Dark Circles
Even some of the most stunning women often have to resort to concealers and make-up to hide their dark circles. Not only do these under-eye circles make you look much older than what you actually are, but they also have you looking ill or unhealthy.
Before we even begin this natural journey, let me tell you that dark circles take time to cure and require great discipline. A regular skin and health care program should be followed, by the book, so do not expect magic to happen overnight.
Causes of Dark Circles.
Firstly let us know some of the basic causes of dark circles.
1. Lack of proper intake of water – It is important to flush out toxins from your body constantly and store them lest they harm you. Start with at least 10-12 glasses of water in your daily intake.
2. Hemoglobin Levels – You need to also check on internal problems with regards to your hemoglobin levels and get an appointment with your doctor to see if there is any internal weakness for which you may have to take vitamin supplements. This, however, can also be substituted with a high protein and a balanced diet.
3. Genetic causes – Many times, the reason for dark circles may be genetic and not be directly related to your nutritional intake. In such a case, you will not be able to get rid of them completely but once worked on properly, will definitely be able to reduce them drastically.
4. Sleeplessness: – For the night owls who party hard, smoke or drink, dark circles are bound to appear. Balance out your lifestyle and get proper rest.
5. Stress – Most people who are much stressed out also have sleep problems. Either they suffer from disturbed sleep and toss and turn or due to incessantly thinking doesn’t get to sleep. They often wake up groggy in the morning.
6. Lack of proper diet – Junk, preservative-heavy food and lack of fresh salads and adequate nourishing food in your diet will also cause the skin to look sallow and give you dark circles.
7. Prolonged illness – When recovering from a long illness, dark circles could begin to appear due to internal weakness.
8. Computer hours – Long hours in front of the computer can be harrowing for the eyes and can lead to eye stress and dark circles. Cup your eyes in your palms every hour to relax eye muscles and improve blood circulation.
10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Circles:
1. Almond Oil
A a completely natural ingredient that benefits skin around your eyes, almond oil helps lighten dark circles. Combine almond oil with vitamin E oil and your dark circles will be history. Plus, these ingredients really something that’s a staple in every household.
Usage
· Before hitting the sack, apply some almond oil over your dark circles and massage it
gently into the skin.
· Leave the oil on overnight.
· Wash it off with cold water the next morning.
· Repeat this every day until your dark circles are gone.
2. Cucumber
Remember those Hollywood movies where women are seen relaxing at a spa with cucumber slices on their eyes? Well, there’s a reason beyond gloss. With skin-lightening and mild astringent properties, cucumbers are completely equipped to fix those raccoon eyes. Better yet, they are soothing and refreshing too.
Usage
· Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices and chill it for about 30 minutes.
· Place the slices on the dark circles for about 10 minutes.
· Wash the area thoroughly with water.
· Repeat this process twice a day for one week to see results.
3. Raw Potato
Potato
Potatoes contain vital natural bleaching agents and used raw, they help lighten dark circles and reduce excess puffiness around your eyes.
Usage
·Grate a couple of chilled potatoes to extract the juice.
· Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place it on your closed eyes.
· Make sure the juice covers the dark circles entirely.
· Allow the juice to sit for about 15 minutes and rinse your eyelids well with cool water.
· Repeat once or twice daily for 2 – 3 weeks to see results.
4. Rose Water
There’s a reason mothers always advise their children to rinse their eyes with Rose Water when they’re sore. It not only rejuvenates skin and reduces dark circles but also has a soothing effect on tired eyes. Due to its mild astringent properties, it also works well as a skin toner.
Usage
· Soak cotton eye pads in rose water for a few minutes.
· Place the soaked pads on your closed eyelids.
· Leave them on for about 15 minutes.
· Follow this remedy twice daily for 2 – 3 weeks to see results.
5. Tomato
Tomato
Tomato, the fruit that’s used as a vegetable, is known to naturally possess powerful bleaching properties that can lighten skin very effectively.
Usage
· Mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with one and a half teaspoon of lemon juice.
· Gently apply this mixture on your dark circles and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
· Rinse it off well with cool water.
· Follow this remedy twice a day for 2 – 3 weeks to see results.
6. Lemon Juice
The vitamin C present in lemon juice can also help remove dark circles under the eyes, thanks to its skin-lightening properties.
Usage
· Use a cotton ball to apply fresh lemon juice around your eyes. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse it off. Do this once daily for a few weeks.
· Another option is to make a thick paste by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a pinch of gram flour (besan) and turmeric powder. Apply this thick paste gently around your eyes. Rinse it off with clean water after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat two or three times every week.
Note: If the lemon juice causes a burning sensation then discontinue its use.
7. Coconut Oil
Massaging with coconut oil is another effective natural remedy to lighten dark circles. Due to its moisturizing quality, coconut oil also promotes smooth skin and prevents wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes.
Usage
· Simply massage some extra-virgin coconut oil on the under-eye area.
· Leave it on for a few hours, and then wash it off.
· Repeat two to three times daily for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results.
8. Tea Bags
The caffeine and antioxidants present in tea can be highly beneficial for getting rid of dark circles as well as puffiness under eyes by shrinking the blood vessels and reducing fluid retention. The tannin, in particular, helps decrease swelling and discoloration.
Usage
· Chill two used green or black tea bags in the refrigerator for about half an hour.
· Place one tea bag over each eye and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
· Remove the tea bags and wash your face.
· Repeat once or twice daily for a few weeks.
Note: Be careful not to get the tea in your eyes.
9. Cold Compress
A cold compress can constrict the blood vessels under the eyes and help a lot in reducing eye puffiness and dark circles.
Usage
· Soak a washcloth in cold water or cold milk. Put it over your closed eyelids for several minutes.
· Alternatively, you can wrap a few ice cubes in a soft napkin and place it under your eyes for a few minutes. You can also use a bag of frozen peas, a chilled teabag or a cold spoon.
Follow these remedies a few times daily.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize dark circles. It will also make the skin around your eyes smoother and softer.
Usage
· Mix two teaspoons each of turmeric powder with pineapple juice to make a thick paste.
· Apply this paste to the affected area.
· Leave it on for about 10 minutes before wiping it away with a soft, damp cloth.
· Do this daily until you get positive results.
Additional Tips
Get adequate sleep and rest.
Avoid rubbing your eyes too much or too often as it causes the blood vessels to dilate, thus making the under-eye circles appear darker.
Remove your makeup before going to sleep or else it may irritate your eyes.
Limit sun exposure.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to get rid of water retention that could be causing the problem.
To avoid eye bags caused by the pooling of fluids in your lower eyelids, elevate your head by adding two or more pillows under your head before going to sleep.
Pay attention to your diet and eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
Stop smoking and restrict alcohol and caffeine consumption; smoking damages skin cells, and alcohol and caffeine contribute to dehydration which in turn weakens the delicate the skin around the eyes.
They say. “A a person travels the entire world in search of something that he finds at home”. So don’t go looking elsewhere for expensive cures to dark circles; they’re all right there in your kitchen.
