Natural Ways To Remove Dark Circles Under Eyes

Republished from Medical News Today

Although dark eye circles are not dangerous, many people seek ways to treat or hide them. However, it may not be possible to remove them altogether. Some people may think that dark circles under their eyes make them look tired and older, so they search for home remedies and treatments that can minimize their appearance.

How To Remove Dark Circles Under Eyes

Once a person understands why dark circles develop under their eyes, they can select an appropriate treatment. Some people change their lifestyle habits, while others turn to treatments and products that they find in beauty stores. While these are likely safe, most of these home treatments may be ineffective.

People may not be able to remove dark eye circles altogether, but several techniques and remedies can help minimize their appearance.

1. Getting adequate sleep

Some people notice dark eye circles when they experience periods of low-quality sleep. Lack of sleep may aggravate dark eye circles. Limited studies have shown that rest and good general health lessens the dark of eye circles.

2. Elevating the head during sleep

People who experience darkening of the skin under their eyes in the morning that fades slightly throughout the day may have increased blood vessels or vasculature around their eyes. The darker color can also be the result of swelling.

By elevating the head during sleep, blood will travel away from the head and face and may reduce swelling and lessen the dark color under the eyes.

3. Applying cold compresses

People with increased vasculature under their eyes may benefit from applying cold compresses. Cold compresses can constrict the blood vessels around the eyes, which can reduce their appearance at the skin’s surface. Compresses can also reduce swelling around the eyes and lessen the dark color.

4. Minimizing sun exposure

People can reduce dark eye circles by protecting their skin from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can worsen dark eye circles in some people. Protection with sunglasses, moisturizers with sunscreens, and hats can protect the skin from the sun and prevent worsening of dark eye circles.

5. Cucumber slices and tea bags

Sometimes. people apply cucumber slices to their eyes to reduce the appearance of dark eye circles. Although the mechanism of its effect is unknown, the cold temperature of the cucumber slices may improve swelling due to sleeping, eczema, or allergies.

Some people also use tea bags. Letting them cool off in the fridge and then placing them on the eyes might produce the same effect as cold compresses or cold cucumber slices. Some suggest using caffeinated tea bags because caffeine can also constrict blood vessels and reduce their appearance on the skin surface.

Caffeine can also speed up blood flow across blood vessels around the eyes and can give a youthful and fresh appearance to the skin.

It is important to note that researchers have not studied the effects of applying cucumber slices or cold tea bags to the eyes to prevent or treat dark eye circles.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C can increase collagen production. Increasing collagen production under the eyes can reduce blood stasis, which may cause discoloration. Blood stasis refers to blood that pools in blood vessels.

People may notice an improved appearance of dark circles under their eyes when using beauty products with high concentrations of vitamin C.

7. Retinoid creams

Retinoid creams, found in beauty stores, can also help promote collagen production and improve the appearance of dark eye circles. These vitamin A-derived creams also decrease the melanin content in the skin. Melanin is what gives skin its color.

Retinoids creams are not appropriate for everyone. People should talk to their doctor or another healthcare professional before using retinoid creams.

8. Vitamin K

In one study, researchers evaluated the efficacy of an anti-wrinkle and dark eye circle pad that contained 3% caffeine and 1% vitamin E. Participants wore the eye pads for 1 hour every night for 4 weeks. The researchers noticed a reduced appearance of dark eye circles at the end of the study.

Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of vitamin K and caffeine loaded pads for reducing dark eye circles.

 

At Pacific Eye & Ear Specialists, we employ thorough evaluation and treatment regimes. In addition to our  Los Angeles ENT physicians and Audiologists we also have a top aesthetic medical spa, Rejuva located on the same floor.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (310) 477-5558.