7 Hacks That Reduce Under Eye Dark Circles

No myths, just hacks that work.

Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash

Dark under eye circles are a common concern for most people, and they can be caused by various factors such as genetics, aging, lack of sleep, allergies, and lifestyle habits. Ultimately it would be great if we could reduce the darkness without using chemicals, so while numerous creams and treatments are available, natural remedies can be just as effective, without the added chemicals. I’ll be sharing seven evidence-based hacks to reduce dark under eye circles naturally at home and some of them may surprise you. We’ve all heard of some of these, but I did a bit of research to see if it does work, and having tried some of these myself, I can say for sure that it’s brightened my under eyes.

1. Cucumber Slices You've probably heard of this trick already and if you were anything like me, you’ve also probably thought there’s no way this works. Well after doing some research I’ve learned that Cucumbers contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin if you place chilled cucumber slices over your closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes daily. Studies have shown that cucumbers possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate dark circles under the eyes.

2. Tea Bags Another one that I didn’t think made a difference… Both green tea and black tea contain caffeine and antioxidants that can constrict blood vessels and reduce fluid retention, which can help diminish the appearance of dark circles. After brewing tea, allow the tea bags to cool, then place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Research indicates that the tannins in tea can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

3. Cold Compress Applying a cold compress to the under eye area can help constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, and diminish the appearance of dark circles. You can use a chilled gel eye mask, a cold spoon, or even a washcloth soaked in cold water. Apply the compress for 10-15 minutes daily for best results.

4. Potato Slices Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents and enzymes that can help lighten dark circles under the eyes. Slice a chilled potato and place the slices over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Studies have shown that potato extract can effectively lighten skin pigmentation and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

5. Almond Oil Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which can nourish and hydrate the delicate skin under the eyes. Gently massage a few drops of almond oil into the skin around your eyes before bedtime and leave it on overnight. Regular use of almond oil can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and improve skin texture.

6. Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent remedy for dark under eye circles. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the under eye area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Research suggests that aloe vera gel can improve skin hydration and reduce pigmentation, leading to a reduction in dark circles.

7. Healthy Lifestyle Habits Lastly, changing your lifestyle for the better can help your under eye circles and it’s also probably the hardest one to do. Make sure you're getting a good amount of sleep each night, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and practicing stress-relieving activities such as yoga or meditation. These habits (especially if combined) can improve overall skin health and reduce the prominence of dark circles. You could get 8 hours of sleep a night however if it’s not the right type of sleep, it may not make a difference.

With consistent use of each of the above and a healthy lifestyle, you can easily achieve brighter under eyes without the need for chemicals or expensive treatments.

If you try any of these out, let me know in the comments how it worked for you!