Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Circles
The pigmented rings beneath the eyes, popularly called the dark circles, have become the norm of life in the tech-driven fast lifestyle of metropolitans. Though the two might not seem to have an obvious relation, the connection runs deeper. Prolonged exposure to digital screens, insufficient sleep, and stress, which come free along with the modern lifestyle, are some of the most popular causals to blame for dark circles. Some other reasons might be ageing or even allergies.
Whatever be the cause, these pigmented rings make the face appear pale and ill. While a plethora of chemical products is available to combat these, you could also go natural and fight off these rings. Read below some of the most effective ways to get rid of dark circles.
Natural Remedies For Dark Circles
Sufficient Sleep
Dark circles are often a result of sleep deprivation
One of the most common reasons for dark circles is a disturbed sleeping cycle. While lethargy, lack of concentration and irritability are the psychological manifestations of the lack of sleep, dark circles and puffy eyes are the physical ones. It is advised to have a good night's sleep of up to eight hours to keep the under-eye skin healthy and avoid the accumulation of blood in the capillaries under the eye which results in dark circles.
Yoga or Meditation
Stress management can work wonders for overall skincare as well as fighting off dark circles
Stress not only bereft you of the joy of living but also has physical implications, one of which is dark circles. Combating stress can have a magical impact on your skin, and under eyes are no exception. Try regulating the stress levels with yoga, meditation, a nice workout, a new hobby or anything that helps you reconnect with yourself and pacifies your internal chaos.
Cold Tea Bags
Herbal teas are rich in antioxidants which can lighten and brighten the skin
Teas, especially the herbal ones, aren't just a treat for the taste buds. They have in them the ability to soothe your under eyes and remove the dark circles, puffiness, and crow's feet. After enjoying a cup of your favourite tea, take out the teabag and refrigerate it for some time. Take this out and place it under your eyes for five to ten minutes. The antioxidants present in tea can work wonders on your skin when applied regularly and help to say goodbye to the dark circles in no time.
Massage
Massaging the right pressure points under eyes can help in removing dark circles and puffiness of the eyes
Dark circles are a direct result of the accumulation of blood in the capillaries present under the eyes, and nothing could be better than a good under-eye massage to bring back the correct blood flow. Get started with a regular routine of massaging your under eyes for best results.
Tap gently around the eyes with your index finger and middle finger, encircling them for three to four times. Now firmly press the pressure points present just under the brow bone on either side of the nose. Follow this with a firm and inward pressing of the nose above the bridge, next to the tear ducts. In the end, gently massage your temples with your index finger and middle finger.
Alternately, you can massage around your eyes in a circular fashion using a mixture of coconut oil and almond oil. Leave the mixture on for about an hour and let the oils perform their magic! Regular massage with this mixture will help you in lightening those circles in no time.
Tomatoes
Consumption, as well as, topical application of tomatoes is quite effective against dark circles
Tomatoes aren't just a juicy salad vegetable; these versatile spheres are excellent exfoliators and can help unlock a healthier skin. These are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid hydrocarbon popular for its effectiveness against dark circles, skin problems, as well as, cardiovascular and vision ailments. Mix equal parts of fresh lemon juice and tomato juice, and apply the mixture under your eyes using a makeup removal pad, facial cotton pad or a cotton ball. Let the mixture rest under your eyes for 10-20 minutes and then rinse off using warm or coconut water. Follow this beauty regime regularly, twice a day, to make your dark circles a thing of past.
Alternately, you can go for a refreshing concoction of tomato, lemon juice and mint leaves each morning or as an evening beverage, for improved skin as well as overall health.
Potatoes
Juice of grated potatoes when applied regularly under eyes, remove dark circles naturally
Besides the scrumptious spread of delicacies that potatoes offer, these tubular veggies are also great for skin care. Used in many skin care products and home remedies, potatoes can bring back the lost radiance of the skin and have skin lightening properties, making them an excellent remedy for dark circles. While Vitamin C mainly targets these pigmented rings, antioxidants work towards reducing the puffiness of the eyes.
You can either grate or slice the potatoes and apply the obtained juice under your eyes using cotton balls or makeup removal pads. Let the juice sit under your eyes for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Follow this regime daily for best results.
Orange Juice
Mixture of orange juice and glycerin is a very popular home remedy for dark circles
Orange juice is another fruit that can be applied topically to rejuvenate the skin. A popular add-on in skincare products, this tangy fruit is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, popular for their skin brightening and uplifting properties. Squeeze in fresh orange juice and mix it with glycerin and soak the preparation in a cotton ball. You can also add lemon juice to the mixture if you want! Gently apply this mixture under the eyes, leave it for some time and then rinse. Regular application of this preparation will not only help you in bidding adieu to the pigmented circles soon but will also help in reducing the puffiness of the eyes.
Rosewater
Rose water can also be used as an eyewash
When it comes to skincare, the mention of rose water is unavoidable. This mystical water has been used not only across generations but also in various civilisations, for its refreshing and soothing properties. For dark circles, you just need to take a cotton ball, dab it in cold rose water for 10-15 mins, apply over your eyes and rinse! Alternately, you can also add a few drops of milk to the rose water and massage around the eyes. Following this practice once or twice daily will not only help in combating stubborn dark circles but will also keep your eyes fresh. You can also use rose water to remove dust from the eyes, fight off eye irritation, and in giving your eyes a cool break from long stretches of digital screen exposure.
Coconut Oil and Vitamin E
Coconut oil is quite effective against ageing, wrinkles, and dark circles
Another popular remedy for dark circles is the mixture of coconut oil and Vitamin E, both of which are widely popular in skincare. You can easily make the mixture by adding equal quantities of both the oils at home. Apply this mixture under your eyes before retiring to bed and leave it overnight. Rinse off the mixture in the morning and repeat this regime daily for healthy and blossoming under-eye skin. This mixture also helps in delaying ageing and fighting off free radicals and wrinkles. Not to mention its anti-inflammatory property which will keep the under-eye puffiness at a bay.
Cucumber
Cucumber's soothing properties refresh the eyes and help in bringing back the lost radiance of skin around it
Cucumber is one of the most soothing salad vegetables that you can rest on your eyes. This refreshing vegetable is not only rich in skin-lightening Vitamin C, but also has some astringent properties, which blend together to give your eyes the much-awaited refreshment. Chop some slices of cucumber and refrigerate them for about half an hour. Now apply these cool slices to your eyes for ten minutes and wash off with warm water. You can also make a mixture of cucumber and lemon juices, and apply in under the eyes. For best results, follow this routine twice a day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Circles
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles appear due to the accumulation of blood in the capillaries and hyper-activation of cells producing melanin pigments under the eyes. Many factors can lead to this including sleep deprivation, oversleeping, exhaustion from looking at digital screens for long hours, poor nutrition, stress, genetics, etc.
How can I remove dark circles?
The first step in getting rid of dark circles is to have a proper sleep cycle. You can also try natural remedies such as massage with tomato juice or cucumbers or go for under eye creams for the same. You can also opt for proper medication or laser treatment.
Are dark circles an indicator of a serious illness?
Not necessarily. However, in some cases, dark circles appear after fluid retention due to improper functioning of liver, kidneys, or heart. Sometimes they also pop after recovering from a long illness.
Also Read:
A multi-media journalist and writer, Vaibhavi views the world as one big piece of poetry. Time and again she tries to capture this poetry through words, as well as, the lens. She loves to explore the depth of human psyche, philosophy, cultures, and oceans! Carrying forward this quest for exploration she reports on various beats ranging from tourism, culture, art, social issues, business, market trends, science and environment to technology. For her, the life mantra can be summarised with the catchphrases, “Hakuna Matata” and “Carpe Diem”.
...read more