To remove dark circles under the eyes, it is important to follow a combination of lifestyle changes, skincare routines, and possibly medical treatments for more persistent cases. Key effective steps include:
- Prioritize consistent, high-quality sleep (at least 7 hours) as lack of sleep can make blood vessels more visible, contributing to dark circles.
- Stay hydrated and reduce intake of salt, sugar, and alcohol to minimize puffiness and discoloration under the eyes.
- Use gentle cleansing and apply targeted eye creams with clinically-backed ingredients, such as ceramides, vitamin C, retinol, or hyaluronic acid.
- Use sunscreen daily to prevent hyperpigmentation from sun exposure.
- Home remedies like cold compresses, cucumber slices, tea bags, almond oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera can reduce puffiness and soothe the skin for temporary relief.
- Dermatological treatments for persistent dark circles include skin-lightening creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, fillers, and surgical options like blepharoplasty.
A sample routine for managing dark circles would be: gentle cleansing, applying a specific eye cream, following with serums and moisturizer, and finishing with sunscreen.
Natural remedies that are popular include:
- Applying chilled cucumber slices or cucumber juice.
- Using soaked tea bags or cold compresses to constrict blood vessels.
- Massaging with almond oil or vitamin E oil.
- Aloe vera gel mixed with almond oil for soothing effects.
- Lemon juice mixtures for natural bleaching, though caution is advised for sensitive skin.
Medical advice should be sought if dark circles persist despite these measures, as underlying causes may need specific treatment.