Dark under-eye circles are a common beauty problem. It affects overall complexion, makes you look tired, gloomy, groggy, and the worst is: makes you look older. Dark circles under the eyes are caused by these factors:
- Genetics. Some people were born with thin skin under the eyes, so it is easy if blood pools there (often this happens due to slower blood circulation from lack of sleep). This accumulation causes fragile capillaries to stretch and leak.
- Age. Over time, skin loses collagen and thins, so veins show through more prominently. Excessive exposure to the sun speeds up this process by breaking down collagen and mottling skin color.
- Seasonal allergies. They trigger the release of histamines in the body, which in turn inflame blood vessels and cause swelling.
That is why many people try to get special treatments to get rid these unwanted dark circles. Some use eye creams, plastic surgery, and other medical methods. But actually, home remedies can be done to get rid of dark circles. To get rid of these annoying dark circles, you can follow these simple tips:
- Cold compress
When bold vessels near the eyes dilate, the result can be dark circles. Cold compress can shrink your blood vessels. You can use a cold compress as follows:
– Soak a cloth in the cold water or milk
– Lie down and close your eyes
– Place the cold washed cloth over your eyes, leave it until it is no longer cold
– Once the cloth has lost its coldness, soak it again and place over the eyes
– Repeat this process for approximately 10-15 minutes. Do this 3-4 times a day
– You can also place frozen spoon to shrink your blood vessels. Simply put stainless spoons in your freezer for 5 minutes, then place it on your eyes. - Cucumber
Cucumber is probably the most applied home remedies to get rid of dark circles under the eyes. Numerous explores have observed that cucumber contains various antioxidants, for example vitexin, cucurbitacins, orientin and isoscoparin, also vitamin K and vitamin C that help reduce discoloration under eyes. You can use cucumbers as follows:
– Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices
– Refrigerate the slices for 30 minutes
– Place the cucumber slices on your eyes for approximately 10 minutes
– Wash the area with water
– Repeat twice a day for about a week - Almond oil
Lack of vitamin K and some other antioxidants can also be the cause of dark circles. You can use almond oil as it contains vitamin K. This vitamin can help contract the dilated blood vessels. You can follow this instruction:
– When getting ready for bed, apply a little bit of almond oil over the dark circles
– Gently massage the almond oil into the skin, and leave it overnight
– Wash the almond oil off with cold water in the morning. You can repeat this remedy daily - Raw potato
Potatoes can stay cold for a long time and are rich in various antioxidants, vitamin C, and starch. All these things can help nourish the thin skin around your eyes. Potatoes are also natural bleaching agents and as such can lighten dark circles. You can follow this simper instruction:
– Grate one or two raw washed potatoes to release the juice
– Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place over your closed eyes
– Allow the juice to sit for 10 to 15 minutes
– Rinse well with cool water
Repeat this once or twice daily for a few weeks. - Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has antioxidant, cleansing and saturating properties. It also has some bleaching properties which help to lighten the skin around the eyes. Use chamomile tea as follows:
– Take two tea bags and 1-2 cups of hot water
– Place the tea bags in a cup and spill the hot water over them
– Let them soak for 5-10 minutes
– Take out the tea bags and let them cool down (place it in the fridge will be better)
– Place the cold tea bags over your eyes
– Leave them there for 15-20 minutes
– Repeat this remedy daily - Rose water
Rosewater is a stand out amongst the most soothing remedies for eyes. If your dark circles are due to lack of sleep, push, exhaust or due to long sittings before computer screens, this remedy is for you. The anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of rose water provides protection against dust, contaminations, itchiness, redness, and inflammation of the eyes and helps reduce the dark circles. You can use rose water as follows:
– Soak cotton wool in pure rose water for a couple of minutes
– Put the cotton wool over your closed eyelids
– Leave for approximately 15 minutes. Repeat this remedy twice daily for a few weeks - Castor Oil
There is one more oil other than almond oil, which oil can help you get rid of those dark circles under your eyes. Castor oil contains fatty acids, which helps to rejuvenate your skin. The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil has anti-inflammantory properties, which makes it a good remedy for puffiness of eyes along with the dark circles.
– Apply castor oil gently on the dark circles and also around the eyes gently and leave it overnight. Wash off in the morning with cold water.
– You also can mix it with fresh cream to make it a more effective remedy. Mix 1 teaspoon of castor oil and 1 teaspoon of fresh cream, and then apply the mixture all around your cleaned eyes. Leave it for 15-20 minutes, then wash off with water.
8. Under Eye Serum
Under eye serum can be found in the cosmetics section of any pharmacy. You can also ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend an over-the-counter brand that is most suitable for treating dark circles and puffiness.
You can never cure of dark circles if you don’t take care of your diet and have enough rest. Improper diet is one of the major reasons of dark circles under eyes. Here are few tips for a proper diet and lifestyle so you can cure and prevent dark circles from forming under your eyes:
- Have enough sleep. The amount of sleep for each individual may vary, but normally 7-8 hours of sleep are considered enough
- Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration
- Have greater amount of green vegetables that contains vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron, vitamin K, antioxidants and vitamin B12
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce salt intake in your diet
- Avoid introduction to the sun. Wear sunglasses when you need to go out in the sun
