27 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles and Bags Under Eyes
Reduce any dark circles and under eye bags you’ve accumulated from years of having fun.
Us human beings are imperfect creatures. We know we’d like to get in better shape, but that chocolate cookie looks mighty tasty. We know we have to wake up early, but there’s only one episode left on the Netflix show we’re binging on. We know we should apply sunblock religiously, but we forget to bring the bottle with us to the beach.
That’s life. But that doesn’t mean we can’t form some habits and best practices for mitigating the inevitable effects of a life well-lived. For every late night chatting over drinks, for every day out in the sun and for every bed time we didn’t have the energy to apply eye cream, there are as many tips and tricks we can use to fight signs of aging.
Nobody’s perfect. That’s why we’re here to list 27 different routines that will help reduce any dark circles and under-eye bags you’ve accumulated from years of having fun.
Why Do We Get Eye Circles?
To be honest, even if you’ve spent your life diligently treating your skin as carefully as you possibly can, we’re all going to show signs of aging sooner or later – and that includes under-eye bags and dark circles.
Over time, skin naturally loses collagen and grows thinner, so regardless of what kind of skin you have or what good habits you maintain, veins will inevitably start to show through the thin skin around your eyes. As we already know, exposure to the sun speeds up the process of collagen breaking down, so your best weapon against under-eye circles are disciplined and consistent sunblock application habits from a young age. (Wearing sunglasses while out in the sun helps, too – less squinting = fewer crows feet!)
The best habits, however, can’t change your genes! Genetics are the biggest determinant of what kind of skin we will have and what we’ll look like as we age. Those of us that have inherited fair or thin skin tend to show under circles more easily than others due to the fact that when our blood pools in the capillaries under our eyes, it’s simply more obvious through lighter skin.
Unfortunately, as more and more blood accumulates there, your delicate capillaries begin to stretch and strain under the weight, leading to more leaking and blood pooling – and ultimately even darker under eye circles.
Yet for others, dark under eye circles and under eye bags aren’t caused by either aging, sun bathing or genetics. Sometimes it’s a simple matter of allergies. Year-round allergies like those to dust or mold, or seasonal allergies many of us experience in the spring trigger the release of histamines, which cause an inflammatory response. That means our blood vessels become inflamed and swell – including those under our eyes.
Okay, so That Explains Why I Have Dark Under Eye Circles. but How Do I Get Rid of Under Eye Bags?
Experiment with the following routines to see which one works the most effectively for you. Remember to use patience and consistency when trying out a new routine. Follow the routine every day for 4 to 6 weeks. If after that period of time, you still don’t see the results you want, move on to the next practice and see if that works better for reducing your dark under eye bags and circles.
Even royalty gets dark under eye circles. (Kate, you’ll always be beautiful!)
The Best Routines for Getting Rid of Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags
1. Cold Compress
In the morning or evening – or better yet, in the morning AND the evening – apply a cold compress for about 10 minutes. If you have a mask you can keep in your fridge and pull out twice a day, that’s the easiest way to try this dark circle reducing method. Just make sure to keep it clean and give it a good soapy scrub a few times a week!
2. Cucumbers
We’ve all seen cucumbers used as cold compresses on television and in films – but do they really work?
In fact, cucumbers have skin-lightening and mild astringent properties, so you can use cucumber slices to fix raccoon eyes naturally.
To try this method twice a day, chop a fresh cucumber into thick slices and then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then, leave the slices on your eyes for 10 minutes. Rinse your eye area with warm (but not hot) water after using.
3. Cucumber Juice + Lemon Juice
If cucumber slices don’t work for you, try mixing equal parts cucumber and lemon juice and then use a cotton ball to apply to your under-eye circles. (DO NOT get lemon juice in your eye!) Leave the solution on your skin for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
4. Rose Water
Rose water doesn’t just smell fantastic – it can also soothe and rejuvenate tired skin. Like cucumber, it’s a mild astringent, so it can work as a skin toner. Just soak cotton makeup remover pads in rose water for a few minutes, and then let the soaked makeup pads sit on your CLOSED eyelids. Leave them for about 15 minutes twice daily.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a substance that’s excellent for your cardiovascular health, vision and your skin. Lycopene can help create softer, more supple skin, as well as decrease the appearance of dark under eye circles.
To gain the medical benefits of the lycopene found in tomatoes, mix equal parts tomato juice with lemon juice and then use a cotton ball or makeup remover pad to apply it to your under eye area. (Again, PLEASE do not get lemon juice in your eyes.) Leave the solution for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water, twice daily.
A tasty concoction of tomato juice, lemon juice and mint leaves to drink daily will also help improve your overall health as well as your skin.
6. Cold tea bags
If you don’t have a cold compress or mask to use, substitute with tea bags. Many teas like green tea have the added benefit of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe strained capillaries in your under eye area.
To use cold tea bags as a compress, soak a tea bag in clean water and then place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then, place the tea bags on your eyes. Leave for 10 minutes or so twice daily before removing and rinsing the area with warm water.
7. Potatoes
Potatoes are a surprising source of lots of vitamin C, which among other things is great for the synthesis of collagen to promote healthier, younger-looking skin.
To harness the power of vitamin C to treat your under eye bags, grate some potatoes. Extract the juice from the potato and soak some cotton makeup remover pads in the juice. Place the pads on your eyes for about 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
8. Cold Milk
Dairy products like milk are a great source of vitamin A, which contains retinoids that are great for keeping skin looking bright and young.
To gain the benefits of milk’s vitamin A, soak a cotton makeup remover pad in a bowl of cold milk for a while. Use the pad to apply the milk to your under eye bags and let it sit for about 10 minutes, twice daily. Rinse with warm water.
9. Orange Juice
Since orange juice is high in both vitamin A and C content, it can help remove dark circles from under your eyes. Add a few drops of glycerin to orange juice and then soak a cotton makeup remover pad to apply to your under-eye skin. You’ll reap the benefits of orange’s vitamins as well as the natural glow glycerin gives to your skin.
10. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E helps fight the effect of free radicals that cause signs of aging like wrinkles. Before bed at night, apply a drop of oil (a little goes a long way) to your dark under eye circles, gently massaging it into the skin. Leave this on your skin overnight and in the morning, rinse with warm water.
11. Coconut Oil
As a powerful natural and gentle anti-inflammatory, coconut oil is an effective method for lightening dark under eye circles.
It also moisturizes while it lightens to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes. Use coconut oil like vitamin E oil: rub it into your under eye area, leave it on overnight and then rinse it off in the morning.
12. Turmeric
As yet another powerful, natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric minimizes dark circles. Mix some turmeric powder with pineapple juice to create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to your under eye circles and leave for about 10 minutes before using a soft, warm and damp cloth to gently remove the paste. Practice this routine once a day.
13. Eat More Dark Chocolate
Here’s your excuse to indulge: Flavonol-rich foods like dark chocolate protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation, thereby slowing down the aging process caused by too much time in the sun – a delightful little fact after hearing for so long that chocolate is bad for our skin!
14. Eat More Salmon
Omega 3’s can be found in foods like salmon and walnuts. These fatty acids improve blood flow to the skin, moving blood out and away from your eyes instead of allowing it to pool there and cause dark under eye circles.
15. Curb Salt Consumption + Drink More Water
If you remember studying osmosis in high school biology, then you’ll recall that water in your body moves from places with the most water to those with the least. The parts of your body that are low in sodium (salt) contain more water, while the parts of your body with more sodium contain less water.
When your body doesn’t have enough water but too much salt, you can look and feel puffy and bloated. The skin around your eyes is especially thin and vulnerable to dehydration. When you eat a salty meal but don’t drink enough water, your body will literally “look” dehydrated – i.e., red, puffy eyes. So if you plan to enjoy a salty meal, counter the effects with plenty of water.
16. Curb Your Alcohol Consumption
Salt is bad but nothing dehydrates you like alcohol. Remember your last hangover? That’s why your eyes look red and puffy the morning after. Whenever possible, keep yourself to a two-drink maximum, drink plenty of water before you go to bed, and apply a night cream or heavy moisturizer around your eyes after a night out.
17. Eye Massager
Regular eye massage promotes blood flow to the under eye area and helps prevent blood from pooling in the capillaries under the eyes. FOREO’s IRIS is a spa-quality eye massager that you can use yourself at home. First, apply your favorite eye cream or serum. Turn on the IRIS and adjust to your desired intensity.
Next, move the IRIS from the inner corner to outer corner of the eye for 30 seconds (insider tip: make sure the button side is facing towards you).
80% of users who tried this routine experienced firmer and more elastic eye contours, and 84% of users saw increased product absorption.
Compared to those who applied eye cream or serum by hand:
- The IRIS is twice as effective at reducing under-eye bags
- 70% more effective at reducing dark under eye circles
- 43% more effective at reducing wrinkle surface area
- and 51% more effective at firming the skin under the eyes
Visit FOREO to learn more about the IRIS.
SHOP IRIS
18. Get 8 hours of sleep
Nothing keeps under eye bags away like a full 8 hours’ of sleep. Get a good night’s rest – every night – and enjoy reduced under eye circles.
19. Sleep on your back
Since sleeping on your side or stomach allows gravity to work its magic, meaning fluid can collect under your eyes, try sleeping on your back with an extra pillow under your head.
20. Exercise + Meditation
Regular exercise enhances circulation, bringing blood flow to the skin to transform an aging, dull complexion into brighter, younger-looking skin – including the sensitive skin around your eyes. Moreover, the daily release of endorphins into your bloodstream keeps away depression and anxiety, keeping you happier, calmer and more balanced.
Meditation – whether it’s a mindfulness exercise after a yoga practice or the peace of mind you find on a long, quiet run or swim – also keeps stress (and the wrinkles and fine lines caused by stress) at bay.
21. Allergy Medicines
If your dark circles are at least in part due to allergies, taking antihistamines regularly can help reduce under eye bags and puffiness. Furthermore, allergies can also cause itchy eyes – and rubbing your eyes only makes under eye circles worse.
22. Apply Moisturizers Twice Daily
Don’t forget the most fundamental good habit – apply moisturizer twice daily. Use a lighter moisturizer for daytime with an SPF, and be sure to use a heavier moisturizer and eye cream before going to bed every night.
23. Use Retinoid Eye Cream
Many love to use retinoid eye creams, but it’s not for every skin type. Use sparingly – no more than twice a week – otherwise you risk causing red, flaky, dry skin.
24. Remove Makeup Correctly
Do not go to sleep with your makeup still on or rub your mascara and eyeliner off. Use a professional makeup removing solution – only a few dollars at your local drugstore or Sephora – to blot, not rub.
25. Wash Your Face Correctly
Wash with warm – not hot – water. Water that’s too hot acts as an inflammatory agent and will only make your eyes redder and puffier.
26. Use a Prescription-Strength Skin Brightener
If natural vitamins and skin brighteners don’t work, visit your dermatologist. She can prescribe a cream with hydroquinone, but be aware that prescription-strength skin brightener can cause irritation, so discontinue use if you notice any.
27. Professional Laser Treatment
If all else fails, you could try the most expensive option: professional laser treatment. A doctor can use lasers to reduce bluish and red discoloration under the eyes. Vascular lasers, as they’re known, work by constricting visible blood vessels, thus reducing the appearance of dark under eye circles.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website and any related links are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact a professional healthcare provider.
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I think dermalmd under eye treatment serum is so moisturizing and helping the puffiness of my under eye area. I am 24, so I do not have serious under eye issues but as a first time mom I am starting to notice things… I was very happy to see this was a pump and it only needed a very small amount to cover under both eyes completely.
I am skeptical of anything claiming anti aging or reducing wrinkles, so when I bought Dermalmd under eye serum, I wasn’t expecting much. I am really impressed!! It did actually help the darkness and bags under my eyes, and each time I out it in i could “feel” it tightening. I’ll be the first to admit when I am wrong, and I was. The tiny lines and wrinkles near my eyes have all but disappeared. This feels great going on and there’s no oily feel to it at all. I am sold! This has become part of my daily skin routine.
Cucumbers really help, but I’m using potato as well as a substitute to cucumber if it is not available.
That’s fine. Just cut the potato and squeeze it into and bowl. Then get a cotton ball and sunk it into the bowl. Finally, dab on both of your eyes. Use twice daily.
Hello, I really impress from your article. It’s very helpful and informative content and I really follow this tips soon. Thank You.
thanks very much ,am impressed by ur article here, I pray it works for me, thank u.
Hello,
Your article sounds so interesting will try it soon.
Thank you so much.
I am mid-thirties and I have had dark purple circles under my eyes since I was a kid. I’ve tried other creams and lotions, and concealers. Nothing seemed to work. Until I found the Made from Earth Advanced Eye Repair. I decided to smooth it over my entire face, since I have a big problem with dry skin and a little bit of roughness and redness. WOW!!! Every night before bed for 2 weeks, HUGE difference.
My dark circles are gone, my skin is smooth and hydrated, coloring is more even, my face feels firm and tight.
Here is the great advice to get rid of dark circles. I applied tomato juice to treat dull area of under eyes and this is such ingredient which works wonders for it. Thanks for sharing.
Great information. Thanks for the wonderful article, it may be very helpful for everyone who is conscious about.
I’ve struggled with dark circles and baggy eyes for years now, but recently they’ve started looking particularly bad. I’m only 28, but I guess no age is too early to start taking care of your skin. After careful research, I decided on Dermalmd Eye care Serum to try to make things better.
Within a few days, I noticed a world of difference. Not only do my eyes look a million times better, Dermalmd serum feels very refreshing afterwards. My self confidence is much higher and I would absolutely recommend this serum to anyone doing comparative shopping.
Hi … thank you for the tips … I’m trying the vitamin under the eye for the dark circles.. have a great night ..
I liked that you explained that there are many ways to prevent wrinkles around your eyes, but one way is by using a retinoid cream. I would imagine that it would be frustrating to start seeing wrinkles form around your eyes as you age. I will consider using an eye cream to minimize wrinkles starting at an young age.
Thanks for the write up hope it works for me
Thank you for pointing out that cucumbers have skin lighting and astringent properties, so they can be used to fix dark circles under your eyes naturally. With having a little one, I hardly get any sleep. It’s good to know that there are natural ways to help the dark circles under my eyes.
I tried the vitamin E let me say it truely works, it diminish my under eyes bags , was I Excited. Thank you so much for your ways to make the eyes looking Healthy…
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[…] wellbeing and for great-looking skin. It boosts blood flow, therefore, breathing in new life to dull-looking skin. Additionally, regular exercising helps your body relax improving the quality of your sleep. A […]
I love the tea idea it helped alot. Thank you ton!
I need help with these dark circles around my eyes…
Hy! I am 22 and I have dark circles because I use PC and cell very much. I want to get rid of my dark circles so I think I’ll try the tomato + lemon remedy. I hope it goes well. I’m a teacher by profession. Can you you suggest me a better remedy than the one I have mentioned.
I love the tea idea it helped alot. Thank you ton!
[…] wellbeing and for great-looking skin. It boosts blood flow, therefore, breathing in new life to dull-looking skin. Additionally, regular exercising helps your body relax improving the quality of your sleep. A […]
Oh my god, this is such an insightful and detailed blog on dark circles treatment. i have never been across such blog before where these many treatments are being shared. Thanks for sharing such detailed information. I just knew about cucumbers, cold compress, tea bags, proper sleep and rest and essential oil treatment. I am going to try the other methods that you have shared for sure. Thank you once again for such an interesting post.
will be trying turmeric powder and pineapple juice tonight luckily I have both items on hand!!
Let us know the results! 🙂
For Dark circle and bags, I started using Dermalmd under eye serum a year ago and I very quickly started to see the difference in fine lines. A few months later, I also started using a drop under my eye before using eye cream and that had the most dramatic results. Dark circles were obliterated and morning puffiness has been reduced. What’s left I can massage away quickly during my morning routine! The bottle also lasted a year. Super worth it!
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This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise information… Thank you for
sharing this one. A must read post!
Here i have described tutorial :
“Cusses of acne and how to remove its scar”
“How to remove dark circle under your eyes”
“how to decrease impact of age on your face
skin”click here for read more:copy the link and paste it: http://www.dovepad.com/2019/10/02/how-to-remove-acne-scars-and-dark-circle-of-eye-in-7-days-the-atlantic-healthline/
I am a brown skin girl… coconut oil works for me … mixed with Shea butter and coco butter … helps with dark spots also
I am so inspired now and I want to try some of them
Thank you for sharing this post. Natural Vitamins for Eyes Health may also help treat and prevent the problem. Inlcude Occlusion. Natural Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion Blepharitis and Eye Bags into your daily skin routine, you can protect your skin from UV and environmental damage.
Interesting yet informative write up.
I tried the vitamin E let me say it truely works, it diminish my under eyes bags , was I Excited. Thank you so much for your ways to make the eyes looking Healthy…
Thank you ever so much for posting this invaluable resource !!! I have always been plagued with under eye dark circles from early on and consistently throughout the years. URGH !!! Although much “blame” certainly goes to my genetics, there are several other reasons why I am always prone to the curse of under eye dark circles. Nevertheless, I am SO thrilled to have come across this absolute GEM of solutions to keep the “raccoon eyes” at bay !!! I am a HUGE fan of the tried, proven, and true “old school home remedies”, especially since more often than not, these tend to prove equally, if not more effective, than most in the deluge of costly products which “promise” and “claim” to be the BEST choice for sustained and “eternal” BEAUTY. In the spirit of COMMON SENSE and practicality, WHY pay for expensive products when there are so many other monetarily sensible alternatives, which quite often will prove just as effective and/or better viable solutions? Much appreciated and thankful for your sharing this post !!! I will certainly pass this along whenever, wherever, and to whomever may benefit from this. I cannot wait to try ’em.
Warmest regards,
M.Houston
We are more than happy to hear such good feedback, thank you!
I was looking at my eye bags one day and I wondered if I was ill or something. At age 52 I have been on a 2-year search for something to repair the damage I likely did in the sun when I was younger. After 30 days of Dermalmd Under Eye Serum, I’m completely in love! It actually works and some days I look in the mirror at 10x magnification and am pleasantly surprised…it’s like a miracle.
Hi Laureen, we are happy to hear this! 🙂
Dark circles are the most common issue nowadays this remedies are really helpul thanks for sharing.
Am trying the vitamin E, I hope it work very fast and well, because I really need help on this dark circle under eye, please and thanks
Amazing! Feel free to share your tips and results. 🙂
hi, I’m 32 having a dark circle and baggy eye I really need to get ride of it cause is affecting my self confident, I hope the remedies will work for me…
Hi Celine, hope these tips will help you! Let us know how it works for you and share some advises if you have them. 🙂
This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Thank you so much! 🙂
I tried the vitamin E let me say it truely works, it diminish my under eyes bags , was I Excited. Thank you so much for your ways to make the eyes looking Healthy…
Hello جمال البحيري, I am glad to hear our tips helped you 😉
I am 70 plus.good skin for age.poss because oily.bags under eyes..what is the best treatment
We recommend any of our amazing devices. 🙂
I would personally recommend our new Luna 3 => https://www.foreo.com/luna-3?v=1585
This is really impressive. I will try it. But in my own case round the eye is dry with rashes and always itching me. Just want to know which method is best.
Thank you so much Tricia, let us know how it went and what you liked the most! 🙂
Hi, I’m 32, and I’m having black eye cycle which usually come with rashes and itching during heat period. Hope this remedy works for me.
We would love it if you can share your tips and tricks! 🙂
Thank you so much let me try it i pray it works for me cos i have dark circle eyes God be my helper
You are more than welcome, let us know how it went. 🙂
These look amazing 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
I have dark circles under my eye. Is really making me uncomfortable. What will i use and remove it
Please note that you use any of the tips and tricks from the article and if you wish you can share your feedback here, we would love it. 🙂
Despite treating my skin with the care I was not able to get rid of the stubborn dark circles. This article in which the author has discussed the 17 ways of how to get rid of the under-eye dark circles was surely beneficial. It was really helpful with the simple home-based tips.
Thank you for reading, feel free to share your own feedback! 🙂
Hey!! I am 21 yrs old and i have dark circles since i was 13 years old. So can it be removed naturally or do i need to go for laser treatment??
Hey Surabhi, you can check some of the tips we shared in the article and see if your skin would react in a good way. Regarding the laser treatment we always strongly recommend to consult with your doctor first.
I have
So if you go to the chemist maybe to ask for eye treatment serum would it be or maybe other option.
Any help is good help but we like all things natural…. please share if you find a good treatment serum!
I am going to start coconut oil and the tomato juice
Amazing, feel free to share your tips and tricks! 🙂
Hi. I have a question. Alot of the remedies are advised for twice a day. But twice a day for how many weeks will help? Kindly guide.
Hi Aiman, like most things people react differently so it’s all down to when you see improvements and then maintain the results with frequent use.
Thnxxx for your help
You are most welcome and happy to help!
I tried many things on my face but my dark circle is still. After reading your article and use these tips getting some improvement on my face.
Thanks
Dear Divya, Thanks for your post and glad to see you have that you have seen an improvement! Keep up the good work 🙂
I hope this cucumber method works.
Good luck and enjoy 🙂
I really appreciate you for publishing this blog here; it’s really a helpful and very useful for us. This is really appreciated that you have presented all data on 27 ways to get rid of dark circles and bags under eyes. I love all the information shared. Great article!
We glad you like it 🙂
Grate remedies
Glad you like it Ngide 🙂
Very nice information.
Thank you, we’re really happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Does this tip can applied by men too?
Hi! Yes, of course 🙂
Does this tip can be used and suite for a men?
Hi Iam 17 ,I have deep dark colour under my eyes,then iam very sad plz help me to find good ,natural solutions
Hey Hridya, we recommend following these simple steps to help. 🙂
really these were the very helpful remedies and also they worked . thank you so much for these remedies
Thank you, we’re really happy that we were able to help! 🙂
nice remedies
Thank you! 🙂
nice article
Glad you like it 🙂
Thnx for the write up hope it will work for me.
You are most welcome and good luck with seeing the results!
I’m only 12 and I have really bad dark circles even thought I’m not tired, please give a resolution for younger people like me?!
Dear Cailyn, this may be hereditary and nothing to do with lifestyle choices considering your age. Just keep and active, healthy lifestyle and keep smiling 🙂