10 Natural Solutions for Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

You’ve probably heard about this old hack, but it’s tried-and-true. Cucumbers contain a high amount of antioxidants which help to lighten skin. They also act as a mild astringent, which means they cause the skin cells to contract, and therefore help fade fine lines. Simply cut two slices of cucumber and lay them directly on top of your eyelids and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Then, remove the slices and rinse with warm water!

Be careful with this hack! You don't want to get any lemon juice in your eyes, but with careful application, it can do wonders for your dark under-eye bags. Lemon juice contains a hefty dose of vitamin C, an ingredient you’ll find in many anti-aging skin products. It's an antioxidant that’s said to specifically work on collagen, the protein in our skin that keeps it bright and plump. 

To use this hack, squeeze the juice from a quarter of a lemon into a small container. Then use a cotton ball to apply the juice to the area under the eye, being cautious to not get any in the eye. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

This one might seem a little strange, but it works! Potatoes are also pretty high in vitamin C, and their juice can be used to fade dark marks without much risk. For this hack, cut a small slice of your potato and rub the freshly cut side directly onto the skin underneath the eyes. Allow the potato juice to remain on the skin for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Rose water not only smells amazing, but it’s one of the best products for darkened eye skin out there. Rose water is also an astringent, helping to regulate oil production on the surface of the skin. It also helps balance the skin’s pH, allowing for a more even skin tone. To use rose water for dark circles, purchase a quality rose water like this one from Leven Rose ($13.97, Amazon) and apply with a cotton ball underneath the eyes. 

You can also soak two cotton makeup remover pads in rosewater and apply them on top of closed eyes. If you’re using pads on the whole eye, remove after 15 minutes. No rinsing needed!

Another oldie but a goodie! Tea bags from black tea and green tea contain antioxidants that benefit your skin’s health and appearance. The caffeine will also help to de-puff eyes and give them a younger appearance! To use tea bags for dark circles and puffy eyes, add your tea bags to boiling water to activate them. Allow them to cool, then place them directly onto the eyes. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, then remove and rinse.

Did you ever see your mom or grandma placing a spoon underneath her eyes and wonder what the heck she was doing? People have been doing this to combat puffy eyes for years. Cold temps cause cells to constrict, and when it comes to the skin under your eyes, this can help shrink blood cells that are dilated and causing the skin to appear puffy and dark. 

To do this hack, place a spoon in the fridge or freezer and allow it to get really cold. Remove from the fridge and place the bottom of the spoon onto the skin beneath your eyes. Within 10 minutes, you should see a noticeable difference!

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a natural pigment that gives this fruit their red color. It is an antioxidant that protects cells against damage and can help to brighten the skin. To use for under-eye circles, slice a tomato and rub the slice directly onto the skin under your eyes, again being careful to avoid getting it in your peepers. 

Dairy products are actually great for the appearance of your skin because they contain vitamin A, a retinoid that helps keep skin looking bright and youthful. To do this hack, simply dip a cotton ball into cold milk and apply to the skin around the eye, or use your fingers to apply a small amount of yogurt to the area. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

This one might not seem like much, but getting adequate sleep is essential to the look and overall health of your eyes! Not sleeping enough will inevitably lead to tired eyes, and can also cause the skin to appear pale and make dark circles more prominent. To reduce puffy tired eyes, be sure you’re getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep every night. 

Dehydration is another common cause of tired, dull-looking skin. When we don’t drink enough water, our skin becomes dehydrated, dry, and lack-luster, making dark circles and veins appear more prominently. To lessen the effects, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Confused about how much you actually need? Read about it here. 

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