The first glimpse of yourself in the mirror every morning can be a harrowing experience if you are presented with dark circles under eyes. These nasty dermatological problems have been plaguing human kind for ages and there is no accounting for the billions of dollar spent on cosmetics and concealers used to remove dark circles under eyes. Dark patches below eyes though ugly are quite commonplace and there are many different methods to combat them once you get to the root of the problem.
It’s difficult to say who among your friends and family has under eye darkness and who doesn’t owing to the effectiveness of modern makeup however a good cover job is the least anyone can do. To truly rid oneself of dark marks under eyes so much more can be done. Periorbital dark circles or what are commonly referred to as just dark circles are limited to the skin around the eyes. This area of the skin is the thinnest and hence more susceptible to dark pigmentation. It is a common fact that women who often have thinner facial skin than men are more prone to dark circles. It is also common for men and women of African and Asian descent to be more susceptible to dark circles and in most cases this is due to the genetic propensity for hyperpigmentation in these skin types. Middle aged adults and older individuals are also most likely to have dark patches under eyes however the problem is common in younger people with unhealthy lifestyle habits like alcoholism, drug addiction, and sleep deprivation and overworking.
Dark shadows around eyes are primarily a hereditary problem however there are many other causes which we can explore in detail as we go forward. Generally dark circles under eyes are not indicative of any serious underlying health problems however they are mostly caused by stress, lack of sleep, iron, elastin and collagen deficiencies, dry skin and aging. If your priority is to effectively remove dark circles for good, you need to proactively seek out solutions for the issues mentioned above and this guide can be of great help so its best you read further to know more.
Major Reasons for Dark Circles and How to Remove It?
As mentioned above, stress, lack of sleep, iron, elastin and collagen deficiencies, dry skin and aging are some of the common reasons for dark black circles around eyes and if you are looking for advice on how to remove dark circles, you need to consider getting to the cause of your problem and proactively dealing with it. Unless you know without a doubt that the reason for your dark circles is the genes that have passed down by your parents and their ancestors to you, there is a cause and effect logic behind black circles under eyes that you can get to the root of and subsequently combat the problem with a measure of success.
Listed below are the major reason behind dark circles and we are hoping that you can identify your problem and act accordingly.
- Lack of Sleep Or Oversleeping.
- Stress.
- Tiredness and Extreme Fatigue .
- Allergies.
- Dermatological Issues Like Eczema.
- Harmful Agents in Makeup Products.
- Harmful Exposure to the Sun.
- Aging.
Lighten Dark Circles Caused By Stress & Sleep Deprivation:
If your one overwhelming beauty concern is removing dark circles under eyes, then it is advisable to take a close look at your sleeping pattern as a primary measure to combat the problem. Dermatologists and beauticians will be naturally curious about the amount of sleep you enjoy regularly, anytime you present them with the problem of under eye darkening. A human should get 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis and anything less than that could result in the first sign of fatigue which is dark circles around the eyes. Getting sufficient sleep is probably the most effective solution for you if you are searching for answers on how to remove dark under eye circles permanently and prevent them from coming back. Sleep deprived individuals have enjoyed quick relief from under eye black marks as soon as they have regularized and normalized their sleeping patterns.
Listed below are a few handy tips for those that do not get sleep easily and often lie awake in bed for long hours which ultimately leads to dark circles under eyes. Also listed are few handy tips to deal with stress, allergies, dermatological problems and other factors that may cause dark eye circles.
- Avoid stimulating beverages like coffee or tea right before bedtime.
- Yoga and meditation is an effective way to calm frayed nerves; if a stressful professional life is coming in the way of you and your beauty sleep. Yoga and meditation encourage you to empty your mind of the stress and problems at the office that you often spend hours thinking about while lying awake in bed.
- Soothing music and aromatherapy can often induce sleep in many individuals, proper low lighting in your bedroom can also have the same effect.
- Intoxicants and alcohol only cause you to pass out which doesn’t qualify as true restful repose. Avoid substance abuse as much as possible to feel truly rested and combat dark circles.
- Keep away your mobile phone away right before you get into bed. This is a contemporary cause for sleep deprivation as many individuals misuse the hours designated for sleep to read emails or engage in social networking online. Avoid this habit as much as possible by switching off your phone or putting it on silent mode right before you get into bed.
- If the area around your eyes is itchy or inflamed, the root cause of your dark circles could be a dermatological problem like eczema. This is no reason to panic as a qualified dermatologist will help you find a quick and effective solution.
- Sun burn is one of the most potent agents to cause dark circles and this is only because of a avoidable failure to use an effective sunscreen lotion. A sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or above is best for hot and sunny days. A pair of shades for your eyes while you are out in the sun is another great way to protect against sun burn.
- Allergies that are nasal in nature can cause the area around the eyes to darken. Visit an ENT physician as soon as possible to get to the root of the problem and combat it with appropriate medication.
- Oversleeping may also cause shadows under eyes and there are a number of reasons individuals oversleep. Poor sleep patterns, drug and alcohol abuse, depression and illness can result in oversleeping. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
- Extreme fatigue often shows up in the form of dark circles under eyes. The good news is that this can be easily reversed with proper rest. If your fatigue stems from overworking, consider the benefits of taking a break. If insomnia is not allowing you to get enough rest, see a doctor to get relief. Another way to deal with extreme fatigue is to take break from your professional life. Take a vacation and allow yourself the luxury to relax and unwind.
- Mental stress, depression and anxiety can take a toll on your skin and often show up as dark rings. Seek professional psychiatric help as the issue can escalate to so much more than bad skin. Counseling and psychotherapy can go a long way in relieving anxiety, depression and mental stress and psychiatrist or psychologist is the best person to help you with these issues.
Easily Remove Dark Eye Circles Caused By Aging:
Aging can often cause dark circles around the eyes along with crow’s feet and baggy puffy skin. Aging brings about certain fundamental changes to the texture and volume of facial skin. This is primarily due to the loss of collagen, elastin and bone and fat density. Under such circumstances, facial skin is bound to get looser and thinner and nowhere is this more apparent than under the eyes. When your primary concern is preventing or removing dark circles under eyes caused by aging your efforts should be directed at slowing down the aging process. Let’s tackle the subject of slowing down the signs of aging and preventing black rings under eyes first, before we move on to helping people who have aged a bit and dark circles are already quite prominent.
Listed below are some foods that you can add to your diet to fight signs of aging like dark circles brought on by decreased collagen and elastin production. Many of these foods are also a rich source for Iron and other vitamins that effectively fight the signs of aging. For older individuals, eating these essential foods can help reverse the signs of aging and prevent further loss of collagen and elastin. The dietary suggestions listed below are a mix and match of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items. Take your pick according to your preferences. The multiple suggestions also allow you to pick and choose foods that you like and are locally available.
Most of these foods are indicative of the easy and cost-effective changes that you can make to your diet and prevent or rid yourself of dark circles over time. These little diet changes are the most preferable and natural way to combat black skin under eyes compared to experimenting with all the makeup products and cosmetics that promise to help. Most of these aggressively marketed cosmetic products have strong chemicals that may or may not agree with your skin and there is never a guarantee that these products will work. A healthy diet on the other hand is bound to show results and contribute to your overall well being including brighter, lighter and more beautiful looking skin.
- Fish:
Fatty membranes around the skin cells on your face are what supports them; preserving your overall youthful appearance and preventing dark circles under eyes. Fish like salmon and tuna which are rich in Omega 3 oils and fatty acids effectively create stronger cells and have a huge contribution towards healthier facial skin.
- Tomatoes, Peppers and Beet:
Red vegetables, namely tomatoes peppers and beets are rich in lycopene which is an essential antioxidant. Lycopene is a natural sun-screening agent that also promotes the production of collagen to combat signs of aging including dark circles.
- Vegetarian Sources for Vitamin C:
Dark green vegetables are the ultimate vegetarian source for vitamin C that boosts the production of collagen and elastin. Spinach and kale are excellent examples of vegetables rich in vitamin C that should definitely find a place in your diet plan.
- Vegetarian Sources for Vitamin A:
Old age could very well demand the increased intake of vitamin A for its collagen restoration properties. Orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes are great vegetarian sources for vitamin A.
- Mollusks for Iron Deficiency:
Aging brings about decreased energy levels and tiredness and external signs like dark circles around the eyes. A greater consumption of Iron rich food is one way to deal with these issues. Mollusks like clams, mussels, oysters and scallops are said to be rich in Iron to make up for a deficiency that can often form dark circles around the eyes.
- Beef and Chicken Livers for Iron Deficiency:
Beef and chicken livers are also known to be a great source of Iron. 3 ounces of beef or chicken livers is a source of 3.5 milligrams of Iron so it’s easy to see how eating these foods can help overcome Iron deficiencies that cause dark circles in many cases.
- Berries to Combat Free Radicals:
Be sure to add berries of varying kinds to your daily diet plan to combat free radicals that bring on the signs of aging like dark circles, wrinkles and crow’s feet. Blueberries and raspberries are delicious example that can be easily added to your breakfast cereal.
- Soya to Block Signs of Aging:
Soya is rich in genistein which is a plant hormone that doubles up as an antioxidant. Antioxidants go a long way in the prevention of aging and also reverse signs of aging like dark circles. Genistein also promotes the production of collagen which is always a great thing when you are looking for ways on how remove dark circles naturally or how to prevent them.
- Garlic for Building Damaged Collagen Fibers:
Damaged collagen fibers contribute greatly to unhealthy skin cells that often result in dark circles. A healthy dose of garlic in your daily diet plan will supplement you with lipoic acid and taurine which go a long way in rebuilding damaged collagen fibers.
- Lysine and Proline for Collagen Production:
Egg whites are a rich source of proline and lysine that boost collagen production. For vegetarians and vegans, nuts with an emphasis on peanuts are a good source of lysine.
- Citrus Fruits for the Conversion of Amino Acids to Collagen:
You probably know that citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C additionally citrus fruits assist in converting amino acids like lysine and proline to collagen. Aging is followed by decrease in collagen this leads to unhealthy looking skin and dark circles so it’s easy to see how citrus fruits prevent dark circles and even help to remove them.
- White Tea for Protein Structural Support:
White tea goes a long way in providing support and protection for the protein structure of the skin. The breakdown of this structure results in wrinkles, crow’s feet and dark circles and white tea is a great prevention and protection measure.
- Oats for Iron Supplementation:
If dark circles are the result of an Iron deficiency in your diet, add plenty of oats to your everyday diet plan to adequately supplement Iron that is necessary for bright and radiant skin. One cup of oats when cooked is known to have 13.4 mg of Iron content which is 19% of the recommended dietary intake.
- Quinoa for Iron, Vitamins, Proteins and Carbs:
Quinoa is widely favored cereal meal known for being a rich source of carbs, protein, vitamins and Iron. All of these have some contribution to healthy skin. 1 cup of cooked quinoa is known to have 2.8 mg of Iron which is 16% of the recommended dietary intake.
- Legumes as an Iron Supplement:
Legumes of almost all kinds are known to be rich source of Iron. Add legumes like tofu, lentils, beans and peas to your diet to get your dose of Iron that is sure to keep your skin looking healthy and remove dark circles under eyes.
- Nuts and Seeds for Adequate Iron Intake:
Nuts and seeds are great additions to your diet plan when you looking to increase your Iron intake in an effort to remove dark circles or prevent them in the first place. Sesame, flaxseed, cashews, pine nuts, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds are all rich sources of Iron.
- Skin of Potatoes for Increased Iron Intake:
Eating potatoes with their skins on might be a great idea if you are looking to increase your iron intake without making major changes to your diet. It may come as a surprise but such a small diet change can be the answer for how to remove dark circles at home as sufficient Iron intake can make a big difference.
- Mushrooms to Fight Dark Circles:
It may come as a surprise but mushrooms are a rich source of Iron which promotes healthier skin and effectively fights back the signs of aging including dark circles.
- Olives are Rich in Iron:
Olives have been one of the most favored fruits for a while now because of their potential health benefits and among the advantages of adding olives to your diet is the fact that these Mediterranean fruits are a great source for Iron.
- Mulberries to Fight Aging:
A cupful of mulberries is the source for 2.6 mg of Iron which is exactly 18% of the recommended dietary intake hence mulberries are power tool when fighting the signs of aging including dark circles.
Treat Dark Circles Caused By Hyperpigmentation:
Often time’s dark circles are easily reversible with a change in diet, increased vitamin intake and regular 8 hours of sleep but for many individuals even these lifestyle and dietary changes don’t help. This is most probably due to hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is characterized by the excess production of melanin that causes certain areas of the facial and body skin to get darker. This condition is most prominent under and around the eyes where the skin is thinner and more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is most often an issue that people of African and Asian descent face. Statistically men and women of Indian origin are most susceptible to hyperpigmentation among all racial and ethnic groups.
Topical Lotions and Creams for Dark Circle Under Eyes Bought on By Hyperpigmentation-
If you are looking for answers for how to remove dark circles under eyes at home which according to you are the results of hyperpigmentation, it is best to seek out the advice of a qualified dermatologist. There are quite a few lotions and creams in the market that can help you in this regard but more often than not expert advice is needed before deciding on which product to use. May of these widely available and aggressively marketed skin products have strong bleaching agents for skin lightening.
Many skin types do not take lightly to these bleaching agents. This is exactly why a dermatologist recommended product is your best bet. Most dermatologists will prescribe a hydroquinone based lotion or cream for hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is a skin lightening component found in wide range of creams and lotions. Hydroquinone is an effective way to combat hyperpigmentation and dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation. These creams and lotions are widely available in the market and it shouldn’t be much of a problem finding a hydroquinone product from a reputed cosmetic brand.
These are the 4 Simple Tips to Remove Dark Circles Caused By Hyperpigmentation-
- Sun burn is a major cause for Hyperpigmentation; second only to hereditary reasons. Staying out of the sun or using an effective sun blocking cream or lotion is a great solution and prevention method.
- Ineffective acne treatment can lead to scarring which is the result of Hyperpigmentation. Acne treatment for extreme case is a must as dark patchy skin is undesirable.
- Light and laser treatments are known to exponentially remove dark circles caused by Hyperpigmentation.
- It is important to remember that there are no answers on how to remove dark circles permanently especially if the cause is Hyperpigmentation, however you can stay out of the sun as an effective prevention method and can resort to using sunscreen every time you step outdoors as an effective prevention method.
15 Effective Methods to Treat and Cure Dark Skin Under Eyes:
There are quite a few tips that promise to be effective against dark circles and this article will provide you with as many as there possibly are. It is understandable that one may not be able to make use of all these remedies however the intention is to provide the reader with multiple options to choose from. Having access to so many home remedies will also allow the reader to try out one or two before finding the remedy that the strongest dark circles removing effect. One can also pick and choose remedies based on what ingredients are easily available in his or her local area.
Read further to know more. It is important to note that many of these solutions are grandma’s that have been passed down through the ages and validated by skin care specialists. As, with all grandma’s natural remedies for dark circles under eyes, the treatments have to be repeated on a regular basis to show positive effects. Unlike skin lightening products with strong chemical compositions, these natural remedies work over a period of time to remove dark circles naturally. Dedication and patience will definitely pay off when you take advantage of these remedies on a daily basis.
Remove Dark Circles Under Eyes Using Sweet Almond Oil:
A daily application and massage of a few drops of sweet almond oil on the area around the eyes has proven to be a great remedy for dark circles under eyes. It is best to do this as a nightly routine and allow your skin to soak in the almond oil overnight. This massage works as almond oil is a great emollient agent and a rich source of vitamin E. Make sure to use sweet almond oil only as the bitter variation is not meant for topical applications.
Aloe Vera Gel Massage for Dark Rings:
Aloe Vera gel which is an easily available ingredient can be effectively put o use for the treatment of dark circles. Simply apply the gel on the area around your eyes and let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. The anti-pigmentation properties of Aloe Vera are bound to take effect once you do this on a regular basis.
Eliminate Dark Circles Using Argan Oil:
Regular nightly Argan Oil application on the area around the eyes is bound to have a positive effect on dark circles. The oil should be allowed to soak into the skin overnight and the vitamin E and antioxidant properties of Argan Oil can be nothing short of miraculous.
Remove Dark Circles Using ACV:
Regular application of Apple Cider Vinegar with the help of a Q-Tip to the area around the eyes will result in great skin lightening and Eliminate of dark circles over time. The vitamin, minerals and enzyme content of Apple Cider Vinegar definitely has a positive effect on dark circles.
Treat Dark Circles Using Coconut Oil:
You are probably already aware of the many healing properties of coconut oil so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that the easily available coconut oil is a powerful tool for the removal of dark circles. Simply massage the coconut oil on the area around the eyes and let it absorb into your skin overnight. Dry skin can also be a cause for dark circles and the moisturizing properties of coconut oil are very effective in this regards.
Castor Oil Massage for Dark Circles:
Organic castor oil can be applied around the eyes and left to soak into the skin overnight. Castor Oil will effectively nourish condition and soften the skin around the eye area and will have a skin lightening effect overtime.
Cucumber for Under Eye Blackness:
Thick cucumber slices when left on the eyes has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin around the eyes. This is an age-old and popular grandma’s remedy for skin lightening and removal of dark circles. Bearing in mind the popularity of this remedy, it is easy to assume that it is truly effective. Cool refrigerated cucumbers work best for this treatment and the minimal application time is generally ten minutes for the cucumber slices to have an effect on the area around the eyes. Do this one or twice a week and enjoy the positive effects.
Tomato Juice for Black under Eyes:
The lycopene content in tomatoes have a skin damage protection property and to make full use of this, tomato juice application on the area surrounding the eyes is advisable. A mixture of tomato juice and lemon juice is known to have beneficial effect on dark circles and application of the potent potion to the area surrounding eyes, twice a day for three weeks is bound to show positive effects.
Green Tea Bag Application for Dark Circles Under Eyes:
Simply dip fresh green tea bags in warm water, refrigerate them for a while and allow them to rest on your eyelids for about 15 minutes before you wash your face. This simple cooling therapy when carried out every day will show improvement. This therapy will work as the tannin content in green tea has a soothing effect on dilated blood vessels under the eyes.
Grape seed Oil Massage for Dark Circles:
A daily massage of a few drops of grape seed oil on the skin around the eyes can greatly reduce dark circles under eyes. Make this a nightly routine and allow the grape seed to soak into the skin overnight. The flavanoids in grape seed have effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can go a long way in reducing dark under your eyes.
Rose Water Application:
Dabbing refrigerated rose water on the area around the eyes has a cooling effect that could very well reduce dark circles under eyes. One can also place cotton balls soaked in cool rose water for greater effect. Do this as regularly as possible and the outcome will surely be positive. The antioxidant properties of rose water go a long way in healing damaged skin cells that often cause dark circles.
Honey Application for Dark Circles:
Honey is a constant feature in beauty treatments and this is because of its powerful antioxidant properties. Apply a layer of honey on the under eye area, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash off. Do this as often as possible and watch the antioxidants in honey erase dark area around eyes overtime.
Baking Soda Application for Dark Under Eyes:
Apply a solution of baking soda and water with the help of cotton balls to the under eye area. Allow the cotton balls to rest for a while to let the baking soda solution take effect. Do this once a day and allow the anti-inflammatory and skin lightening properties of baking soda to have a positive effect on your dark circles under eyes.
Jojoba Oil Massage for Dark Circles:
Jojoba oil with its rejuvenating and nourishing properties can have a positive effect on dark circles. To test out this theory, massage two to three drops of jojoba oil around the eyes and leave it to soak in overnight. Make this a nightly routine and enjoy the benefits.
Lemon Juice Application for Dark Circles:
Lemon juice application around the eye area has a skin lightening effect that can help to erase dark circles. Lemon juice is a natural and potent skin bleaching agent so daily application of lemon juice around the eyes is sure to help. Lemon juice might also dry out your skin so remember to moisturize right after.
Invasive and Non-Invasive Medical Treatments for Dark Circles:
The cosmetic surgery industry has grown in leaps and bounds and as a result boasts of a number of invasive and non-invasive treatments for dark circles under eyes. This includes Laser therapy for dark circles, chemical peeling and intense pulsed light therapy. All three of these cosmetic treatments often need more than one visit to the cosmetologist’s office and can be quite expensive. However if you can afford them, they little to no side effects, cause little or no pain or discomfort and do not take up a lot of your time. These surgeries allow you to start afresh with better looking and more youthful skin but one must take precautions as there is no guarantee that dark circles will not come back again.
Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation:
Laser treatments have proved to be a path breaking methodology to solve a wide range of cosmetic problems including dark spots, freckles and dark circles bought on by hyperpigmentation. This treatment effectively lightens the skin, erases scars and marks and even dark circles under eyes. Laser therapy to treat the problem of hyperpigmentation may usually require more than a few sessions at the dermatologist’s office but it is without a doubt an effective option.
Intense Pulsed Light Treatments:
Intense Pulsed Light treatments are another popular non-invasive surgical method to treat dark circles. Intense Pulsed Light treatments employ the use of a high powered and handheld device to beam broad spectrum light that is controlled by a computer. This strong light is used to target excess melanin and oxyhemoglobin and heats them till they are destroyed and absorbed by the body. Unlike Laser treatments, Intense Pulsed Light is also use for other cosmetic treatments like hair removal. Intense Pulsed Light treatments can be quite expensive and may be a monetary strain for some individuals. One must also consider the fact that it often takes more than one session of Intense Pulsed Light treatments to proactively deal with hyperpigmentation that causes dark circles.
Chemical Peeling Solutions for Hyperpigmentation:
Many cosmetologists espouse the benefits of chemical peels for skin lightening and to combat hyperpigmentation. The advantage of chemical peeling treatments is that many of them can be carried out at home itself. A dermatologist will be able to tell you which one of these solutions will work best for you. Chemical peeling solutions contain many different chemicals so it is wise to research the ingredients to know if they are safe for your skin or not. It is commonplace for many individuals to have hypersensitive reactions to these chemicals so chemical peeling solutions may not be for everyone. Chemical peeling treatments with the help of a cosmetologist is your best option for effectively getting rid of dark circles under eyes. These chemical peeling treatments may often be repeated more than once to get the desired effect.
Makeup and Cosmetics:
Though makeup and cosmetics do not promise to remove dark circles they are suitable for covering them up even as you make all efforts to permanently remove them. Even whilst you are combating dark circles, makeup may be your only option to cover them up as you step out of the house everyday for work or other chores. It is no secret that these makeup products are highly effective when you wish to simply cover up darkness under eyes. Concealer and other variations of eye makeup can cover dark circles when applied aesthetically. The affectivity of these makeup products are often linked to their brand name and price.
It is easy to see how dark circles can be caused by many different factors and can be dealt with by just as many or even more remedies and treatments. Many individuals prefer the traditional and natural homemade beauty tips for dark circles under eyes like diet changes and homemade remedies. A lot of individuals are even putting their faith in cosmetic treatments to get relief from the treatment. It is also apparent that dark circles are not something that is flaunted and most people like to cover them up with makeup for as long as they don’t find a better solution.