How to Get Rid of Dark Circles: Causes, Remedies & Treatments

Waking up with dark shadows and circles under the eyes can be bothersome for anyone. Dark circles are more common among people living a busy lifestyle. These can be caused by various factors including lack of sleep and poor diet. Anyone can have dark circles however these are more noticeable in people with a family history of hyperpigmentation or thin skin, inflammation due to allergies, darker skin tones, inadequate sleep and chronically dehydrated skin, exposure to sunlight, and natural aging of course.

Well, the good news is, that you can remove dark circles permanently and treat dark circles through a combination of home treatments, lifestyle modifications, and professional treatments. In this blog, you will learn about the causes of dark circles and how to get rid of them. So stay tuned.

Term dark circles refers to the appearance of dark skin around the eyes, that makes under eye area look darker than the surrounding skin. The discoloration may appear black or bluish purple depending on the skin tone. The skin surrounding the eyes is more fragile than the other areas of your face making it more susceptible to discoloration.

Dark circles usually appear beneath the eyes on the lower eyelids. The thin and delicate skin of this region makes dilated blood vessels more visible contributing to a darker appearance. Other affected areas include the inner corners and outer corners of the eyes, which may also show dark under eye circles . These can be caused by several factors that are usually harmless and some may necessitate medical attention.

Eye bags and dark circles are two different cosmetic concerns however they may appear similar and even contributing factors may be similar. Dark circles are defined as the darkening of skin under the eyes appearing as black, bluish, brownish, or purplish color, often influenced by lifestyle factors . On the other hand, eye bags are defined as puffiness or swelling due to fluid accumulation beneath the eyes.

Dark circles can be caused by various factors as mentioned below:

Genetics: Dark circles can be hereditary in some individuals. That means if your parents or anybody in your family history have dark circles you are more likely to develop them too.

Lack of sleep: The most common cause of dark circles is inadequate sleep or sleep deprivation. If you often sleep for less than 7 hours, the blood flow in the area beneath your eyes decreases leading to dark circles.

Stress: If you have a stressful life or you feel stressed in your everyday life, you are at higher risk of developing dark circles. During stress, blood is not provided to the facial region enhancing the appearance of blood vessels below your eyes causing dark circles.

Dehydration: Hydration is extremely important for maintaining healthy skin, and vitamin K is also crucial in this regard. Not drinking adequate amounts of water and staying dehydrated make the skin around the eyes look dull and contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

Poor diet: Unhealthy eating habits, eating foods that lack essential nutrients, and certain nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin A, D, E, K, and B12 can contribute to the occurrence of dark circles.

Allergies and sinus issues: Certain allergies especially symptoms associated with nasal congestion can contribute to the development of dark circles.

Eye strain: Longer screen time significantly contributes to the appearance of dark circles. Spending longer hours on your mobile, laptop, or TV screens puts strain on your eyes leading to dark circles, making it important to find ways to reduce puffiness.

Aging and skin thinning: As you age, your skin starts losing collagen making the skin under your eyes loose, which can worsen dark circles by contributing to the thinning of blood vessels beneath your eyes. It leads to the darkening of under the skin.

Sun exposure: Being exposed to sunlight for longer periods contributes to excess melanin production. Melanin is responsible for the color of the skin. As the excess melanin accumulates under the eyes it leads to dark circles.

While dark circles can be caused by various factors, you can prevent dark circles and reduce them naturally at home by combining home remedies and lifestyle changes. These natural remedies aim to improve blood circulation and reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.

Check out the home remedies mentioned below that can help you get rid of dark circles naturally at home.

Cold compress:

The simplest way to reduce the appearance of dark circles is cold compress. Just take a soft washcloth and soak it in cold milk or water. Place it as a soothing compress over the closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat it throughout the day.

Cucumber slices:

You must have seen people placing cucumber slices on their eyes. The high water content of cucumber makes it capable of reducing dark circles caused due to lack of sleep or stress. Place cold cucumber slices on your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes and follow this practice regularly for noticeable results.

Tea bags (green or black):

Tea bags be it green tea or black tea are known to reduce the visibility of dark circles. Soak 2 caffeinated tea bags in warm water and then place them in the refrigerator for a cooling effect. Now place them on your closed eyes and leave for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse your eyes with cold water.

Aloe vera gel:

Aloe vera is prominently known for its medicinal properties and soothing effect, which can help to lighten dark circles. Apply aloe vera gel to your washed face, especially under your eyes every night before you go to sleep. It hydrates skin and diminishes dark circles.

Almond oil and Vitamin E:

Almond oil possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work wonderfully to reduce dark circles. Vitamin E hydrates the skin. Mix Vitamin E oil and almond oil, wash your face, and apply this mixture under your eyes, gently massage, and leave it overnight. Regular use offers magical results.

Rose water:

Rose water contains Vitamin A and is an effective solution for getting rid of dark circles. Apply rose water on your clean face and leave it overnight for visible results.

Turmeric and milk paste:

Mix milk and turmeric powder to make a paste and apply it under your eyes. Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and it improves blood circulation. Milk offers hydrating and soothing benefits to the skin. Leave this paste for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.

For visible results and a youthful appearance , make sure you use these remedies consistently as it matters the most. Following these solutions for a few days may not work effectively because consistency is the key to achieving the desired effects.

You can get rid of dark circles under your eyes using various remedies and treatments. However, every individual is different so the underlying causes can be, so these lifestyle tips can help you eliminate or reduce the visibility of dark circles.

Lack of sleep and fatigue are directly associated with dark circles. It can also make your skin look pale enhancing the appearance of dark circles. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep every night and maintain a proper sleep routine to help prevent dark circles.

Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain hydrated skin. Dehydration can contribute to more noticeable dark circles so staying hydrated is extremely important.

Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals. Add antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to your diet as these can improve skin health and diminish the presence of dark circles.

excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can make your dark circles worse so it is advised to quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake. These habits dehydrate your skin and reduce blood circulation making the dark circles more prominent.

Sunscreen is most important to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. Don’t just apply it on your face make sure you apply it well under your eyes. Wear sunglasses when you are out to protect the skin around your eyes as sun exposure can worsen dark circles.

Manage your screen time appropriately to prevent fluid accumulation and avoid putting strain on your eyes. Be it TV, laptop, or mobile, try to avoid consistently watching their screens as the light reflected by the screen can enhance the appearance of dark circles.

If you have visible dark circles, pick eye creams that contain brightening agents such as retinol, Vitamin C, antioxidants, niacinamide, and licorice root. Moreover, consider the ingredients that boost blood circulation including caffeine and Vitamin K.

Best ingredients to look for while choosing dark circle creams:

• Retinol: It stimulates collagen synthesis, plummeting the visibility of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles, and improves skin tone.
• Vitamin C: It is a strong antioxidant that significantly brightens skin and lightens the dark skin under the eyes.
• Hyaluronic acid: It adds water to your skin making your under-eye region look more hydrating and plumping.
• Peptides: Peptides excite collagen production, improving the elasticity of skin and reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
• Caffeine: Constricting blood vessels contributes to reduced puffiness and visibility of dark circles around the eyes.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide benefits the skin tone and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Clean your face and let it dry. Take the required amount of the cream. Apply the eye cream gently and consistently around your eyes in the morning and before you go to bed. Avoid applying these creams on your lash lines. Don’t rub the cream, gently dab it onto the skin and let it get absorbed. Apply eye cream after applying the serum and before the moisturizer. To get visible results, use eye cream religiously every day.

Although natural remedies, eye creams, and lifestyle modifications can efficiently improve the appearance of dark circles under your skin, not everybody can get rid of their dark circles permanently.

Long-term solutions for getting rid of dark circles include medical treatments, chemical peels, dermal fillers, etc. Moreover addressing the underlying medical conditions are most important to get the best outcomes. These treatments usually offer permanent results, particularly for persistent dark circles.

Lifestyle and dietary changes: Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits and nutrition-rich foods into your diet can work wonders along with natural methods as well as medical interventions. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and follow a good skincare routine.  

Prescription creams: retinoid creams can significantly help improve your skin tone by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing pigmentation.

Lightening agents: topical products containing kojic acid, Vitamin C, and hydroquinone can lighten hyperpigmented regions and diminish the visibility of dark circles.

Chemical peels: chemical peels are in-office treatments that address pigmentation problems and stimulate collagen production particularly comprising trichloroacetic acid and alpha hydroxy acids.

Laser therapy: it involves intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional laser treatments. IPL therapy targets pigmentation and blood vessels reducing the dark pigmentation beneath the eyes. Fractional laser treatments excite collagen production addressing pigmentation concerns and improving skin texture.

Dermal fillers: injectable fillers such as hyaluronic acid lighten dark circles by addressing the loss of volume in the under-eye skin that is responsible for the appearance of dark circles. Dermal fillers restore volume and improve the overall appearance of under eye region.

Micro needling: It is an effective method to eliminate dark circles. It works by exciting elastic and collagen production in under-eye skin that plumps up the skin and reduces dark circles.  It also improves the absorption of topical products.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP): PRP treatment involves taking a small amount of blood and it is processed to concentrate platelets and then platelet-rich plasma is injected into the skin beneath your eyes.

Dark circles and eye bags are different conditions by both affect the under-eye region. Dark circles involve the darkening of skin due to thin skin or pigmentation and eye bags are puffiness or swelling beneath the skin due to fluid retention or excess fat accumulation.

Dark Circles: Appears like darker skin under the eyes and the color is black, brown, purple, or bluish. These are caused due to genetics, thin skin, aging, lack of sleep, hyperpigmentation, and poor circulation. Allergies, smoking, alcohol, stress, and inadequate sleep can exacerbate dark circles.

Eye Bags: Eye bags are swollen or puffy with a droopy appearance under the eyes. These are caused due to fluid retention, fat accumulation, and weakening of tissues in the under-eye skin region. These can be exacerbated by high salt intake, aging, and lack of sleep.

Dark circles are common and can be persistently annoying but are manageable and don’t need to be permanently on your face. With the proper combination of skincare, lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and medical treatments, you can get rid of dark circles permanently. Eat healthy, exercise, stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, apply a cold compress, practice natural remedies, manage your stress levels, and use sun protection.

Seek professional help if your dark circles are accompanied by swelling or becoming worse. If you don’t notice any improvements after doing everything you can, it's time to consult a dermatologist. A professional can suggest more advanced treatments such as laser therapy, dermal fillers, or chemical peels along with diet modifications.