HOME REMEDIES to get rid of dark circles

Dark circles, the discolouration of the skin under the eye, are undesirable as they dull one’s appearance.There are many ways to get rid of them including simple home remedies that use food from your kitchen cabinets. Here are ideas on how to go about it.

Many factors are responsible for dark circles with genetics being a major cause. While can’t control whether or not you have them in the first place certain habits makes them look worse or better. Age is another factor because as you grow older, the skin loses its elasticity and ability to regenerate and as a result it becomes thinner hence veins become more visible. Fatigue and stress also play a role in formation of dark circles in addition to effects from some medication and allergies, which can be seasonal. Regardless of the cause, there are some home remedies that can help reduce the visibility including:

Cucumber: Studies have shown that cucumbers have antioxidants in them along with vitamins C and K that help reduce inflammation that causes puffiness and dark circles. Cucumber works best when chilled as the cool temperature eases puffines and discourages the accumulation of fluids under your eyes. Simply cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes then place them on your eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Do this twice daily for about a week and rinse off with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can mix cucumber juice and lemon juice in equal amounts and then dab some cotton wool in the mixture and rub it under your eye twice a day for a week. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.

Tea Bags: These have caffeine and antioxidants that can be highly beneficial in getting rid of dark circles as well as puffiness under the eyes. They do so by shrinking the blood vessels and reducing fluid retention. Take two used black or green tea bags and chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Then place each tea bag on your eyes for about 15 minutes, twice a day, ensuring you rinse your eyes with water after use. Do this for two weeks. Ensure the tea does not get into your eyes, as it will cause irritation.

Lemon juice: The juice in lemon can help remove dark circles under the eyes due to its skin-lightening properties. Squeeze a fresh lemon and use cotton wool to rub some of the juice around your eyes and leave the cotton wool there for about 10 minutes daily. Do not rinse it off. Do this for two weeks and you will notice the dark circles will begin to lighten.

Potatoes: Raw potatoes can help lighten dark circles and get rid of puffiness around the eyes. Place slices of raw potatoes on your eyes twice a day for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, shred two potatoes and drain the juice into a piece of cotton wool and then rub it on the dark circles for 15 minutes two times daily for two weeks. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

Tomatoes: The bleaching properties in a raw tomato are good for lightening dark circles. You can simply blend a tomato and use its juice or mix some tomato juice and lemon juice then apply it on the dark circles and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a day for two weeks. Another alternative is to drink a glass of tomato juice mixed with some mint leaves, lemon juice and salt, twice a day for a week. You will begin to see the difference around your eyes.

Published in August 2016