This post was originally published in February 2020. Updated in January 2023.
Having dark circles under your eyes can bring on anxiety and make some people feel embarrassed and frustrated. Dark circles aren’t often a sign of a health problem. However, having them under only one eye can be an indication of a health issue that needs medical support.
Unfortunately, dark circles are more common in females and people of color. But still, they can affect anyone. So how to get rid of dark circles under eyes? Well. At-home remedies and some medical methods can help lessen those circles.
Table of Contents
But First, What Causes Dark Circles?
A number of factors cause dark circles to appear under your eyes.
Common causes include:
- Lack of sleep.
- Dehydration.
- Genes.
- Aging.
- Allergies.
- Sinusitis.
- Smoking.
- Stress.
- Overexposure to sunlight.
- Excessive rubbing of the eyes.
- Eye strain.
To get more information about the causes of dark circles under the eyes, Check: What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes & 15 Ways To Fix That
Some of the most effective home remedies and medical treatments that can lessen dark circles include:
Top Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dark Circles Under Eyes:
1- Get More Sleep
Sleep deprivation is the most common factor that causes dark circles under your eyes. And it also makes your face look tired and older.
So you should give your body and your mind enough rest every night to reduce dark circles.
How Many Hours Should You Sleep? It’s recommended to sleep for 7-9 hours daily to get rid of under-eye circles.
Also, use extra pillows to elevate your head to reduce fluid pooling under the eyes. This can prevent the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and swelling around your eyes.
2- Hydrate
You should drink enough water every day to keep your skin firm. Also, avoid consuming too much alcohol as it can dehydrate your body and makes your face look pale.
Dark circles become more visible when your body and skin don’t get enough water.
So What Should You Do? drink at least 2 liters of water daily to keep your body healthy.
3- Use A Cold Compress
Consider applying a cold compress to your eyes to get rid of puffiness and under-eye circles. A cold compress can also constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.
How To Use It? Apply the cold compress to the area under your eyes for about 15-20 minutes to lessen their appearance.
4- Apply Skincare Products
Eye creams and serums can reduce dark circles and puffiness. Skincare products that contain ingredients like vitamins E & C, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera help treat dark circles.
These products can hydrate the area around your eyes, shrink blood vessels, and stimulate blood circulation which will lessen dark circles.
Also, studies showed that cucumber juice can soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling. It also has antioxidant activity that can make the area around your eyes appear less puffy and tired.
Cucumbers are high in vitamin C which can boost new cell growth and they are water-rich vegetables so they can moisturize your skin.
So What To Use? Using vitamin-rich skincare products and applying thick slices of cucumber to your face for 10-20 minutes daily can help you get rid of those circles.
5- Wear Makeup
Makeup products can hide dark circles and make the area around your eyes look normal.
Some makeup products could irritate your skin and develop an allergic reaction which worsens the circles. If you experience some symptoms like irritation, itching, or inflammation, don’t use this product again and consult a doctor.
So What Should You Do? Apply a concealer and primer that suits your skin type to cover up those dark circles under your eyes.
6- Use Tea Bags
Caffeinated tea bags help reduce dark circles and puffiness. Tea bags can constrict blood vessels, boost blood circulation, and prevent fluid retention under your eyes.
How To Use It? Soak two tea bags in warm water for a few minutes then put them in the refrigerator. Place them on your eyes for 15-20 minutes when they’re cold. Then remove them and rinse the area with cool water.
If you’re not sure how to use tea bags as a home remedy for your eyes, read this article.
7- Consider Vitamins
Certain vitamins can help minimize dark circles and swelling. A study showed that applying a pad containing a mixture of vitamin K and caffeine to your eyes can reduce dark circles and wrinkles.
This mixture can also improve the appearance and elasticity of your skin. Vitamin K prevents blood clotting and strengthens weakened capillaries around the eyes.
Also, studies showed that vitamin C can increase collagen production, thicken the skin under your eyes, and hide discoloration caused by congested blood.
Plus, collagen supplements increase collagen levels in the body which eliminates dark circles.
8- Allergy Medications Can Help
Sinusitis causes veins under the eyes to dilate and darken which will make dark circles appear.
So What Should You Do? It’s highly recommended to take allergy medications to unblock sinus and nasal passages which will help improve breathing, reduce swelling, and lessen dark circles.
9- Protect Your Skin From Sunlight
Sunscreens and sunglasses decrease melanin production which is responsible for darkening your skin. They also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles.
Also, sunscreens can prevent skin damage, burns, and skin cancers. Plus, they help keep your skin firm and healthy.
So What To Do? It’s recommended to wear sunglasses during the day to reduce sun exposure to the eye area. You should also apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and ears to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Medical Treatment
Visit your dermatologist if you can’t know how to get rid of dark circles under eyes.
Your dermatologist may recommend some of the following treatments:
Topical Creams
Creams that contain kojic acid, azelaic acid, or hydroquinone can treat hyperpigmentation.
Studies showed that using hydroquinone as a treatment for at least 3 months reduces dark circles. Kojic acid and azelaic acid can also lessen dark circles.
Plus, the FDA approved a formula that contains hydroquinone, tretinoin, and dexamethasone to treat hyperpigmentation.
Another study showed that 10% vitamin C lotion helps lighten discoloration under the eyes.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel including glycolic acid, hydroquinone, or retinoic acid can lighten hyperpigmentation under your eyes.
Your dermatologist may also prescribe an eye cream along with chemical peels to reduce pigmentation.
Fillers
If dark circles are caused by fat tissue loss or skin thinning, fillers could be an effective treatment to decrease dark circles.
A hyaluronic acid gel is used as a filler to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Also, platelet-rich plasma can treat dark circles caused by tear troughs and wrinkles.
Fillers and platelet-rich plasma restore the lost volume which gives you a less-tired-looking appearance.
Laser Therapy
Your dermatologist may also recommend laser therapy to get rid of dark circles under your eyes.
Laser therapy can tighten the skin and eliminate pigmentation. Plus, it gives a more youthful appearance to your skin.
Surgery ( Blepharoplasty )
Blepharoplasty is a surgery that can decrease dark circles caused by fat deposits or excess skin.
The surgery reduces shadows that form under your eyes which eliminates dark circles.
When To See A Doctor?
If discoloration gets worse or appears under only one eye, you should consult a doctor. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor before deciding to try any method.
Also, ask your dermatologist about the benefits and side effects of the treatment.
Your doctor can tell you which way is best for you. Furthermore, it’s best to ask your doctor before trying different home remedies.
FAQs:
What Vitamins Should I Take For Dark Circles?
Vitamins C & K stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, keep weakened capillaries strong, and prevent blood clotting, and this will help reduce dark circles.
Is Vitamin C Or E Better For Dark Circles?
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is better than vitamin E as studies found that it can treat discoloration, boost collagen production, and keep the skin under the eye area thick and firm.
Does Stress Increase Dark Circles?
Yes. Stress can be responsible for increasing dark circles as it makes you unable to sleep and break fragile capillaries around your eyes, resulting in creating a dark tint under the eye area.
The Bottom Line
If you’re wondering how to get rid of dark circles under eyes, some home remedies or medical treatments can help reduce dark circles and improve your appearance.
Home remedies include drinking enough water, using certain skincare products, applying tea bags to the area, taking vitamins, using a cold compress, and getting enough sleep each night.
Also, fillers, chemical peels, laser therapy, blepharoplasty, or topical creams help treat dark circles effectively. It’s best to check with a doctor to find which one is best for you.