While cleansing your face in the morning before heading to work or applying vivid hues of eyeshadow so you look stunning at a late-night party, do you notice your eyelids appearing rather dim and lacklustre? Well, you have a very common dermatological problem known as dark eyelids. It is characterized by prominently dark skin on the eyelids compared to the natural colour of the dermal tissues in the face and rest of the body. At times, dark eyelids occur alongside dark circles forming under the eyes, but they can sometimes arise alone as well.
Also Read: Easy Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dark Circles
Though dark eyelids do not pose any serious health complications and are mostly a cosmetic concern, they could still indicate underlying health issues and even hamper one’s self-esteem. Fret not, for there are a plethora of easy tips and natural solutions to eliminate those hideous dark eyelids and attain refreshed eyes with an even skin tone all around. Read on, to know more.
What Causes Dark Eyelids?
The chief factors that trigger dark eyelids are:
- Presence of dilated blood vessels, giving a dark appearance to the surrounding skin
- Wounds and injuries to the eyes or the tissues in the vicinity, which lead to darkened skin on the eyelids
- Overproduction of melanin - the component that imparts colour to the skin, thereby making eyelids look very dull and dark due to hyperpigmentation
Furthermore, hyperpigmentation in the skin can happen due to various reasons, including:
- Prolonged sun exposure, wherein UV rays damage skin cells and lead to age spots, freckles, dark eyelids
- Pregnancy, during which time hormone effects trigger surplus melanin synthesis that prompts dark patches on the skin – a disorder termed as melasma
- Thinning skin, due to ageing and eventual decrease of collagen and fat production in dermal cells
- Congenital conditions, such as hemangioma, tumours, cysts, dark moles called nevi, styes that are present right from birth
- Medications such as birth control pills induce hormonal fluctuations and give rise to dark regions on facial skin, including the eyelids
- Inflammatory ailments like dermatitis, allergies, chronic sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis can result in swelling and discolouration in the skin
Also Read: Collagen: The Protein Behind Healthy Skin And Joints
Simple And Effective Home Remedies To Banish Dark Eyelids:
Cold Compress
Applying a chilled bag or surface on the eyelids works wonders in lessening dilation of blood vessels as well as inflammation in the region. Moreover, it also diminishes the appearance of injured or broken blood vessels and uneven skin tone on the eyelids.
Just wrap a few ice cubes in a clean, soft cloth and place it on the eyelids for 10 minutes daily to visibly reduce dark patches.
Tomato And Lemon Mask
Tomatoes are a marvellous natural remedy for dark eyelids. Blessed with vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants including lycopene and flavonoids and bleaching agents, this juicy red bounty rejuvenates dull, dry skin, stimulates collagen production, thwarts free radicals, toxins and lightens skin cells around the eyes to visibly resolve dark eyelids and dark circles.
Cut two thin slices of a fresh tomato, add a few drops of lemon juice on each of them and place this tomato and lemon mask on the eyelids for 5 – 7 minutes to dispel hyperpigmentation.
Green Tea Bags
Green tea is imbued with tannin, a potent antioxidant that tightens sagging skin, flushes out toxins and also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling, dryness and dark patches in the region of the eyes.
Keep two strained green tea bags in the fridge for 30 minutes, then place them on the eyes for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Do this every day to eliminate dark eyelids and attain radiant complexion sans discoloured, uneven skin tone.
Cucumber Slices
Bestowed with high water content, as well as vitamin C, K, and minerals zinc, potassium, cucumbers are a miraculous solution for thwarting dark eyelids and dark circles. They confer valuable hydrating, cooling effects to lower inflammation, puffiness and also improve skin elasticity and fade out dark patches.
After washing the face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and place two chilled cucumber slices on the eyes. Massage it gently for 5 minutes, then wash off with cold water, to banish those unsightly dark eyelids and puffy, baggy, dim regions under the eyes.
Vitamin E
When it comes to skin health, Vitamin E is known to be an elixir to make it radiant. Vitamin E capsules are easily available and simple to use. Take a capsule on your palm and squeeze it. Mix it with little coconut oil to reduce its density. Gently apply this mix on your eyelids and massage lightly. Leave it overnight and follow the routine for about a month to notice a visible difference.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a great herb that can help keep your skin supple and hydrated while protecting it against signs of dark patches and hyperpigmentation. Aloe vera gel is available in the market or you can pluck natural aloe vera leaves from your garden. Apply it on the eyelids and let it stay overnight. This remedy if used on a regular basis will lighten the colour of eyelids and hydrate them too.
Almond Oil and Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has an effective component (ascorbic acid) that can lighten dark circles as well as dark eyelids. Lemon juice can be a little harsh if applied directly, thus add a few drops of lemon juice to a few drops of almond oil. Its mild bleaching action will do wonders without harming the skin if used with almond oil and keep eyelids soft and hydrated.
Adequate Sleep
While not resting enough at night and sleep disorders like insomnia do not cause dark eyelids, they do tend to make the condition worse, leading to obvious hyperpigmentation all around the eyes.
Ensure to get sufficient sleep for at least 7 – 8 hours every night, to allow the skin cells to undergo optimal repair processes and diminish the appearance of dark eyelids, for clear, glowing skin all over the facial region.
Potato Slices
Raw potatoes contain natural bleaching agents that can lighten skin. Cut thin slices of raw potato and place them on your eyelids for 10-15 minutes. This remedy can help reduce dark pigmentation and brighten the skin around your eyes.
Rose Water
Rose water is prized for its dominant soothing and rejuvenating attributes. Soak cotton pads in rose water and place them on your eyelids for 15 minutes. Regular use can help lighten dark circles and refresh tired eyes.
Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties. Make a paste of turmeric powder and pineapple juice, apply it to your eyelids for 10 minutes, then rinse off. This remedy can help reduce darkness and brighten the skin around your eyes.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma Wellness Expert)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
