manager_1 You were up all last night doomscrolling and now you have the energy of a garden slug. You are putting in the effort with coffee shots and a catnap but you cannot get rid of the dark circles under the eyes.
You’ve probably heard of the magical powers of under-eye concealer, and huge, Olsen twin-style glasses for covering dark circles. Coconut oil is one natural remedy.
Some research suggests coconut oil may be able to lighten dark under-eye circles by thickening the delicate skin around your eyes and reducing inflammation. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to dark circles using clean hands.
Is coconut oil effective for dark circles?
Coconut oil is made from mature coconuts. Not only is it edible, but it’s often used in hair and skin care products because of its moisturizing properties.
What can coconut oil do for us? Well, coconut oil might be able to help with the dark circles around your eyes, a condition called periorbital hyperpigmentation. This is a common skin condition and usually inheritable. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)
Some people can have dark circles that last a lifetime. For others, however, dark circles can be caused by lack of sleep, drinking, stress or allergic reactions.
Coconut oil is not believed to make dark circles disappear forever. However, it .is .possible that .some of the properties of coconut oil can diminish the appearance of your dark circles temporarily.
It’s better to have something than nothing.
Here are some coconut oil benefits for dark circles
Is it possible to make your dark circles disappear forever by rubbing coconut oil all over your eyes. This is a no-no. But a couple studies suggest that coconut oil can temporarily lighten your dark circles.
Here are the results of our research:
- It may thicken skin. Skin around the eyes is delicate, and thin skin can make dark circles look more prominent. Studies show that plant oils, like coconut oil, can thicken the skin barrier by increasing cell turnover.
- It may reduce inflammation. Under-eye circles can sometimes come with puffiness, aka inflammation. A 2010 study showed that the inflammation was reduced by using virgin coconut oil. This study was done in rats and further research is needed in humans.
What is the average time it takes to get to work?
Coconut oil can temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles. However, if your coconut oil has been applied around your eyes for more than 2 weeks, without any noticeable changes, it may be time to contact your healthcare provider.
Sometimes, dark circles may indicate other health problems such as allergies or thyroid disease.
How to use coconut oil to treat dark circles
Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil (VCO) is needed. Because it has not been bleached, it is called “virgin”. VCO can be purchased at supermarkets, health food stores and in some beauty/skin care aisles.
Wash your hands first, then wash your face. Gently dry your eye area. Apply a small amount of VCO to the dark circles using one of your fingers. Apply coconut oil to the skin by gently patting it in, but not rubbing! You might damage the delicate skin if you rub your eyes.
Let it sit. Do not rub or smear oil in your eyes. There’s not much research on how any type of coconut oil fares in your eyes, so let’s play it safe.
Is there a risk to using coconut oil on dark circles?
Although it’s unlikely that you will be allergic to coconut oil or coconuts, it is possible. Do a patch test before you apply any product to your skin. You can test the coconut oil by applying it to a small area first, and then watch for an allergic reaction.
Coconut oil is safe for anyone who doesn’t have an allergy. However, it might not reduce dark circles.
There are other natural ways to lighten dark circles
Coconut oil may not be the right product for you. You might try other products in the supermarket.
These natural remedies can help with dark circles
Cucumber for dark circles
You can’t call it a spa day unless you have cucumbers in your eyes.
Why are raw cukes so popular for your peepers? Cucumbers soothe skin irritation and reduce swelling, which can help ease your dark circles. Cucumbers are a great moisturizer for your eyes because they have high water content.
Tea bags for dark circles
Like coconut oil, research has not been done on how tea bags can reduce under-eye circles. However, people use tea bags to apply warm or cold compresses around their eyes. It seems that they work.
Green tea bags or black tea bags are the best options for dark circles. Both are strong in antioxidants – and you’ll get a nice cuppa, too!
Tomatoes for dark circles
Have some tomatoes left over from your homemade salsa recipe? You can cut some tomato slices and place them on your eyes. The antioxidant lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, reduces inflammation.
This beauty tip is purely anecdotal. There is no scientific evidence to show that tomatoes reduce dark circles. And make sure not to get any juices from the tomato in your eyes.
Dark circles: Potatoes
Although there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that potatoes can cause dark circles to disappear, some people swear by the humble potato. A few slices of raw potato may help to brighten the area around your eyes and reduce the visibility of dark circles.
Tl;dr
Dehydration, fatigue, and genes can all cause dark circles, but coconut oil may be able to help. Research has shown that coconut oil may temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles.
If your dark circles don’t disappear after two weeks of coconut oil use, consult a healthcare provider to determine if there are any other health conditions.
