|
 Under-eye circles
are not the case when we can say that all is beautiful in a woman. That's why
their causes should be identified and immediate action should be taken against
this deplorable defect. The good news is that there are a lot of simple at-home
ways to treat them. There is no need for surgery or laser treatments, all you
really need is a trip to the grocery store and a couple of minutes to relax.
Whether it is
due to stress, lack of sleep, a hang-over, or just from ageing, dark circles
are formed as a result of swelling and expansion of tiny under-eye veins which are
easily visible through the thin skin under the eyes. Why is this happening?
What causes veins to expand?
There are
several causes for the formation of dark circles under the eyes. The simplest
and most common cause is chronic lack of sleep. If you notice that lack of sleep
has become normal for you, you should reconsider your sleeping habits and way
of life. However, even normal (8-hour) sleep does not ensure that you get rid
of dark circles, if you sleep in the poorly-aired or dimply lit room. Before
going to bed, you should provide a sufficient access of fresh air or properly air
your bedroom.
Besides, dark
circles under the eyes are practically unavoidable if they run in your family,
but that isn't to say that there aren't treatments out there for them. But for
those whose genetic background doesn't predispose them to dark circles the
reasons can be numerous, including dehydration, stress, diet, or any
combination.
Dark
circles can often result from vitamin deficiency. That is why you often come
across people with «blue veins» in the late winter and early spring. In this
situation, you need to improve the immunity with multivitamins, and eat more citrus
fruits, as they are a rich source of ascorbic acid which strengthens vascular
walls and reduces their permeability. The habit of drinking tea, coffee or
other liquids before going to bed also contributes to the blood overflow and swelling
which results in the blue veins around eyes. Pure cool water can help to quench
the thirst.
It's worse,
if the dark circles were caused by a disease, because blue veins under the eyes
can be one of the symptoms of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases or urinary
and digestive disorders. If under-eye circles are your long-term peeve, and all
attempts to get rid of them are not effective, there is a good reason to consult
a doctor. Medical examination and tests will not only help to detect the
problem, but also to decide upon a proper and timely treatment, before the
abnormality is fully manifested. After the therapy, dark circles will disappear.
However, if
there are no health problems, try the following tips. There are several ways to
fully prevent or reduce the appearance of under-eye circles (even if you are
genetically predisposed). Since dark circles can be caused by dehydration be
sure to drink enough water (eight 8-oz glasses per day) and avoid things that
cause dehydration, including alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Diet and exercise
can also lead to dark circles; these dark circles are actually an indication
that you are not getting proper nutrients. Evaluating your diet to be sure you
are getting enough to fill your daily needs is important. Also, there are quite
a few natural home remedies to combat dark under-eye circles. Potatoes are
highly available product which is widely used in the home recipes to combat dark
circles. For example, take one cooked potato and cut it into two halves. While
it's still warm, put each half on the eyelids. Some experts believe that you
don't even have to cook potatoes: freshly cut potato slices are also quite
effective for reducing dark circles. You can also make «a paste» of raw
potatoes, mix it with pure vegetable oil, and apply under your eyes and on the
eyelids. All potato-based home treatments should be done in the evening.
There are
three keys to home remedies: moisturizing the skin, cooling the skin, and
stimulating the skin. Moisturizing helps eliminate dark circles by dehydrating
the skin, cooling the skin helps by relieving the stress around the eyes, and
stimulating the skin brings blood flow into the area causing it to look more
alive. The following are a couple of home remedies which complete one or a
combination of these treatments.
-
Cut an
unwaxed cucumber into slices, cool in refrigerator and place on eyes for 10
minutes.
-
Massage
with almond or peanut oil under and around eyes.
-
Place two
tea bags (preferably chamomile tea) in cold water for 5 minutes, than place on
eyes for 10 minutes.
-
Apply a
paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice, rinse after 5 minutes (be sure
not to get into eyes).
-
Apply a
mixture of lemon juice and tomato juice, let sit for 5 minutes, than rinse (be
sure not to get into eyes).
-
Apply
crushed mint leaves under the eyes for 20 minutes.
-
Dip cotton
balls in rose water and apply under eyes for 10 minutes.
-
Eat foods
rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, and iron.
Popular herbal
home remedies for dark circle treatment include chamomile, parsley and sage. Strong
chamomile tea is poured into ice-forms and frozen. With chamomile ice cubes you
can wipe the skin under and around eyes. With finely chopped parsley you can
make your own home face cream when mix it with sour cream (1:2). The mixture
should be applied under the eyes for 20 - 30 minutes. Specialists strongly
recommend enhancing the results by the application of nutritious cream
following the application of vegetable, tea or herbal compresses.
Inessa Hyder
|
