Most people have suffered from dark circles at least once in their lifetime. This dark discoloration, which affects both men and women, normally occurs under the eyes and is commonly referred to as dark circles, dark rings or shadows. People who are likely to suffer from dark circles are those who have been crying for a long time or are working too much in front of the computer, leading to insufficient rest due to lack of sleep.

Other reasons could be:

• Aging: Your skin loses collagen and becomes thinner, making veins more visible, as you age.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions can trigger the release of histamines, which inflames blood vessels leading to swollen eyelids.
• Genetics: If you happen to inherit fair or thin skin and your blood does not circulate well, it could lead to blood pooling, making fragile blood capillaries swell.
• Irritation: Things like frequent eye rubbing, allergens, dirt and bacteria can lead to redness, puffiness and irritation.
• Stress and Anxiety: Those suffering from prolonged mental or physical stress can suffer from puffy eyes and dark circles.

These dark circles are not necessarily an indication you are suffering from an illness. Most dark circles are not a serious skin condition. The problem with them is that they will make you look tired, exhausted, unhealthy and even older than your age. Keeping the skin under your eyes hydrated before going to sleep is essential. Dry skin can cause inflammation and skin irritation which contributes greatly to the formation of dark circles.

It is not possible to totally prevent eye darkening at some stage in your life cycle; however, there are some steps that you can take to ensure such an issue does not happen. With the right information, it is easy to maintain beautiful facial features. There are many substances or home remedies that can cure black eye shadows. Some of these synthetic substances are harmful to people with sensitive skin and can cause irritation.

Here is a rundown of the most effective home remedies that will help you avoid any troubling side effects. The best part is, using natural home treatments for dark circles is more affordable, too. Look around your kitchen, and you’ll find some dark shadow remedies that are harmless and that can stop the recurrence of them. Using these simple and practical easy do-it-yourself home remedies will help you look livelier and younger with natural, glowing skin.

1. Raw Potatoes

Who knew potatoes could bring any beneficial properties to the skin? The good news with potatoes is that you can easily find them in most households. This is because you can find potatoes in bulk and at affordable prices. After preparing potatoes for your meal, save one or two of them to help you rid yourself of those dark circles under your eyes.

Potatoes are thought to be one of the best remedies in that they have been used over time for bleaching the skin. This is because they are an effective natural bleaching agent. This means they will also help in lightening the dark circles under your eyes. At the same time, potatoes can help you in getting rid of the puffiness around the eyes, also called “eye bags.”

Fresh potatoes contain antioxidants, which ensures that they keep your skin looking young, supple and healthy. These antioxidants play a big role in ensuring that potatoes get rid of any bags or dark lines that may have formed under your eyes. Sliced potatoes contain juices that soak the skin under the eyes and shrink the swollen cells, making puffy eyes appear rejuvenated. The blood vessels open to allow blood circulation; hence, reducing the swelling under your eyes.

The procedure for removing the dark circles is as follows:

• Grate one or two potatoes in order to extract the juice.
• Alternatively, you can use sliced potatoes if you are uncomfortable with grating, and to save time.
• After the juice extraction, soak a cotton ball in the extracted juice and then place it over your closed eyes.
• Just ensure that the juices have fully covered the area with the dark circles, which should be under the eyes and the eyelids.
• Allow the juice to fully penetrate the area for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse the juice off with clear, cool water.
• You can repeat the procedure at least once or twice per day for at least a few weeks, or until the circles have disappeared.
  

2. Almond Oil

Almond oil is extracted from raw almonds. It contains numerous vitamins and minerals, which make it a useful ingredient for overall health and skin health care. It contains ingredients such as vitamin E, potassium, protein and zinc – all of which are crucial in maintenance of perfect health. There are two types of almond oil and one should consider this before making a choice on which one to use. One is bitter almond oil and sweet almond oil.

The bitter oil is obtained after pressing bitter almonds but even though it has medicinal qualities it cannot be ingested therefore it is used for tropical uses only. The sweet almond oil is what can be used to cure dark eye shadows. It is made from sweet almonds and can also be edible. This makes it safe to apply on skin without causing any side effects.

Almond oil is also a good remedy for treating dark circles as it is a great natural ingredient for the delicate skin around the eyes. It is highly advised that you use almond oil on a regular basis, as over time, the dark circles will eventually fade. You can add vitamin E to the almond oil for faster and more effective results. The right thing to do here is to ensure that you apply the almond oil by gently massaging it on the dark circles before going to bed.

The vitamin E in the almond oil will encourage your skin to rebuild itself and lose those dark lines and eye bags. It may even reduce fine lines and wrinkles. All you have to do is leave it overnight.

Be sure to wash it off with cold water first thing in the morning. After washing, dry your face gently with a clean towel. Repeat each night until when you notice that the circles have completely faded away. Repeat the procedure twice every day to achieve better results. It will not only remove the dark shadows, but it will also renew your skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles.

3. Cucumbers

Another natural remedy for removing dark circles is the cucumber. Few foods are as healthy as cucumbers because they contain many nutritional properties. There are three main varieties of cucumbers. Some are specifically for slicing, while others are only for pickling and then there are the new seedless types. Cucumbers are mostly made of water and have many important electrolytes.

Allergies can cause blood capillaries to bulge, casting dark shadows under the eyes. Cucumbers have a cooling, soothing effect that decreases swelling and irritation. It can also treat morning puffiness where your eyes swell due to inadequate sleep.

You most likely have seen beauty therapists placing slices over the eyes of their clients and you may have wondered about their purpose. A simple answer is that this vegetable is effective because cucumbers have skin-lightening and mild astringent properties to help rid you of dark rings.

Another advantage is that after its use, you will experience a soothing and refreshing feeling. The moisture in the slices helps relieve irritation and makes it possible for you to relax. The eye cells are able to stop swelling and any circles under the eyes do not develop, but rather fade with time.

Cucumbers are easily affordable and readily available. They have certain properties which make it possible to store them for up to one week in the refrigerator. This ensures that they remain fresh and retain all the properties which are useful in eradicating your black eye shadows. Cucumbers are also easy to grow in your garden.

Here’s how to use cucumbers to refresh your eye area:

• Just cut the cucumber into thick slices then chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• Place the slices on the affected area and let them sit for 10 minutes before removing them. Wash the area with clean water.
• Repeat this procedure until you notice the desired results.
• You can also mix cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal amounts and use a cotton ball to apply it on the affected area for even faster results.

4. Green Tea Bags

Green tea is thought to be one of the best remedies for many skin conditions. This is because green tea is rich in antioxidants and tannins, which are necessary for lightening dark circles. The tannins are also effective in reducing cases of swelling and puffiness around the eyes. Green tea also contains polyphenols, like flavonoids and catechins, which act as powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants reduce the formation of radicals in the body; hence, protecting numerous body cells. These protections ensure that your body’s cells and molecules are free from damage. Damage-free cells enable proper blood circulation.

Due to optimal circulation, the blood vessels are unable to swell, making your puffy eyelids shrink down to their normal size. The blood circulation also ensures that dark shadows do not form under your eyes. Aside from that, green tea has useful minerals and important bioactive compounds that have many health benefits, including the eradication of swollen eyes and dark eye shadows for a healthy, youthful and glowing look.

Here’s how to make a green tea bag treatment:

• All you have to do is add two green tea bags to one cup of boiled water and steep for 10 minutes.
• After they have steeped, remove them and leave them to cool in the refrigerator for half an hour. This ensures that the tea bags retain minerals, which will contribute to eradicating the black shadows under your eyes.
• After they have cooled off, remove them and place them around the affected area for around 10 to 15 minutes.
• After that, rinse your eyes with cold water and wipe them with a clean cloth.
• Alternatively, you can wipe your eyes with a clean piece of cloth that is wet enough to clear any juice that might remain on the eyelids.
• Repeat this procedure twice every day until the dark circles have diminished.

5. Milk

Milk has unique and nutritional values. It is rich in protein, minerals and essential vitamins, like vitamin D. Milk contains cream, which when applied gives the skin a glowing and healthy look. Milk cream is a natural product that performs many functions. The cream can be used as a form of oil to keep the skin looking young and glowing.

When applied, milk can prevent your eyes from forming circles or from developing puffiness. A common example of someone famously beautiful known to many is the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, who used to bathe in milk in order to keep her body young, supple and glowing. She was indeed a beauty, as history has it.

Most importantly, milk is inexpensive in easy to find in most areas. You can get it in small quantities that are more affordable. You can find it in grocery stores and convenience stores; hence, it is easy to access at any time.

Because of this, milk is another option for ridding yourself of your dark circles and puffy eye bags. This is because milk is rich in lactic acid, which will help in softening and moisturize the skin under the eyes. Another plus is that milk contains proteins, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants, which are essential for strengthening and repairing damaged skin. Apart from treating dark circles, milk can help reduce eye puffiness.

Here’s how to make a milk treatment:

• Use a clean piece of cotton or a cotton ball.
• Soak the cotton ball in fresh, cold milk and squeeze out the excess.
• Place it under each eye until the cotton balls start to feel warm.
• Wash your face with warm water and clean your face with a clean towel.
• Repeat this procedure at least three to four times a day.
• Continue this routine for as long as it takes until you have achieved the desired results.

6. Rose Water

Rose water is made by steeping rose petals in water. Rose water is beneficial for your skin. That is why it is among the ingredients used in making body perfumes. Rose water has no harmful effects to the skin and you can be applied it under your eyes without causing any kind of skin irritation. It has moisturizing properties that make your skin appear supple and young. Because of its harmless properties and wonderful scent, it is used to make body oils and even deodorants.

Aside from milk baths, famous people like Cleopatra used rose water for beauty purposes and to stand out due to its effects on their skin. When you apply rose water in your daily routine, it can reduce black shadows under your eyes. It also makes your skin look healthier.

In addition, rose water has toning properties that contribute to lessening the dark color formed by stress and lack of sleep. Its antioxidant properties strengthen your skin cells and regenerate your skin tissues. Rose water can also remove the dead skin cells that can cause swollen eyes. Using rose water may prevent and even remove your eye circles, and do away with the puffiness, too.

Rose water is a gentle remedy for dark circles as it has soothing ingredients with skin-enhancing properties. This quality alone makes it one of the best home remedies for treating dark circles because allergic reactions are rare.

To find the highest quality of rose water possible, be sure to look for these factors:

• No cloudiness: It must be transparent and clear in color. If it is a bright, neon color, it could have synthetic ingredients in it.
• No extra ingredients: The label should read rose water and nothing else.
• The word, “distilled,” on the label: This is a good sign it is a natural product free of synthetic ingredients.

To use rose water on your eyes, follow these steps:

• Dip two clean cotton balls in pure chilled rose water.
• Squeeze out the excess rose water and place one over each eye.
• Leave the cotton balls on the area for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse the rose water off with lukewarm water.
• Be sure to rinse it off after cleansing your face in order to achieve better results.
• Do this twice per day until the dark circles clear off.

7. Tomatoes

Many people grow their own garden tomatoes, but you can also find fresh tomatoes in the market in many different varieties; however, all tomatoes have common properties, like the presence of antioxidants which are beneficial in many ways to human health. Tomatoes contain nutrients like phytonutrients. They are made up of zeaxanthin, which protects your skin against sun rays.

Because your skin is thin under the eyes, you will want to avoid daily exposure to the harsh rays of the sun. Use sunscreen regularly and limit exposure during midday, which can also bring about eye swelling and eye puffiness.

Who knew you could use tomatoes for something else other than in recipes and salads? Removing eye puffiness is another added advantage of using tomato juice and tomato slices. According to research, tomatoes have bleaching properties that can lighten those dark circles. Tomatoes not only clear your dark circles, they also contribute to reducing skin wrinkles under the eyes to help you look younger.

Here’s how to prepare a quick and easy tomato treatment:

• Just mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with one and a half teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Proceed by gently applying the mixture on the dark circles and allow it to sit on the area for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off thoroughly with clean water and then gently wipe your face with a clean face towel.
• Remember to repeat this remedy at least twice per day for a few consecutive days.
• You will start seeing results in about two to three weeks with regular use of this procedure.

Alternatively, you can drink a glass of tomato juice mixed with mint leaves, lemon juice and salt. Drink this mixture immediately after you prepare it for maximum effects. Enjoy this fresh and healthy beverage once or twice per day for a period of one week.

8. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can serve many different home uses, but it is great for rejuvenating your skin. This is because lemons contain properties that heal the skin and produce a brighter, healthier look. Lemon juice contains flavonoids, which contain antioxidants that are useful for treating different ailments and conditions. It also plays a role in maintaining youthful, glowing and supple skin. This is because it is rich in vitamin C, which you can use for clearing dark circles due to lemon’s skin-lightening properties.

To make a lemon dark circle treatment, just follow these simple steps:

• Cut the lemon into small pieces.
• Squeeze the pieces to abstract the lemon juice and filter it into a clean container.
• Add a little amount of water and stir to make this mixture even.
• With a clean cotton ball, gently apply the lemon juice on the affected area.
• Leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
• Apply this remedy daily for a few weeks and until the circles have faded.

You can also make a thick paste by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a pinch of turmeric and gram flour or besan. Gram flour is produced using chickpeas. Apply the paste on the affected area around your eyes for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.

Another soothing eye treatment you can make is to mix lemon juice with organic honey. Stir it until you achieve a soft, thick paste. Apply this under your eyes to remove eye circles. It also leaves your skin looking healthier and fresher than ever.

Warning: Discontinue the use of lemon juice if it causes a burning sensation on your skin. Continued use after some irritation might cause more problems. If irritation persists even after discontinued use, it is advisable to seek the consultation of a physician. Rinse the lemon juice off completely before going outdoors in the sun. It can make your skin more prone to sunburns.

9. Coconut Oil

Coconuts grow in various tropical regions and are used to manufacture coconut oil and coconut milk. Most people think coconut oil is only used for cooking, but it can also benefit your skin, making you look younger. Coconut oil is conveniently available in any food store and it also happens to be affordable; hence it is an easy alternative for use. Coconut oil contains many minerals, like magnesium, copper and potassium.

When coconut oil is manufactured, it is light and therefore not heavy and greasy, like other oils. This makes it low in calories because it is mostly water.

Coconut oil contains powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from the damage of free radicals in the environment. Massaging coconut oil on your under-eye circles is another great remedy for lightening them. This is because coconut oil has moisturizing properties to give you smoother skin while preventing wrinkles and fine lines under your eyes.

Simply massage some extra virgin coconut oil under the affected eyes gently and leave it to penetrate your skin for a few hours. After that, gently wash your face with clear, clean water before wiping your face gently with a clean towel. Just remember to continue with this remedy for a few months until you see the desired results.

You can also consume coconut juice, as it contains cytokinins, which protect your body. Research has proven cytokinins can slow down the aging process, as well as the growth of cancer cells.

The minerals in coconut oil ensure adequate blood circulation; hence, it prevents inflammation. Better circulation keeps your blood capillaries under the eyes from swelling, reducing eye circles. Start by using a small amount, just in case you have allergies to coconut. In case of any irritation, it is advisable to seek the help of a medical practitioner.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric is a common cooking spice you can find in most home kitchens, due to its many uses. You can purchase turmeric in most food stores and grocery markets in either powdered or in fresh form. A type of ginger, turmeric has been used for many years and in many different ways. Turmeric contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory qualities that make it suitable for use in healing swollen and puffy eyes.

Turmeric contains curcumin compounds, which give it a yellow hue and helps in reducing eye puffiness and dark shadows. To many, it might sound funny that this spice can be a remedy for eye bags and circles, but it works.

Thanks to its potassium content, this spice can relieve puffy eyes and give you naturally glowing skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can minimize dark circles. Dark circles are formed when blood vessels swell and create blood pools. These blood pools bring about swelling of the blood capillaries, hindering blood circulation.

The thin skin under the eyes often makes swollen blood capillaries more obvious, creating a puffy eye effect, as well as dark shadows under the eyes. Using turmeric can help make the skin around your eyes appear softer and smoother.

Just follow these tips to make a turmeric-pineapple paste:

• Mix two teaspoons of turmeric powder with a tablespoon of fresh pineapple juice. You can use honey instead of pineapple juice.
• Mix gently until you achieve an even, smooth paste.
• Apply the paste under your eyes carefully, making sure not to get it in your eyes, which could cause stinging.
• Leave it to sit for about 10 minutes then wipe it with a soft damp cloth.
• Wash the paste off with clean, lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.
• Do this twice every day to achieve better results.
• Repeat this routine daily until the circles are gone.

Warning: Some people may experience allergic reactions when applying turmeric under the eyes, so be sure to proceed with caution when using it for the first time. Try doing a skin test on your wrist first. Apply a small amount, and then wait at least 12 hours to see if there is a reaction. Always keep turmeric out of your eyes to avoid irritation.

Preventive Tips

To prevent the occurrence of dark circles, here are some additional tips:

Get plenty of sleep and rest. Adequate sleep ensures proper blood circulation in your body. Your body heals itself as you sleep, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and alert. Inadequate sleep is what brings about eye puffiness leading to formation of black circles under the eyes.

Avoid rubbing your eyes too much or too hard. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, making the circles look darker. Rubbing your eyes can also add dirt, bacteria and pollen to your eyes, which can cause allergies and irritation, leading to red, swollen eyes.

Limit your exposure to the sun. The sun’s rays can dehydrate and burn your skin. The sun contains many harmful rays. Dehydration causes inflammation, which leads to dark shadows under your eyes. If you have to go outdoors, go out in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is weaker. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and apply sunscreen regularly.

Lead a healthier lifestyle. If you like to indulge yourself in a drink or two, try to limit alcohol consumption or even stop it entirely. Alcohol hinders your body’s metabolic rate, thereby leading to poor health. In addition, stop smoking and drinking caffeinated drinks. Smoking damages skin cells, while alcohol and caffeine can lead to dehydration, which weakens the delicate skin around the eyes.

Dark circles may not be painful or fatal, but they will leave you looking tired and older than your normal age. If you adhere to the remedies recommended, you can limit the occurrence of dark circles and puffy eye bags. Using natural remedies is the safest way to deal with them, and they could also bring you better overall health, too.