Using Natural Remedies
Try cucumber slices. Cucumbers have a number of healing properties, including a restorative and healing effect on skin. To use cucumbers on your eyes, refrigerate a large cucumber until it is very cold, and then cut it into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) slices. Lie down with your head back and place one slice of cucumber over each of your eyes. Let the cucumber sit there for 10-15 minutes, and then remove. Alternately, juice a cucumber. Put the juice on a cotton ball and press that onto your eyes.
Apply a cold compress. Coldness will help reduce the blood vessels under your eyes that may be contributing to puffiness and dark circles. Soak a washcloth in ice cold water or use the back of a frozen spoon. Lie down and hold the cold item to your closed eyes for about 15 minutes. Try this 3-4 times per day to reduce the dark circles.
Apply mint leaves. Crush some mint leaves into a paste. Add juice from half of a lemon to the paste. Apply this mixture to the area under your eyes. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. Repeat this application twice daily.
Use green tea bags. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can make up for antioxidant deficiencies in the body that contribute to dark circles. Pour hot water over two tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and place them in the freezer. Remove when the tea bags are very cold. Lie down and press the tea bags onto your eyes. Hold them there for about 15 minutes. Rinse your eyes with cold water and pat dry.
Use a neti pot. A neti pot is a device that resembles a small teapot. It is used to help flush salt water through your sinuses. Add warm distilled water to the neti pot and add kosher salt or sea salt (avoid iodized salt). Use ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt per 16 ounces of water. Tilt your head to the side and pour the water into one nostril. Let the water drain out the other nostril. Follow the usage instructions on the neti pot’s packaging.
Use other natural remedies. There are a number of remedies and recipes that use natural ingredients. Search online for natural remedies to treat dark circles. Some of these ingredients include: Chamomile Almond oil Arnica Rose water Avocado
Massage the area with gentle pressure. A light massage in an upward, circular motion can help push liquid build-up out of your tear ducts, which could be causing some of the discoloration.This could help reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness below your eyes.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Get enough sleep. There are a number of potential causes of dark under-eye circles, including a lack of sleep. Be sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to diminish the appearance of dark circles and to improve your overall health. Try sleeping in a different position. If you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity might be working to collect fluid under your eyes, which contributes to dark circles. Position yourself on your back for sleeping. If you naturally roll over in your sleep, try bolstering your body into position with pillows. Use an extra pillow or two to elevate your head so that fluid doesn’t collect under your eyes.
Monitor your allergies. Allergies to seasonal triggers (pollen, for example), as well as to dust, pet dander and other things can make your eyes look puffy and the area under your eyes can look darkened. Take allergy medication to control your allergy symptoms. Alternately, limit your exposure to the allergens that are bothering you. Dark circles under the eyes are a common symptom that indicates a food allergy or sensitivity. Common food allergens are wheat, soy, egg whites, peanuts, sugar and others. Try eliminating foods that you might be sensitive to.
Eat healthy, vitamin-rich foods. Dark circles can be caused in part by vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of calcium, iron, vitamins A, E and B12, and antioxidants. Consume more leafy green vegetables and eat foods rich in these vitamins. Reduce your intake of salt. Try eating foods that are anti-inflammatory, like turmeric. This could help with the inflammation under your eyes.
Stay away from alcohol. Alcohol causes the skin to become dry and thin, so cutting down on your alcohol consumption may improve the appearance of under eye circles and puffiness. Instead, make sure that you're drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.
Avoid smoking. Smoking weakens collagen, causing skin to prematurely wrinkle and thin, which can make dark circles look more dramatic. Refrain from smoking and avoid being in areas where there is smoke.
Wear sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen on your face can help prevent dark rings from appearing in the first place, and can prevent existing circles from getting any darker.[6] Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours that you’re outside. Wear sunglasses also when you’re out in the sun to prevent you from squinting and to protect your eyes.
Using Skin Creams
Apply retinol to your skin. Retinol increases collagen production, which will help strengthen the skin under your eyes, which can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Retinol creams are available at drug stores for around $10, although high-end creams can cost upwards of $50 to $60 or more. Use this cream on a daily basis, applying either in the morning or evening. Dab the cream under and above your eyes and smooth it in. Retinol is not a quick fix. Experts say that it may take up to 12 weeks of application to see a noticeable difference in your skin. You can also try an eye cream with caffeine mixed in.
Ask your dermatologist about prescription creams. Ask about a prescription cream with vitamin A and retinoic acid, which can temporarily increase blood flow to the area, and can thicken the skin underneath the eye to diminish the look of shadows.
Use a skin-lightening cream. Use a cream with skin-lightening properties like soy or citrus. With regular use, these types of lotions can cause dark circles to lighten, and can also treat sunspots. Stay away from lotions that contain the skin-lightening chemical hydroquinone, as it is too harsh for the sensitive skin around the eye. These creams will also take a while to show effects, often up to 6 weeks.
Trying Dermatological Procedures
Try laser therapy. Laser therapy targets fat deposits under the eyes, breaking them up and smoothing out the skin. The skin will also lose some of its discolorations. This therapy is normally applied by a dermatologist.
Try a light chemical peel. Chemical peels are administered by a dermatologist and involve applying chemical agents to the skin to treat skin conditions. A chemical peel exfoliates the top-most layer of skin and reveals the next, healthier layer of skin. Light chemical peels, such as glycolic or AHA peels, are recommended, since the skin under the eyes is very thin and sensitive.
Ask about Intense Pulse Treatment. This treatment uses high energy light waves to target the skin underneath the eyes. This will disrupt the fat deposits under the eyes, smoothing out the skin. While effective, this treatment is also very costly and time-consuming. You may need to schedule several sessions in order to achieve the look you want.
Ask about surgery. Surgery should be a last resort and certainly is not a quick fix. Performed by a plastic surgeon, this surgery involves removing fat deposits under the eyes. This will result in smoother skin and substantially reduced discoloration. Swelling and bruising can occur in this surgery, lasting for up to a week.
Using Makeup
Choose the right concealer. Find a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than the skin on your face. Most makeup brands carry concealers designed specifically to cover under-eye circles. Choose a concealer that is moist enough and that won’t settle into any fine lines around the eyes.
Get the right color. Most dark circles take on a bluish or purplish tinge, so counteract that color with a concealer with a yellow tone to it. Refer to the color wheel to determine which color will counteract the tone of your dark circles. Concealers with a peach or orange undertone are also good options. If your undereye circles are especially dark, pick a color that's even deeper in the orange family.
Apply the concealer under your eyes. Only apply where the circles are: normally a half-circle shape that extends downward from the inside of the eye downwards towards the cheek. Gently dab concealer in this area with the tip of your finger or a soft makeup brush. Blend it in with the tip of your finger or a damp sponge. Always apply concealer sparingly. The best way to apply the concealer over the dark area is to draw little upside down triangles starting at your temple and ending at the corner of your eyes. Blend the triangles into your skin for a more natural look.
Cover the concealer with translucent powder. Translucent powder is a finishing makeup that you can brush over your skin to set your concealer, foundation and other makeup. Using a wedge sponge, dab some translucent powder under your eyes and blend it in.
Use a dark-colored eye pencil. Dark eyeliner will detract from the dark circles by making your eyes look more sparkling and vivid. Line your upper and lower lids with dark brown eye pencil. Add a layer of dark blue eyeliner on outer third of the upper lid.
Use waterproof mascara. Using waterproof mascara will ensure that you don’t get smudges of mascara below your eyes, which could contribute to having darker circles. Use a dark mascara on your upper lashes, applying two coats.
Use a highlighter makeup pen. Highlighter pens add glow to your skin and can perk up your look. They can be applied to the under-eye area to minimize dark circles. To apply, brush the pen over your skin with light feathery strokes. Blend in the makeup with the tip of your finger.
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