Nobody likes to look as if they’ve been socked in the eye.
While a bad case of periorbital dark circles under eyes will most likely not produce such a dramatic effect, they can cause a bit of embarrassment and self-consciousness all the same.
Dark circles is the result of a thin layer of skin under your eyes containing more blood than other places in the body.
Accumulation of blood beneath the skin’s surface creates the swollen effect that is common among those with dark circles under eyes.
Put simply, age, genetics, or environmental factors cause the appearance of dark circles underneath the eyes.
Genetic predisposition is exceptionally common; if your parents or grandparents have them, the chances are pretty good that you will as well.
As you likely already know, dark circles underneath your eyes is not a dangerous condition. They do often appear as a symptom of various illnesses, however.
What Could Be The Causes Of Dark Circles?
- Aging
- Alcohol
- Allergies
- Excessive salt consumption
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep
- Sickness
- Stress
How Can You Get Rid Of Dark Circles Under Eyes?
Okay, here’s some slightly bad news: you probably won’t be able to get rid of the dark circles entirely.
Even the most expensive eye creams and surgical procedures can’t completely eliminate them.
However, you can do things to minimize the appearance of dark circles. Even better, you can do so without uber expensive beauty products.
Here are ways in which you can remove those dark layers beneath your eyes naturally.
Almond Oil
Almond oil contains skin lightening compounds like niacin, phytosterols, and vitamin E.
Phytosterols are known to stimulate collagen production which, when combined with vitamin E, may go a long way towards reducing the effects of dark circles.
Before laying down for bed, gently massage some almond oil onto the dark areas of the skin.
Leave the oil on overnight. Rinse your face with cold water the following morning. Repeat these simple instructions every day as desired.
Egg Whites
Beat up an egg white and apply it with a brush or your fingers under the eyes. As it dries, it will tighten and tone the skin. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes then gently rinse. It can also stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.
Green or Black Tea
Tea bags are another popular home remedy. Green and black teas contain caffeine which constrict the tiny blood vessels in the skin around the eyes. Caffeinated tea also contains tannins which stimulate blood circulation.
To make it work, place two tea bags in a mug of hot water. Remove and let the tea bags cool to room temperature and place on eyes for 15–30 minutes.
Doing this once or twice a week can help tighten the skin under the eyes, as well as provide soothing benefits.
Cucumber
Okay, so you’ve probably seen a movie or two with scenes of women chilling at the spa or some pool with cucumber slices atop their eyelids.
Unlike most things in movies, there is a reasonable explanation as to why: cucumbers contain ascorbic and caffeic acid, which can reduce water retention.
Also, cucumbers contain properties which give it a skin lightening effect, and reducing dark circles under eyes.
Rinse off and slice the cucumber into thick slices. Allow the fruit to chill for about 30 minutes. Place the slices onto the dark circles for about 15 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with cold water. Repeat these instructions twice daily as desired.
Raw Potato
Raw potato is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients beneficial for your skin.
Potatoes also contain vitamin C, enzymes, and starch to help nurture the ultra-thin skin around the eyes.
Also, potatoes tend to stay cold for extended periods, which helps reduce the inflammation and swelling of blood vessels.
Rinse off and slice a chilled potato into semi-thin slices. Place the slices onto your eyes for about 15–20 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with cold water. Repeat these instructions twice daily as desired.