Most people in the world struggle with dark circles due to stress, genetics or over exertion. The reasons may be plenty but the solutions are far easier, natural and 100% effective!
In this new age of technology along with a fast-paced life, we all tend to get extremely tired by the end of the day. We stare at the computer or our handy mobile phone all day, thanks to work-from-home and online classes. Even if we don’t step outdoors as much as we used to, the blue light from devices harms us unknowingly. Our eyes get overworked and hence, they show signs of fatigue. The skin under our eyes is very sensitive. If you happen to step out of the house and accidentally forget to use sunscreen, it might irritate your skin from the inside. New moms have to go through countless sleepless nights taking care of their babies and making sure they are sleeping well. Students tend to pull all-nighters to study for academic excellence. Even the smallest things which seem okay to us may be tiring for the eyes. Every single person has dark circles- may it be a film actress, royalty or a commoner. The skin below our eyes is very thin and sensitive and due to that, any issues caused by lack of rest are visible immediately. But don’t worry! It is completely normal.
We’re all going to show signs of aging sooner or later – and that includes under-eye bags and dark circles. Although dark circles under your eyes are most commonly caused by fatigue, there are other causes as well, including:
Allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, heredity, pigmentation irregularities, scratching or rubbing eyes, sun exposure.
Another cause of dark circles is the natural aging process. When you age, you tend to lose fat and collagen, and your skin often thins. This can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more prominent. Also, as people age, they commonly develop puffy eyelids or hollows under their eyes. Sometimes these physical changes cast shadows that can appear to be dark circles under the eyes.
Genetics determine what kind of skin we will have and what we’ll look like as we age. Those who have inherited fair or thin skin tend to show under circles more easily than others due to the fact that when our blood pools in the capillaries under our eyes, it’s simply more obvious through lighter skin.
Nobody’s perfect. That’s why we’re here to give out our natural secrets that will help reduce any dark circles and under-eye bags you’ve accumulated from years of having fun.
How to Remove Dark Circles Naturally
Firstly let us dive into the basics of How to Treat Dark Circles Naturally by making it a point to:
- Consume a diet that’s rich in vitamin C and iron
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily without fail!
- Avoid rubbing your eyes all the time
- Avoid strong eye cosmetics. Go natural!
- Moisturize the skin under the eye
- When you step out in the sun, wear sunglasses to protect your delicate eyes from harmful UV rays.
1. Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil contains lots of vitamins and mono-saturated fatty acids which help in lightening of skin tone. The vitamin E present in this plays a major role in overcoming dark circles. Almond oil can help to lighten the dark circles under your eyes and reduce under-eye puffiness. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Almond oil also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it.
First, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, wash your face and gently massage a small amount of almond oil into the area under your eyes. The massage helps increase blood circulation.
For best results, do this in the evening and let the oil sit overnight and wash it away in the morning
In order to see results, you’ll need to use almond oil overnight daily for at least several weeks. It may take this amount of time to see the results of increased circulation, lightened skin tone, and skin hydration taking effect.
2. Cold Tea Bags
One of the most effective and highly easy ways to combat these dark circles is to use cold tea bags. Preferably, use green tea or chamomile tea bags for quick results. It is thought that the residual caffeine helps to constrict blood vessels which reduces blood flow, helping to provide some relief from dark circles.
Take two tea bags and dip them in a cup of cold water. Press out excess water and place the bags onto the eyes for 10-15 minutes, after that wash your face with cold water. Try it twice a day for effective results.
3. Cold Milk
Cold milk is a natural cleanser for the eyes and also helps in soothing the sensitive skin around the eyes. It contains lactic acid, which not only helps to reduce puffiness but also lightens the skin. Additionally, potassium in milk allows the skin to stay better moisturized, leaving you with softer and supple skin. Dairy products like milk are a great source of vitamin A, which contains retinoids that are great for keeping skin looking bright and young.
Dip a cotton ball in cold milk and apply it to the eye area. Keep it for a while and later rinse the eyes with cold water. Repeat at least thrice a week!
4. Potato and Cucumber extract
Vitamins, antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory nature of these cooling veggies helps to reduce inflammation around the eyes while also helping to stave off darkening. Potato has great amount of starch and enzymes in it. The astringent properties and enzymes reduce the inflammation and helps in tightening of skin. Therefore, helping in reduction of dark circles.
Grate some raw potatoes or cucumber and place the shreds on your eyes. Relax and remove them after 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can also extract the juice of potatoes or cucumbers. Take a cotton ball, soak it in the juice, and place it over your eyes. Leave it for 1-3 minutes and wash off with cold water.
5. Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera is an effective moisturizer. Moisturized skin is less likely to sag and will stay healthy longer. Additionally, aloe vera also helps to nourish the skin, preventing premature ageing.
Take an aloe vera leaf from your garden, slit it open and scale off the gel part. Apply this fresh gel onto dark circle prone area, gently. Massage for few minutes in circular motions until it holds onto your skin. After 10-12 minutes wipe it out using soft moist cloth. Try this remedy once before bedtime every single day.
6. Rosewater
Rosewater is refreshing, rejuvenating and can practically be used on almost all skin types and for all skin-related issues. It’s also a mild astringent and can be used as an effective skin toner too.
Take cotton pads and soak it into rose water. Place them over your eyelids for 10-15 minutes. Do this at least twice a week. Use only pure and natural rose water to get best results.
7. Coconut oil
As a powerful natural and gentle anti-inflammatory, coconut oil is an effective method for lightening dark under eye circles. It also moisturizes while it lightens to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes.
Massage some coconut oil it into your under-eye area, leave it on overnight and then rinse it off in the morning.
8. Turmeric paste
As yet another powerful, natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric minimizes dark circles. The curcumin in turmeric enhances the glow of the skin. It effectively reduces the melanin production and helps in overcoming dark circles.
Take few mint leaves, crush them and strain the juice. Take one teaspoon gram flour, half teaspoon turmeric powder and add it to the juice of mint leaves to make a paste. Apply this mixture onto the affected area, leave for 15-20 minutes. Try it thrice in a week for better results.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are natural bleaching agents. They also contain antioxidants that help to tame down the discoloration around the eye area. Lycopene, a phytochemical found in tomatoes helps in keeping the skin wrinkle free.
Mix a teaspoon of tomato juice with a spoon of lemon juice and apply under both the eye areas. Let it remain for 10 minutes or so, and rinse off with cold water. Alternatively, you can also consume tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves to get rid of dark circles.
Please make sure to do a patch test before applying this on your face as it can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
10. Regular Sleep and Meditation
Arguably, one of the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to get rid of dark circles – getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Regular sleep ensures that your body has enough time to rest, repair and regenerate. This improves the youthfulness of your skin as well as your overall health. Proper sleep on a regular basis can be your biggest weapon against preventing and reducing dark circles in the long term. Try sleeping on your back if you struggle with dark circles, with your head a little tilted and above you’re the level of your body. This helps drain the lymph nodes more effectively which reduces under-eye circles.
One of the underlying reasons for dark circles is stress, depression and an erratic lifestyle. Thus, one of the most prudent ways to deal with dark circles is to stay calm and composed. But as stress is an integral part of our life, this is not always possible. Hence, it is beneficial to make Yoga and Meditation an everyday ritual!
Every person goes through cycles of stress and work overload. Hence, dark circles are bound to happen. They are quite common but it isn’t the end of the world. Concealers and foundation can mask them for some time but we always promote using natural ways to avoid and remove dark circles. The chemicals used in make-up can make your skin worse and by rubbing your eyes while removing the make up with harsh make up removers, your skin loses its youthfulness. To avoid the hassle, you must try out these natural chemical-free and effective ways to fight those raccoon eyes!
Let us know in the comments about your experience with dark circles and if our blog helped you tackle it!
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