Dark circles and bags under the eyes is a common issue that can affect both men and women. Not only can they make you look significantly older than you are, they’re also pretty difficult to get rid of.
While fatigue might seem like the obvious explanation for the problem, there are lots of other factors that can contribute to darkness under the eyes.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most effective ways to get rid of the darkness under the eyes. We’ll also look to answer a few of the frequently asked questions.
- Causes Of Darkness Under Eyes
- How To Get Rid Of Darkness Under Eyes
- Medical Treatment Of Darkness Under Eyes
- How To Get Rid Of Darkness Under Eyes – Frequently Asked Questions
- Is It Safe To Put Ice On Your Eyes?
- Does Aloe Vera Remove Dark Circles?
- Does Vaseline Remove Dark Circles?
- Is Honey Good For Dark Circles?
- The Bottom Line
- Related Posts
Causes Of Darkness Under Eyes

There are lots of different factors that can contribute to darkness under your eyes. Listed below are five of the most common examples.
1) Age
Perhaps the most obvious reason for darkness under your eyes is natural aging. As you grow older, your skin gradually becomes thinner, meaning the dark blood vessels underneath your skin grow more visible. This, in turn, causes the skin beneath your eyes to naturally darken.
2) Fatigue
Whether it’s extreme fatigue or you’ve simply stayed up a few hours past your usual bedtime, dark circles can form under your eyes if you don’t get enough sleep and rest.
Moreover, sleep deprivation can also cause the skin around your eyes to become dull and pale, emphasizing the blood vessels and dark tissues beneath your skin.
3) Dehydration
If your body isn’t receiving a sufficient amount of water, it’s not unusual for the skin beneath your eyes to become dark and dull. This is mainly due to the fact that the skin is so close to the underlying bone.
4) Eye Strain
If you stare at your phone or television for extended periods of time, this can cause a considerable strain on your eyes.
As a result, the blood vessels around your eyes can often enlarge, leading to the skin around your eyes darkening.
5) Genetics
In addition to the four factors listed above, genetics can also have a significant effect on the dark circles under your eyes.
It can start from an inherited trait in early childhood and then develop into something more problematic as you age.
How To Get Rid Of Darkness Under Eyes

At-Home Treatment Of Darkness Under Eyes
Finding the right treatment for the darkness under your eyes all depends on the underlying cause of the issue.
Fortunately, there are several home remedies you can use to help manage the condition. Listed below are four popular examples.
1) Keep Your Head Elevated
Making sure you sleep correctly is essential if you want to avoid sleep deprivation and dark circles under your eyes.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep your head elevated with a couple of extra pillows to prevent fluid from pooling beneath your eyes.
2) Apply A Cold Compress
This method is great for reducing the swelling under your eyes and getting rid of the darkness as it shrinks the dilated blood vessels. Simply wrap a few ice cubes into a clean towel or cloth and apply it to your eyes.
3) Use Cold Tea Bags
While it might not be the most conventional method, applying cold tea bags to your eyes can help to reduce the darkness of the surrounding skin.
This is because the caffeine and antioxidants in tea bags can improve blood circulation and reduce the liquid retention beneath your skin.
4) Get More Sleep
Needless to say, catching up on sleep is one of the best home remedies for getting rid of the dark circles beneath your eyes. Ideally, try and aim for at least seven or eight hours of rest.
5) Add A Serum To Your Beauty Regime
There are many products available that have been formulated to specifically target darkness under your eyes. The most effective of these that we have found is the Dark Circle Corrector from Beverly Hills MD.

Medical Treatment Of Darkness Under Eyes

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to the darkness under your eyes, there are plenty of medical treatments you can use instead. Listed below are five of the most effective.
- Laser surgery to resurface the skin
- Medical tattoos to add pigment into thinning areas of skin
- Tissue fillers to conceal melanin and blood vessels
- Chemical peels to limit pigmentation
- Fat removal to get rid of excess fat and skin
How To Get Rid Of Darkness Under Eyes – Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Put Ice On Your Eyes?
No, it isn’t advised to put ice directly onto your eyes. However, cold compresses can be a safe and effective method of getting rid of darkness under the eyes. These can easily be made at home using a dishcloth and some ice cubes.
Does Aloe Vera Remove Dark Circles?
Yes, aloe vera is a tropical plant which is often used as an effective natural remedy for dark circles.
Although it’s fair to say that further research in humans is required, aloe vera has the potential to support mature skin, improve skin moisture, and reduce inflammation.
Does Vaseline Remove Dark Circles?
Similar to aloe vera, Vaseline can also help to remove dark circles under eyes. Simply add a drop of lemon juice to some Vaseline and apply it to the skin beneath the eye.
Ideally, you’ll let it sit there for around 45 minutes, before gently rinsing with clean, cold water.
→ Does Vaseline Help Your Eyelashes Grow?
Is Honey Good For Dark Circles?
Yes, applying honey is a good way to lighten your dark circles. Use a small amount and leave it for at least 15 minutes, although overnight is best. Make sure you rinse it off thoroughly afterward.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, getting rid of the darkness under your eyes is relatively straightforward so long as you know the root of the problem.
Hopefully, after reading the information in this guide, you’ll be in a much better position to manage and treat the issue.