Combat dark circles

[Leony]

Dark Eye Circle
Dark unsightly circles around the eyes can leave you looking ill, haggard and depressed. While there can be many causes for dark eye circles, the upshot is that you end up looking older than you probably are. Look for ways to camouflage the dark under eye circles. Find out simple home remedies to reduce the dark under eye circles and add sparkle to your eyes.

The skin below our eyes is thin and is not as well endowed with oil glands as the rest of the body. Consequently as we age, the skin gets dry and wrinkled. As a result, the veins in the lower eye area appear more prominent. This results in dark circles under the eyes. There are many factors that lead to dark circles.

Heredity - Dark under eye circles are often an inherited trait. Those who are prone to allergies or itchy skin condition are susceptible to dark circles since inflammation and rubbing of eyes can thicken and darken the skin around them. Some food allergies can also cause the area under the eyes to appear darker. Excess folds of skin under the eyes will also make dark circles more pronounced.

Lack of Sleep - Lack of sleep and fatigue can cause the skin to grow wan and pale. This makes blood vessels under the eyes to appear more visible and dark. The paleness that occurs with fatigue, a cold or sinus infection or during menstruation or pregnancy may accentuate the circles under the eyes. Partying all night and smoking can play havoc with your skin and result in dark eye circles.

Bone Structure - Deep set eyes may have a tendency to develop dark shadows under them. In fair-skinned persons, dark eyes become more obvious.

Sun Exposure - Increased exposure to the sun can draw pigmentation the skin's surface and create dark circles.

Medication - Drugs that cause blood vessels to dilate may result in darkening circles around the eyes.

Nutrition - Dark circle around the eyes can be the result of poor nutrition.

Hormonal Changes - Since the skin undergoes changes during pregnancy and menstruation, you may notice darkening of the circles under the eyes.

Combat Dark Eye Circles

Combat dark circles under your eyes with simple tips:

1. Drink nearly 10 glasses of water everyday

2. Ensure that you get good rest and adequate sleep, so eight hours of sleep is a must for all of us, specially for people having dark circles under their eye

3. Eat vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A.

4. Consume a nutritionally balanced diet

Home Remedies

* Probably the most popular home remedy for dark eye circles is to apply slices of raw potato, kiwi or cucumber over the eyelids for about 15 minutes. Grated raw potato wrapped in cheesecloth can also be used. Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that is used as a skin lightener in many cosmetics. You can apply freshly grated cucumber or the resultant juice over the eyes to lighten the area.

* Almonds are considered excellent skin food and it is believed that a paste of almonds applied over the eyes for about 10 minutes can go a long way in reducing dark under eye bags. Alternatively you can apply rich almond oil under the eyes.

* Vitamin E or olive oil is also regularly used in treating dark circles around the eyes.

* Another popular home remedy for dark eye circles is to place cool, used tea bags on the tired eyes.

* Applying crushed mint leaves around the eyes can also reduce dark circles.

* Apply a mixture of lemon and tomato juice (equal parts) on the black circles 2 times a day.

* Apply a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.

Creams

Topical creams that have Vitamin K (phytonadione) derivatives are prescribed for reducing dark eye circles. Antioxidant products containing Vitamins C, E , elastin and collagen are known to stimulate fibroblast activity in the dermal layer and help firm up the skin. This can greatly reduce baggy eyes that are dark and sagging. Over-the-counter products containing kinetin or AHA are available for regular use to reduce severe under eye circles. Lightening agents, such as hydroquinone and kojic acid, work gradually by training under-eye cells to produce less pigment. Non-prescription strength lighteners are available but can take two to three months to effect a noticeable improvement.Chemical peels may be effective in reducing chronic dark eye circles.

Makeup

Using an under eye concealer is the best way to hide the unsightly dark circles. Do not choose a shade that is MUCH lighter than your skin tone else it will accentuate the baggy dark circles. Pick at least one or two shades lighter than your skin because your circles are darker.

Dab concealer gently under the eyes starting at the inner corner, until it blends smoothly into the skin and blend it with the foundation. Finish with a light dusting of loose powder for a soft, polished look. Don't forget that The inner corner of your eye is usually the darkest part, so ensure that it is well concealed.

Rev up your tired looking eyes with gold-based concealers. Avoid plum, purple and red eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner to the lower lashes for fear of drawing attention to the dark under eye circles. Look for a light-reflecting concealers that down pay dark circle. Also you might want to try to dab a little bit of creamy white eyeshadow light brown shade for dark-skinned) in the corners top and bottom of the eyelids. Blend wel and apply the concealer on top and around the eyes.

Credits, Copyrights and Sources: targetwoman.com, fatfreekitchen.com, and Fast Beauty - By Rona Berg.

 

[lollipop]

Thanks Leony, very usefull info :icon_smil

 

[xkatiex]

ooo Thanks lol! still looking for a good concealer its so fustrating.. I need a pale concealer that naturally covers the darkness without it looking caked on as I don't wear foundation. Anyone who knows of a good concealer that fits into that sort of catorgorie? tell me /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> please lol.

Already Tried,

Clinique Airbrush - Rubbish doesn't cover and the colours! don't get me started on that

Bobbi Brown creamy concealer - way to yellow and its so hard to blend/ looks caked on

Boots No7 instant radiance concealer - makes your circles look worse... doesn't cover any darkness and gives you eye area a caked on look

Collection 2000 cover up stick - the colour was perfect but the quality was not, looked awful after half an hour of applying

 

[LVA]

thx 4 the thread Leony

 

[LVA]

Katie ... i'm wondering if maybe u're applying concealer rite .... ? i mean there's no wrong way of doing it ... but .... some ways are better for certain ppl

.... for example ... some ppl say applying concealer w/the ring finger is the best way ... because your finger melts the concealer

... but if u don't do this method rite ... u end up w/cakey concealer

a lil concealer goes a long way .... if u keep layering the product .... all products will get cakey

applying it w/a makeup sponge a light touches help too

or ... concealer brush ... but remember .... even if one layer doesn't cover it all .... don't add more layers unless the circles are still noticable .... IMOH

... /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> i've also heard great review about Mac Moistercover .. never tried it ... but will soon