Reducing the dark circles under your eyes can often be achieved with a few simple home remedies. Puffy eyelids and dark circles often go together because swollen eyelids cast shadows under the eyes. In some cases, however, the circles come from allergies which dilute the under-eye blood vessels; or from thinning skin, which makes those vessels more apparent, especially in fair-skinned people. Look for home remedies which reduce swelling and shrink blood vessels. Seek medical attention, however, if your dark circles worsen or appear under just one eye.
Cold Compress
An ice-cold compress placed over your eyes helps constrict the blood vessels which may be causing your dark circles, notes MayoClinic.com. Good choices include a bag of frozen peas or two chilled teaspoons. Lay down with your head propped by pillows and place the compress or compresses over your eyes, making sure to cover the dark circle areas as well as puffy lids. Rest for at least 10 minutes and gently pat your eyes dry.
Cucumber Slices
The old cucumber slice treatment for dark circles remains a classic because cucumbers contain astringent properties which shrink blood vessels, notes the home remedy web site Grannymed.com. They also soothe swollen skin. Slice a cucumber thinly, lie on your back and place a slice over each eye. Keep the cucumber compresses on for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, grate the cucumber and put the pieces between glean gauze to form a compress, suggests Grannymed.com.
Pillow Prop
If dark circles and "bags" seem to greet you every morning, you may be retaining fluid under your eyes during the night. Prevent the fluid from pooling by propping your head with extra pillows while you sleep, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Nasal Spray
Some dark circles are actually “allergy shiners”—a condition resembling black eyes caused by nasal congestion. MayoClinic.com suggests using an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or making your own by mixing ¼ tsp table salt with two cups warm water. Put the liquid in a nasal spray bottle or neti pot. Alternatively, simply cup the salt water in one hand, close the lid of one nostril with the other, and inhale some of the salt water in the remaining nostril. Unplug your nose, let the water run out, and alternate nostrils. Do this once or twice per nostril.
Tea Bags
Chilled, used tea bags help constrict the blood vessels in two ways: through the astringency of the tea’s natural tannins, and through the cold temperature, which also has a shrinking effect. Use green tea or black tea. Brew the tea bags as you would normally and allow the bags to cool; for extra refreshment, place them in the refrigerator. Lie down and place a tea bag over each eye and leave in place for about 15 minutes.
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