of the main reasons are: lack of sleep, aging, dry skin, stress, prolonged crying spells, long hours in front of a computer or other device, and a poor diet.

While dark circles are not quite a serious skin condition, they can make people look unnecessarily tired, unhealthy and older.

Luckily, there are many easy home remedies that can answer the question of how to get rid of dark circles.

Cold Compress

To get rid of dark circles under eyes, a cold compress can help.

Simply take a washcloth and soak it in either cold water or milk.

Lay it over your closed eyelids and let it sit there for at least a few minutes.

The compress will help to constrict the blood vessels under the eyes, which in turn will reduce any puffiness and dark circles that you are dealing with.

A few ice cubes wrapped up in a small, soft napkin or thin washcloth can also help.

Even a frozen bag of peas or a chilled spoon against your eyes can help relieve dark circles.

Tea Bags

Tea bags contain caffeine and antioxidants that can greatly help reduce dark circles and puffiness under your eyes.

These two ingredients help by shrinking the blood vessels and also by reducing fluid retention.

Tannins in the tea bags also decrease discoloration and swelling.

Chill two used tea bags, either green or black, in the refrigerator for around half an hour.

Place them over your eyes and leave them sit for about 10-15 minutes.

Remove and wash your face, being careful not to get any of the tea in your eyes.

You can repeat one or two times daily for a few weeks.

Almond Oil

A wonderful natural ingredient that is great for the delicate skin under the eyes is almond oil.

By using almond oil regularly you can help your eye circles fade away.

Vitamin E oil will also help eliminate any dark circles, as well.

Remedy for Almond Oil:

• When you get ready for bed, massage a small amount of almond oil over the area of the dark circles and leave it on overnight as you sleep.
• Wash it off the next morning with cold water.
• Repeat daily until your dark circles are gone.

Rose Water

The use of rose water will greatly rejuvenate the skin and leave a soothing effect for tired, puffy eyes.

Rose water also has astringent properties and works well as a skin toner.

Soak two cotton eye pads or cotton balls in pure rose water for a couple of minutes and then apply them over your closed eyelids.

Let them set for at least 15 minutes each time.

Repeat twice daily for a few weeks or until your circles are gone.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers have been well-known to have mild astringent properties that will help get rid of dark circles under eyes.

They also have a refreshing effect when used.

Cut a fresh cucumber into big, thick slices and keep them in the refrigerator to chill for around 30 minutes before use.

Apply the slices over the eyes for at least ten minutes, remove and wash.

You can repeat this regimen daily for about a week or so for maximum results.

Many people also mix lemon juice with cucumber juice in equal amounts.

Apply this mixture to your skin with a cotton ball, making sure not to get it into your eyes.

Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off.

This remedy can be done daily for a week or more.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can help answer the question of how to get rid of bags under eyes quickly.

Lemon juice has Vitamin C in it that helps get rid of dark circles, because of the skin-lightening properties it contains.

Using a cotton ball, apply the fresh lemon juice to the under eye bags, being careful to avoid getting it into your eyes.

Leave this mixture on for around 10 minutes and then wash it off.

This can be repeated on a daily basis for a couple of weeks.

A thick paste can also be made by mixing together one tablespoon of lemon juice, a small pinch of gram flour, two tablespoons of tomato puree and turmeric powder.

The paste is applied gently around the eyes and left on for about 10-15 minutes.

Rinse with cold water and repeat a few times per week.

Discontinue use if the juice causes a burning sensation.

Turmeric

Turmeric can also answer the question of how to get rid of bags under eyes with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These factors help to minimize dark under eye circles and make your skin look soft and smooth.

Mix two teaspoons of both turmeric powder and pineapple juice to make a thick paste.

Apply it to the area under the eyes and leave it sit for at least 10 minutes.

Wipe away with a warm, damp cloth. You can repeat this daily until your eye circles are diminished.

Raw Potato

A natural bleaching agent is found in potatoes that aid in lightening dark circles and reducing puffiness.

The following home remedy can help with dark circles under the eyes:

Extract the juice of the potato by grating one or two raw ones.

Use a cotton ball to soak up the juices and then place it over your closed eye.

The juice needs to also cover the dark circles under your eyes to work well.

Let the juice sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse your face with cool water.

This can be repeated one or two times per day for a few weeks.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes carry a bleaching property that can easily lighten the skin, effectively removing dark under eye circles.

Mix together one teaspoon of tomato juice along with one-half teaspoon of lemon juice.

With cotton balls, apply this mixture under your eyes and allow to sit for ten minutes before rinsing.

Tomato juice will also work if you do not have fresh tomatoes on hand.

Additionally, you can drink a glass of tomato juice mixed with lemon juice, salt and mint leaves.

Drink immediately after mixing for the best results.

Drinking this mixture one or two times a week is the best way to help diminish dark under eye circles.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another great natural remedy for under eye circles.

Since coconut oil has moisturizing qualities, it can help smooth the skin and prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming under the eyes.

Use extra-virgin coconut oil to massage under the eyes and leave for a few hours.

Wash it off and repeat daily for a couple of months or until you are happy with your results.

Additional Tips

• Make sure you get enough sleep and rest.
• Always take off any makeup before going to bed.
• Drink the recommended amount of water throughout your day to avoid water retention.
• Limit exposure to the sun.
• Do not rub at your eyes too much, as this can cause the blood vessels to dilate, in turn making any eye circles you already have look darker.
• Eat a healthy diet with added Vitamins A, C and E.
• Before going to sleep, put two or more pillows underneath your head to elevate it, which will help keep fluid from pooling under your eyes overnight.
• Reduce alcohol use and stop smoking, as smoking can cause wrinkles to appear.
• Reduce caffeine consumption which can lead to dehydration, which then leads to weakened skin under the eyes.