As our age increases, we start to notice changes in our body. We realize that our physical attributes begin to significantly show signs of maturity like having more unwanted flab, wrinkles in places that shouldn’t be, glaring spots on our skin and many others. Being adults that last thing we would want to see on top of all those changes is dark circles under our eyes. They not only make us feel old or look old, but it also shows life’s stress taking a toll on you.
Dark circles or puffiness under the eyes should not be something to be concerned about that needs medical attention. However, no one likes to carry those unsightly eye bags all the time. So, how do we get rid of these ugly eye bags? In this article, we are looking into natural treatments for getting rid of them once and for all. However, we must first understand how we got them under our eyes in the first place.
Dark circles under our eyes – what causes them?
There are plenty of factors besides age that contributes to the formation of dark circles or bags under our eyes. The common ones include:
Exhaustion and fatigue
Whether we’re sleeping too much or too little, dozing off at irregular hours can cause the dark circle to form under your eyes. When we’re deprived of sleep, it can make our skin pale and dull, thus letting tissues to darken and blood vessels to appear visibly under your eyes. Similarly, sleeping for long hours can also make our skin dull and lifeless.
Moreover, when we lack sleep, it can cause puffiness to the eyes because of fluid build-up.
Strained or overuse of the eyes
When we are on the computer all day or staring at our gadgets for long hours, it can cause a significant amount of eye strain. When our eyes become tired and overworked, blood vessels surrounding it tend to enlarge and darken the skin in the process.
Drinking too little water
Depriving yourself of sufficient water intake is also a common reason for the darkening of the skin under the eyes. Not only that, but not drinking enough water can also make your skin unhealthy and dull while your eye sockets appear sunken.
When we are allergic to something, it causes the eyes to water and dries out. It is because our body is releasing natural histamines to ward off the harmful viruses. While we also experience symptoms like redness, itchiness from the histamines, it can also cause our blood vessels to darken and become more visible under our eyes.
Hereditary
Genetics can also contribute to developing those dark circles below our eyes. Even in childhood, the trait can already become noticeable.
What do I need to do dark circles or eye bags naturally?
There are readily available products in the market to treat and lighten those unsightly dark circles visible beneath our eyes. Unfortunately, most of them don’t work all the time. Good thing there are natural and alternative methods to do so without spending so much. Below are six home remedies you can try to help you get rid of those eye bags.
- Try using tea bags
Green tea is more effective when applying this method. If you don’t know this by now, natural tea leaves have antioxidant properties to slow down the aging process. It is also said that using tea bags can improve the blood circulation in the blood vessels especially in the skin beneath the eyes.
To use, just simmer two tea bags in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Once done, let it cool in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Next, squeeze out excess liquid and place the bags onto your under-eyes. Let it on for about 15 minutes before removing. You can repeat this method two or three times weakly to lighten and de-puff the eyes.
Staying hydrated is a good way to lighten the dark circles and reduce the puffiness under our eyes. It is because our body’s composition is about 60% water, so it is necessary to replenish our water loss frequently in a day. Health experts suggest that about nine glasses of water are ideal for women while 13 glasses are ideal for men. If you don’t like how water tastes, you can infuse it with fruits like lemon, honey, strawberries, and oranges for added flavor.
- Don’t forget to remove your makeup
Though makeup is a good way to conceal those dark circles, it can also be counterintuitive. It is because makeup contains harsh chemicals that can damage our skin and cause our under-eye area to darken more. Aside from that, makeup can also irritate the eyes prompting us to rub it mindlessly. Always make sure to remove them before going to bed at night. Your skin and eyes will thank you if you maintain this habit.
- Eat foods rich in collagen
Even the food we eat can contribute to those dark circles and puffiness underneath the eyes. If we eat too much sodium, we retain a lot of water and often they can build up more under the eyes. To solve this, eat foods rich in vitamin C, as it is known to contain collagen to maintain skin’s healthy glow and elasticity. Thus, lessening the chances of getting dark circles. These foods include:
– Red peppers
– Strawberries
– Kale
– Broccoli
– Oranges
- Load up on foods rich in iron as well
A person with iron deficiency means that there is not enough oxygen supply in our blood. As a result, anemia can make our skin look dull and pale. Increasing your intake of foods with iron can lessen the chances of getting dark circles or eye bags. These foods include:
– Red meat
– Seafood
– Peas
– Green and leafy vegetables
– Cereals, bread, and pasta
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol and quit the smoking habit
We all know that having these two habits can cause a lot of problems to our health. Smoking reduces our vitamin C levels while drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration. If we do not quit this habit and live a healthier lifestyle, it not only makes us prone to diseases but it can also make us look older and more mature than our real age.
Love reading this article? Share it on your social media by clicking the icons below.