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| - Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a DIY remedy can completely remove dark circles in 7 days. We fact checked this and found it to be false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, you can get rid of dark circles in just 7 days. The video instructs viewers to mix turmeric powder, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and Vaseline. It then directs them to apply the mixture daily and massage the under-eye area. The post claims this will make the dark circles disappear completely, as if they were never there.
Fact Check
Can a DIY remedy erase dark circles in just 7 days?
No, it can’t. Dark circles (Periorbital hyperpigmentation) occur due to many factors like genetics, ageing, lack of sleep, dehydration, and even allergies. These underlying issues mean that no single remedy, especially one applied to the skin, can completely get rid of dark circles in just 7 days.
The ingredients in the claim—turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and Vaseline—do have some skin benefits. However, their effects are limited. They may provide temporary hydration, soothing, or slight puffiness reduction, but they won’t eliminate dark circles. Let’s break it down:
- Turmeric: It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce swelling and slightly brighten the skin. However, it can’t fix pigmentation or skin structure issues that cause dark circles.
- Coconut oil and aloe vera gel: These are great moisturisers that soothe and hydrate the delicate under-eye skin. While hydrated skin may look better, these ingredients don’t address deeper issues like pigmentation or visible blood vessels.
- Vaseline: It locks in moisture and helps with dryness. But it doesn’t treat puffiness, pigmentation, or other causes of dark circles.
The idea that this combination can completely remove dark circles in just 7 days is an exaggeration. And, this claim has no scientific evidence to support it.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his views on the effectiveness of a DIY remedy for treating dark circles in just 7 days. He explains, “Getting rid of dark circles completely in just 7 days with a DIY remedy isn’t realistic. Dark circles are often caused by multiple factors like genetics, ageing, or lack of sleep. And, no single remedy can fix all of these in such a short time. Ingredients like turmeric or aloe vera may temporarily soothe or hydrate the skin. But they won’t address deeper issues like pigmentation or thinning skin. Consistent care, a healthy lifestyle, and sometimes professional treatments are needed for noticeable improvement.”
Similarly, we have seen people recommend potato juice and aloe vera for removing dark circles, but it’s not that easy to treat.
Does massage help reduce dark circles?
Partially. Gently tapping (and not massaging) the under-eye area can help improve blood flow and reduce puffiness from fluid build-up. This, in turn, might make dark circles look less noticeable for a short time. However, it won’t get rid of the pigmentation or deeper issues like thinning skin or loss of collagen that often cause dark circles. In fact, over-massaging can irritate the delicate skin under your eyes, which could make the problem worse.
Why are dark circles difficult to treat?
Dark circles can be difficult to treat because they often happen due to a mix of different factors, such as:
- Genetics: Some people are naturally more likely to have darker under-eye areas.
- Ageing: As we get older, the skin under our eyes becomes thinner, which makes blood vessels more noticeable.
- Pigmentation: Sun exposure or hormonal changes can cause dark spots, making dark circles look worse.
- Lifestyle factors: Things like poor sleep, dehydration, and stress can make dark circles more prominent.
Because of these various causes, no single remedy, whether DIY or professional, can fix everything at once.
Are there proven ways to reduce dark circles?
Yes, but they require a combination of consistent skincare, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, professional treatments. Here are some effective options:
- Topical treatments: Skincare products with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or caffeine can improve skin texture, brighten dark circles, and reduce puffiness over time.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet can make a big difference in the appearance of dark circles. Managing stress and avoiding allergens can also help.
- Sun protection: Wearing sunscreen every day helps prevent UV damage, which can worsen pigmentation and make dark circles more noticeable.
- Professional treatments: Procedures like chemical peels, laser therapy, or fillers can offer more dramatic and lasting results by addressing pigmentation and restoring volume under the eyes.
We got in touch with Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her expert perspective on the proven ways to reduce dark circles. She says, “Dark circles can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, skincare products, and, in some cases, professional treatments. Genetics can contribute to dark circles by causing thinner skin, more visible blood vessels, or increased pigmentation. But these factors cannot be completely erased. However, using products with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or caffeine can help improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation over time. Adequate sleep, hydration, and sun protection are also important for overall skin health. For more noticeable results, dermatological treatments such as fillers, laser therapy, or chemical peels can address underlying causes like volume loss or pigmentation, providing a refreshed appearance.”
Can turmeric cause skin irritation?
Yes, it can. While turmeric is generally safe for topical use, some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions, especially if they have sensitive skin. Applying turmeric directly to the under-eye area without proper dilution or a patch test could result in redness, itching, or discolouration.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a DIY remedy can completely remove dark circles in 7 days is false. Although ingredients like turmeric, coconut oil, and aloe vera may provide temporary cosmetic benefits, they cannot eliminate the underlying causes of dark circles. For long-term improvement, a combination of targeted skincare, lifestyle adjustments, and professional treatments is recommended.
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