Say Goodbye to Those Undereye Circles: Solutions That Work

Dark circles under the eyes, commonly known as "dark rings," make us look tired and drained.

These dark rings can be caused by improper exposure to sunlight, leading to skin dehydration and aging, lack of sleep or poor sleep schedules, mental stress and pressure, and an unbalanced diet causing a deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals.

The skin under the eyes is especially thin and lacks oil glands. A decrease in collagen levels can cause blood vessels to create a dark hue. These circles are more noticeable in the morning and tend to fade during the day, due to high cortisol levels in the morning that, among other things, provide energy as we transition from sleep to wakefulness. Cortisol increases blood flow and leads to an increase in blood volume around the eyes.

There are several simple and effective methods to tackle this problem.

Sometimes, the easiest and most effective solution is quality sleep, with pillows to support a raised head to improve blood circulation.

Drinking enough water helps restore moisture to dry skin.

Coconut oil improves skin health. It is rich in vitamin E and is easy to use — apply oil around the eyes before sleep and massage until absorbed.

Vitamin E oil helps skin restoration and moisture retention, and slows down the aging process — apply the oil around the eyes before sleep.

Any type of cold compress can help constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness — wrap ice cubes or place cold cucumber slices on closed eyes; cucumber is rich in vitamin C and the mineral silica.

Baking soda powder accelerates blood flow — mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of lukewarm water to create a paste, gently apply on the skin, and rinse after 10 minutes.

Potato juice — crush potatoes, extract the juice, dip in cotton wool, and place on closed eyes.

Reduce salt intake — high salt consumption harms and dries out the skin, especially the thin and sensitive skin around the eyes.

Omega-3 fatty acids maintain skin cells and improve blood circulation. It is an essential fat worth including in your diet, as a supplement or in foods. It can be found in sea fish, flaxseeds, avocado, and walnuts.

Zohara Sharvit is a Naturopath N.D with a wealth of experience in treatment, consulting, and leading workshops. To book a complimentary workshop, call 073-2221290