How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

It's not so nice when a friend or colleague asks if you haven't been sleeping well because of dark circles and bags under your eyes! Dark circles under the eyes can make you appear more tired than you really are, and can be caused by a number of lifestyle and genetic factors. With the help of some lifestyle changes, natural remedies and hardworking skin care, there are steps you can take to naturally target those pesky dark circles and brighten up your eyes.

What causes dark circles under eyes?

As the delicate skin beneath our eyes ages, it can be become susceptible to thinning, fluid build-up and pigmentation.¹ Over time, your skin slows down collagen production, so the dark veins beneath the skin can become prominent and cause the eye area to appear darker and more translucent than in your youth. Lack of sleep, dehydration, poor circulation, sun exposure and genetics can also be to blame for dark circles, putting extra stress on the body to heal and repair itself. According to our Nourished Life Naturopath, Mel, dark circles can also sometimes be a sign of iron deficiency, which can lead to even more fatigue and worsen the appearance of existing dark areas, so it is also important to speak to your healthcare professional for a general check up and to have your iron levels tested.

Natural remedies for dark circles

According to Mel, a healthy, balanced diet, plenty of sleep and good hydration are the best natural remedies to combat dark circles. Keeping your body properly hydrated is incredibly important in keeping your circulation up and ensuring your skin stays healthy. Read more about how to drink more water in my blog post here. Mel says another factor may be lack of sleep so a calming cup of herbal tea or supportive supplement taken daily may help. Our naturopath also recommends having a health check up to diagnose any health conditions or anxiety issues that may be leading to insomnia.

Teas to help you sleep

The Beauty Chef SLEEP Inner Beauty Powder
According to Mel, a herbal sleep tea not only hydrates your skin from the inside out but also promotes a deeper and more restful night's sleep. Your body needs this time to restore itself, so if you're a light or restless sleeper this can have an adverse effect. The Beauty Chef SLEEP Inner Beauty Powder is a blend of plant-based ingredients including Lemon Balm and Passionflower, which are traditionally used in western herbal medicine for sleep, by relieving nervousness and restlessness. This vegan blend can be combined with warm almond milk for a soothing drink before bedtime.

If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare practitioner. Always read the label. Use only as directed.

WelleCo Sleep Welle
The WelleCo Sleep Welle Tea contains a calming, aromatic blend of ingredients including Valerian, Skullcap and Hops which have been traditionally used to naturally help promote calmness and relaxation at bed time. Try drinking an hour before bed.

Eye creams that target dark circles

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
The 100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream is one of our highest customer reviewed eye creams and it has been formulated specifically to target dark circles (as well as fine lines and puffyness). It is powered by caffeine rich Green Tea and Green Coffee Beans, both of those ingredients are known for their brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits. This nourishing cream also delivers hydration from Aloe Vera and Rose Water

La Mav Anti Dark-Circle Eye Gel
Suitable for all skin types, the La Mav Anti Dark-Circle Eye Gel is especially formulated to target and lighten dark circles, dark spots and pigmentation around the eye area. This vegan, smoothing and brightening gel contains a blend of Bio-Actives including Vitamin C, Rumex & Chlorella which may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Thanks to the refreshing properties of Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Seaweed Extract and Jojoba Seed Oil, this gel may also help as de-puff the eye area, leaving you with a beautiful looking eye area.

100% Pure Bright Eyes Mask
The 100% Pure Bright Eyes Masks are made with Organic Aloe Vera, Matcha Green Tea, Organic Green Coffee and Cucumber. Placed beneath the eyes for 15-20 minutes, this hydrating formula is absorbed into the skin to deliver hydration which may help de-puff, replenish and brighten the dark areas under the eyes. This vegan eye mask makes an amazing weekly treat for the eye area and does not need to be rinsed off after use.

Source: ¹The Huffington Post.