One major factor contributing to dark circles is insufficient sleep. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Dark circles under the eyes can be a common concern, often resulting from factors such as lack of sleep, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
Dark circles under the eyes can be a common concern, often resulting from factors such as lack of sleep, genetics, and lifestyle choices. While dark circles are not a health concern, they make you appear dull, tired and older. Thus, people focus on reducing dark circles for cosmetic reasons.
One major factor contributing to dark circles is insufficient sleep. When you don’t get enough rest, the skin around your eyes can become pale, making dark blood vessels more visible. Genetics also play a significant role. In some cases, dark circles are simply a hereditary trait and may be challenging to eliminate.
Another cause of dark circles is the thinning of the skin around the eyes due to old age, which reveals the underlying blood vessels and causes a bluish or purplish tint. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet, can contribute to the appearance of dark circles. These habits can affect skin health and exacerbate the visibility of dark circles by impairing blood circulation and depleting essential nutrients.
Dark circles can be a hindrance to achieving a glowing natural look, thankfully several natural remedies exist that can help reduce their appearance.
Here are some natural remedies that might help in reducing dark circles:
Cucumber Slices
Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Cucumber’s cooling properties and high water content can soothe the skin and reduce puffiness.
Tea Bags
After brewing green or black tea, refrigerate the used tea bags and place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Caffeine and antioxidants can help constrict blood vessels and reduce dark circles.
Almond Oil
Gently massage a few drops of almond oil around your eyes before bed. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which can nourish the skin and help lighten dark circles.
Cold Milk
Soak cotton pads in cold milk and apply them to your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes. The lactic acid in milk can help lighten the skin and reduce puffiness.
Rose Water
Rose water has soothing properties that can help reduce dark circles. Soak cotton pads in rose water and place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Potato Slices or Juice
Potatoes have natural bleaching agents. Place thin potato slices on your eyes or apply fresh potato juice with a cotton ball to lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness.
Cold Compression
Place a cold spoon over your closed eyes for a few minutes. The cold metal can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling and discolouration.
Sleep
Insufficient sleep is a major factor causing dark circles. Ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Tomato Pulp
Apply fresh tomato pulp to the area around your eyes. Tomatoes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which can help lighten dark circles.
Hydration and Diet
Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in vitamins C and K can help improve blood circulation and skin health, which may reduce the appearance of dark circles.