Dark circles, also known as dark rings or shadows, are dark discoloration of the skin under the eyes. Dark circles are generally caused due to heredity, aging, skin, prolonged crying, working for long hours in front of a computer, mental or physical stress, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet. They make you look tired and older. An effective and safe way to reduce your under-eye circles is to use home remedies.
1. Almond Oil
Before going to bed, apply a little almond oil over the dark circles and gently massage it into the skin. Leave it on overnight. The next morning, wash it off with cold water.
2. Cucumber
Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Put the slices onto the affected skin area for about 10 minutes. Wash the area with water. Repeat twice daily for about a week or more.
Another option is to mix cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal amounts. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the affected skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water. Follow this remedy daily for at least one week.
3. Raw Potato
Grate one raw potato to extract the juice. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place it over your closed eyes. Make sure the juice covers the dark circles under your eyes as well as the eyelids. Allow the juice to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your eyelids well with cool water. Repeat once or twice daily for a few weeks.
Slices of potatoes
4. Rose Water
Soak cotton eye pads in pure rose water for a few minutes. Put the soaked pads on your closed eyelids. Leave them on for about 15 minutes. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few weeks.
5. Tomato
Mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with one-half teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently apply this mixture on the dark circles and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with water. Follow this remedy twice a day for a few weeks. Simply using tomato juice will also work.
You can also drink a glass of tomato juice with some mint leaves, lemon juice and salt.
6. Lemon Juice
Use a cotton ball to apply fresh lemon juice around your eyes. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse it off. Do this once daily for a few weeks.
Another option is to make a thick paste by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a pinch of gram flour (besan) and turmeric powder. Apply this thick paste gently around your eyes. Rinse it off with clean water after 10 to 15 minutes.
lemon
7. Coconut Oil
Simply massage some coconut oil on the under eye area. Leave it on for a few hours, and then wash it off.
8. Tea Bags
Chill two used green or black tea bags in the refrigerator for about half an hour. Place one tea bag over each eye and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and wash your face.
9. Cold Compress
Soak a washcloth in cold water or cold milk. Put it over your closed eyelids for several minutes.
Alternatively, you can wrap a few ice cubes in a soft napkin and place it under your eyes for a few minutes. You can also use a bag of frozen peas, a chilled teabag or a cold spoon.
10. Turmeric
Mix two teaspoons each of turmeric powder with pineapple juice to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to the affected area. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before wiping it away with a soft, damp cloth. Do this daily until you get positive results.