13 Easy Remedies For Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

Like it or not, the way your skin looks can have a dramatic impact on your overall appearance. And there’s no better example of this effect than the dark circles that can form under your eyes. Even if you feel perfectly fine, those pesky dark circles can make you look tired, worn out, or even sick!

Luckily there are a lot of simple ways to get rid of those dark under-eye circles, and if you’re lucky, it may even be possible to prevent them entirely! To help in the fight against dark, puffy bags, I’ve put together a list of some of the best and easiest remedies for keeping your under-eye area looking healthy, and I’ll be sharing it with you today.

I decided against singling out just one remedy, because everyone’s skin is different. Having more options gives you a better chance of finding one that works for your particular skin type. So give these remedies a try, and say hello to brighter, healthier-looking eyes!

13 Easy Remedies For Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

1. Cucumbers

Using cucumber slices on your eyes is a classic treatment for a reason! Cucumbers have natural astringent properties that can shrink blood vessels and help reduce puffiness and inflammation.

Just place a thin slice of cucumber over each of your closed eyelids, and leave them there for at least 15 minutes to brighten up the skin around your eyes. Another option is to grate a cucumber and press the grated pieces between clean gauze, then use it as a compress over your eyes.

2. Potatoes

Starchy potatoes also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help get rid of under-eye bags. Start by peeling and grating a raw potato, then pound it with a mortar and pestle (or the bottom of a drinking glass) until it forms a poultice. Apply it to your eyes and leave on for 15 minutes.

3. Extra Pillows

If you’re waking up with dark circles or bags under your eyes every morning, you may be retaining fluid under your eyes during the night. An easy way to prevent fluid from pooling there is to prop your head up with an extra pillow or two during sleep.

4. Nasal Spray

Sometimes dark circles are actually “allergy shiners,” a condition caused by nasal congestion that resembles a black eye. Use an over-the-counter saline spray to help clear out congestion. You can also use a neti pot filled with a solution of 2 cups of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Both options can help clear congestion and reduce the “shiner” effect.

5. Tea Bags

Tea contains tannins that can be very effective for reducing swelling and dark circles, and the moisture from tea bags helps rehydrate and brighten the skin around your eyes. Brew two bags of green or black tea, then allow the tea bags to cool in your fridge. Once cooled, place one over each eye and leave them there for about 15 minutes.

6. Cold Compress

Any sort of cold compress can help constrict the blood vessels around your eyes and reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness. Two easy options for cold compresses are a bag of frozen veggies or chilled teaspoons. Lie down with your head propped up by pillows, and place the compress(es) over your eyes. Rest there for at least 10 minutes, then gently pat your eyes dry.

7. Milk

Milk has a lightening effect on skin that can be very helpful when dealing with dark circles under your eyes. Apply milk with a cotton ball to the skin around your eyes. Leave it to dry for about 30 minutes, then gently rinse the milk off with warm water.

8. Egg & Lemon

Egg has a tightening effect on skin, and lemon juice has lightening and brightening effects. When combined, they make a great revitalizing eye treatment! Mix one egg white with 3-5 drops of lemon juice. Soak two cotton balls in the egg and lemon mixture, then squeeze out any excess liquid. Place the damp cotton balls over your eyes and rest for about 10 minutes. Wash the residue off with warm water, then rinse clean with cold water.

9. Avocado Cream

Dark circles can make the fine lines underneath your eyes more pronounced, but avocado can nourish that skin and give it a fuller and more lively appearance. Combine 5 drops of almond oil with 3 slices of avocado to form a mash, then dab it on the skin underneath your eyes. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

10. Almond Paste

Almonds are rich in vitamin E that can help your skin retain moisture and elasticity. You can take advantage of these effects by making a homemade almond paste treatment.

Start by soaking a handful of almonds in water overnight, then in the morning, grind the soaked almonds into a paste. Add a few drops of milk to the mixture and apply it to the skin under your eyes for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

11. Cottage Cheese

Put a small amount of cottage cheese on two cotton pads. Place them over your closed eyelids for 15 minutes before bedtime. Come morning, your eyes will look hydrated and well-rested.

12. Beauty Sleep

The most important thing you can do to reduce dark circles is to get enough sleep! Lack of sleep causes skin to look pale and washed out, causing your blood vessels to appear even more pronounced. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of “beauty sleep” every night.

13. Eat Healthy

Just like your diet affects your health and weight, it affects your skin too! The better your diet, the better your skin will look. To reduce dark circles and under-eye bags, make sure you’re eating plenty of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as iron and folic acid. You can find these nutrients in all kinds of foods, including citrus, berries, leafy greens, nuts, avocado, and green tea.