How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Quite a few people have reached out inquiring about products to help reduce under eye circles and bags.  So here’s the deal…The skin on and directly around the eye area is thinner than the rest of the skin on your body. Under eye circles tend to fluctuate with changes of seasons, changes in lifestyle, and changes in age. While you may be tempted to cover those bad boys with a heavy layer of concealer, try listening to what you skin is telling you to find some lasting solutions. As collagen decreases, veins show through more prominently, increasing the advent of dark circles.

Thin skin also fills more easily with fluid, which can lead to puffiness around the eyes. Under eye darkness is usually caused by blood pooling beneath the thin skin under the eyes. Pooling occurs when the blood vessels around your eyes constrict due to inflammation. Darkness is most noticeable in the morning because you’ve spent the last 8 hours laying down, without the help of gravity to get that blood moving.

In some cases, and most often in those with dark skin, under eye darkness might appear brown or reddish. This is generally not caused by blood pooling, but rather by hyperpigmentation around the eyes.

BUT FIRST!
Test: To determine the cause of your dark circles, gently stretch the skin under your eyes. If the area becomes darker, then the circles are probably due to thin skin and diminished collagen. If the color doesn’t change, UV rays causing hyperpigmentation are probably the problem. Blood that accumulates under the eyes, often due to poor circulation or lack of sleep, can be more obvious in fair or thin-skinned people, especially as fragile capillaries stretch and leak.

Be mindful that other reasons that cause dark circles under the eyes can be allergies, anemia (iron deficiency), smoking, thyroid conditions, dermatitis (skin irritation from products/makeup…etc.), eye drop treatments for glaucoma (bimatoprost), and a reduction of fatty tissue around the eyes.

THEN!…Make Lifestyle Changes
Add another pillow: If you notice intense darkness when you wake up, try propping your head up with an additional pillow while you sleep to discourage blood from pooling. You should also try to sleep on your back to minimize trauma to your skin.  Propping up on a few pillows will also help when you have a runny nose! Just thought I would throw that quick tip in there! Hydrate: dark circles intensify when the body is dehydrated, drink plenty of water to minimize inflammation.  Eat: Get sufficient sleep; eat fruits with vitamin C, vegetables and herbs high in vitamin K like basil, spinach and collard greens.

Here are some ways that you can clear up those under eye circles at home.  
Raw Potatoes – Raw potatoes contain antioxidants and possess natural bleaching properties. It has nutrients which benefit the skin and also nurtures the ultra-thin skin around the eyes. It also reduces the inflammation and swelling of blood vessels. Grate a potato or cut an extra thin slice. Place the slice on eyes for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your face with cold water. Repeat the process every day to get rid of dark circles.
Cucumber – Do you remember watching old movies, where the women would put cucumbers over their eyes and lay back in complete relaxation.  Ha! Neither do I.  Anyhow, cucumber is indeed refreshing as well as soothing. It is completely capable of fixing those raccoon eyes. Cut thick cucumber slices and keep them on both the eyes for half an hour. You can also grate the cucumber and apply at the bottom of the eyes for better results.  Cucumber is high in water and vitamin C content and helps to sooth, moisturize & nourish the skin while reducing swelling.
Rosewater – Rosewater, also known as Rose Hydrosol, is known for rejuvenating the skin but do you know it is instrumental in reducing dark circles. Not only this it has a soothing effect on the eyes. As rose water possesses mild astringent properties it works as a skin toner.  Apply rose water on the dark circles with (reusable) cotton pads. Soak a cotton pad in rose water and place them on closed eyelids. Repeat the process for at least three weeks for better results.
Cold tea bags – Green Tea contains tannins which have astringent properties that help reduce the dark circles and puffiness. Dark circles are caused because the blood vessels get dilated. The caffeine in Green Tea has antioxidant properties that stimulate blood circulation, constricts the blood vessels and thus reduces the dark circles. Take two tea bags and dip them in cold water. You can also refrigerate the water for some time. Keep both the tea bags over your eyes for a while (10 to 15 minutes) and then wash your face with cold water.
Massage- Go ahead and gently massage around the eye area to help improve circulation.  This will probably feel more pampering if you use your favorite Farmhouse produces, including lightweight Hydrating Antioxidants, rich Carrot & Shea, Oil-Free & Clear or our Rosehip Restore Serum.

Some people have dark circles naturally. The best solution to genetic under eye circles: Kojic acid can help make hereditary dark under-eye circles less noticeable by blocking the production of melanin (the substance that gives the skin its color). Or embrace it because you’re beautiful either way!

Be Well!

Until Next Time!