Got Dark circles? Say no more...

Let me be completely honest with you. I am the type of person who will get dark circles and puffy eyes if I don't get enough ZZZZZs and it can be quite stressing because with dark circles you end up looking tired and lazy for no reason. And guess what? not only women but men are also the victim of this monster known as "dark circles". In short, Dark circles are a common problem with both genders and all age groups typically above 16 years.

The skin around the eyes is very thin as compared to other parts of the body, and extremely delicate. Any changes happening in the deeper layers of the skin will be easily visible on the surface.

I have listed a few things from how to prevent them with natural remedies to how to conceal them with makeup.

What Causes Dark Circles

Dark circles can be caused by the following things:

1) Genetics & poor blood circulation:

In the case of genetics, it can be caused by a type of hyper pigmentation in your skin. Genetically, some people typically have thinner skin here, which makes blood pooling in this area more obvious. This can also be down to poor circulation.

2) Stress: Stress (physical or mental) is a major killer of healthy glowing skin. Stress can be a major factor that contributes to your eyes looking tired.

3) Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can also lead to pigmentation around the eyes.

4) Smoking: Smoking increases free radicals in the skin resulting in puffy eyes.

5) Lifestyle choices:

Lifestyle choices can also contribute, so because of thin skin, when your veins become dilated, they expand, and this makes them look darker. There are a number of reasons why your veins may become dilated – not enough sleep, stress, dehydration, dietary factors, alcohol, even allergies. To work out the main culprit behind your dark circles, gently pinch the skin and lift it off the surface. If the skin remains brown, it is hyper pigmentation, if not, it’s poor circulation or down to lifestyle. 

How to Prevent Dark Circles from Forming

 1.Sleep well

I know this may sound super simple, but this sleeping hack can make a huge difference. When your pillows are too flat, all of the blood will collect around your eye area, so to help drain the blood and to make sure it doesn’t pool overnight, sleep on your back with an extra pillow.

2. Cut back on salt

As you guys probably know, sodium, aka salt, causes your body to retain water, but it can actually cause puffiness in your eyes as well. Cutting back on sodium will help combat puffy eyes, so you appear less tired.

3. Stay hydrated

If your body is dehydrated, it tries to compensate for the lack of hydration by retaining as much water as possible, resulting in puffiness and under-eye bags. This is why making sure you drink the recommended amount of water is super important, as it not only keeps your skin looking good, but it’ll keep dark under eyes at bay.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

1) Sweet almond oil:

There are so many amazing natural remedies for dark circles, but I’ve got to admit I think sweet almond oil is my fave. It’s rich in Vitamin E and K, both of which will brighten the under-eye, while it will also help improve circulation, and it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce any morning swelling. All you need to do is gently pat in a drop of sweet almond oil under your eye using your fourth finger. If you do this every night, you should be able to notice a difference in a few weeks.

2) Potato:

Not only do potatoes contain both vitamin A and C, which brighten and hydrate, but they also contain starch and other enzymes that help brighten and get rid of dark circles. For a quick and easy DIY, I like to combine potato juice (grate half a potato and strain the juice) with a teaspoon of honey, which will make the application easier, while the honey will also work to hydrate the under-eye area. Once applied, leave on for 30 minutes, before wiping it away with a damp cloth. You’ll notice results within a couple of weeks if you do this every day.

3) Green tea:

Green tea is packed with caffeine, which can help to shrink the blood vessels in your under eyes, reducing inflammation in the veins and skin. The caffeine and EGCG in the tea will also restrict the blood capillaries, improving the appearance of dark circles and reducing swelling in puffy eyes. You can simply place green tea bags (brewed and then chilled in the fridge) under your eyes, but I find the method of mixing brewed green tea leaves with a little Vaseline (or honey) to be really effective and easy.

4) Ice:

To reduce swelling and to efficiently drain the blood from your under eyes, apply something cool. By cooling this area, the blood vessels will constrict – we use anything we have in our fridge, from cucumber slices to a cold spoon. Jade rollers are also amazing at depuffing, and you can store yours in the fridge for a quick de-puff in the mornings. You can also freeze coffee ice cubes, which will help depuff and awaken the under eyes.

5) Mint leaves

Mint leaves contain menthol that improves blood circulation and soothes and rejuvenates skin. It is natural astringent and contracts the blood vessels around the eyes, reducing the blue tint. The vitamin C in mint makes the skin around the eyes appear brighter. Make your own mask at home by blending mint leaves and applying them on the affected area. Leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing.

6) Always moisturise:

Many times, what may look like dark patch around the eyes, in reality, is just dry skin. Moisturising it twice daily will restore your skin and hydrate it, giving your eyes a fuller look. Use a good quality moisturiser that suits your skin type. You can even try massaging your skin with almond oil. 

How to Conceal Dark Circles:

1) Color correct: When it comes to concealing dark circles, you can balance them out by using opposite shades that will ‘cancel’ the color. It’s all about finding the right tone to color correct the particular shade of your dark circles. If your under eyes have a red or pink undertone, you should neutralize the area with a concealer with a yellow undertone, whereas if your dark circles have a blue or grey tint, you should use a peachy concealer to counteract the undertones.

2) Conceal: Concealer is the easiest way to say bye to dark circles. You can use a full coverage formula, and then you can bake the area (letting a thick layer of powder sit under the eye for 5 minutes) to add extra brightening and ensure the concealer stays in place all day and doesn’t settle into fine lines.

That's all for today lovelies. Have a great day.