The Best All-Natural Remedies for Reducing Dark Circles
While there are endless creams and under-eye masks that boast the benefits of reducing dark circles, some of the best all-natural remedies for reducing dark circles are found right in your fridge or pantry. Most people suffer from dark circles under their eyes at some point in their lives, and it’s no secret that dark under-eye circles can make you look tired and older than your age. The good news is that while there’s no guarantee to get rid of dark circles completely, there are a number of all-natural remedies that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and make you look more awake and vibrant.
Causes of Dark Circles
While dark under-eye circles can be caused by a variety of factors, from lack of sleep to allergies, one of the most common causes is genetics. If dark circles run in your family, there’s a good chance you inherited the genetic traits that cause dark circles. Aside from genetics, another major cause of dark under-eyes is simply fatigue. This is because when we’re tired, the blood vessels in the area below our eyes dilate and become more visible.
Common causes of dark circles include:
- Genetics
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Allergies
- Sinus Infections
- Smoking
If you’re ready to give dark circles the boot, read on for all-natural remedies for reducing dark circles.
Best All-Natural Remedies for Dark Circles
Get Enough Sleep
First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. This is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, and it will help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol. This can cause blood vessels under your eyes to dilate, which makes them more visible through the delicate skin around your eyes. Lack of sleep also causes inflammation, which can worsen dark circles under your eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Dark circles are often caused by dehydration, so one of the best ways to reduce their appearance is to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin healthy and elastic, and it can also help flush out toxins that can contribute to dark circles.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that has a wide range of health benefits, including the ability to improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels. Improving sleep and helping your body feel more rested, in turn, will help reduce dark under-eye circles.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a nutrient that is essential for the body to produce collagen and it helps to brighten the skin. Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin elastic and firm, and it can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to the development of dark circles, so by increasing your Vitamin C intake you can help reduce their appearance.
Iron
One of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes is a lack of iron. Iron is an important nutrient that the body needs to function properly. It helps to produce hemoglobin, a protein that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. When we’re low on iron, not only can we feel tired and run down, but we can also start to see the effects in our appearance, including dark circles under the eyes. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to increase your iron intake. Some good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.
Probiotics
Probiotics can reduce dark under-eye circles by improving gut health. When our gut isn’t functioning properly, it can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the area around our eyes. Poor gut health can also reduce the absorption of B-Vitamins which are critical to overall skin health and vitality.
Cold Compresses
One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce the appearance of dark circles is to apply a cold compress to the area for a few minutes. This will help constrict the blood vessels and diminish the darkness. You can make your own cold compress by wrapping ice cubes in a clean cloth or using a cooling eye mask.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumbers are not only great for reducing puffiness around the eyes, but they can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Simply place a few cucumber slices on your eyes and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
Tea Bags
Tea bags contain caffeine and tannins, which can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Simply place two used tea bags in the fridge for a few minutes to cool them down, then apply them to your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Potato Slices
Potatoes are another vegetable that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Cut a raw potato into thin slices and apply them to your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Potatoes contain enzymes and antioxidants that help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a natural emollient that can help moisturize and brighten the skin under your eyes. Apply a small amount of almond oil to your fingertips before bedtime and let it work its magic overnight. In the morning, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Rose Water
Rose water is a natural astringent that can help tone the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Simply soak a cotton ball in rose water and apply it to your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
See a Doctor
If your dark circles are caused by a health condition such as allergies or sinus infections, see your doctor for treatment. They may be able to prescribe medication or recommend other treatments that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
These are just a few all-natural remedies for reducing dark circles. Try one or more of these methods to see which one works best for you. If all else fails, you can always use concealer to cover up the darkness under your eyes. Choose a shade that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone and apply it in a thin layer under your eyes. You can also try beauty products such as under-eye creams that utilize caffeine.
Note: Before trying any of these all-natural remedies for dark circles, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional.
