How to Quickly Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Overview

Brown pigmentation that appears as dark circles under your eyes may be something you inherited from your parents, but it can also be the result of rubbing your eyes. Dark circles also occur when the blood vessels beneath the skin begin to show through due to the skin thinning with age. Lack of sleep and stress can contribute to dark circles, but are usually not the main cause, according to Dr. James Sameul. Using an eye cream as well as home remedies can reduce the appearance of circles. Applying makeup to cover the dark areas may be the fastest way to get rid of the unwanted circles.

Step 1

Apply an eye cream once a day. The emollients in eye cream will help it stay in place under the eye and will also plump the skin to hide blood vessels, says dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, M.D. in a Good Housekeeping magazine article, "The No-Knife Eye Lift." Use the cream daily as the plumping is not permanent. Look for an eye cream with plant-based lighteners like mica, licorice and kojic acid.

Step 2

Slice two thin slices of potato or cucumber, after washing them thoroughly. Lie down on your back and close your eyes. Place one slice on each eye. Remain lying down with the slices on your eyes for 20 minutes, recommends Dr. Sameul in his article, "Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Circle Under Eyes." Dr. Sameul is a practitioner of alternative medicine, especially Ayurveda.

Step 3

Apply a small amount of lemon juice with a cotton ball two to three times each day. You can also use tomato juice, says Dr. Sameul.

Step 4

Soak two tea bags in cold water. Squeeze excess water and place them on your eyes for at least 10 minutes. Alternatively, use a chilled cold compress, as recommended by Good Housekeeping magazine.

Step 5

Use a paste made from almond powder and dairy cream on your eyes before you go to sleep, as advised by Dr. Sameul. Massage the paste gently on the delicate eye skin with the tip of your ring or index finger.

Step 6

Cover your dark circles with concealer if the home remedies do not quickly get rid of them. Apply an eye cream in the morning and then put on concealer. Do not use foundation. Choose a concealer that is the same shade as your skin. Use a makeup brush or your finger to carefully apply the concealer from the outside corner of your eye to the inside corner. Blot off any extra concealer with a tissue.