We all have hectic lifestyles and there are times when the stresses of life shows up in the guise of the dreaded dark circles & worse still, the bags under our eyes!
The skin around the eyes is the most delicate part of the body. When we become dehydrated this skin thins and blood vessels become prominent.
A good concealer goes a long way to reducing the appearance of the circles. However, if we choose, and make a little bit of extra effort, we can reduce our reliance on these temporary cosmetic fixes. And make our eyes look bright & sparkling again naturally.
Tried, tested and best known
Buy a good quality organic tea of peppermint or chamomile. or better still grow your own herbs. First of all, drink the brew and let the tea bag cool down. Place the tea bags over your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, without falling asleep. Rinse off with cool water.
If you are using your own herbs, you can bruise the mint leaves to make a paste. Put the paste on your dark circles gently, careful not to put into your eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes, rinse off with cool water. Try this for a week and see the difference.
Wake-Up Ice Cube Massage
Freeze your peppermint or chamomile teas into cubes. Use one to give the eye area a refreshing gentle massage when you feel eye strain or are tired.
Cucumber Relief
Grab a fresh cucumber from the fridge. Place a slice on each eye and relax for 10 minutes or longer if you like, again stay awake!. Then gently rinse your face & eyes with cool water. Your eyes will feel instantly refreshed.
Almond Oil
Almonds are packed with vitamin E and this natural source is perfect to help soothe tired eyes. Before bed, just apply some almond oil onto the dark circles and gently massage. You will notice the difference, in the morning. If you continue to do this over a prolonged period, you may well be pleasantly surprised.
Buttermilk & Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its multiple health benefits and combined with buttermilk it can work wonders for lessening the effect of dark circles. Quick & easy, just mix 2 tablespoons each of turmeric & buttermilk and create a paste. Apply to the dark circles, taking care to avoiding the eye. Leave this on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
FOODS TO HELP OUR EYES AND REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF DARK CIRCLES:
Cucumber: Has a high water content to re hydrate the skin. Also, they contain silica that naturally boosts collagen and sulfur, known to promote stronger skin.
Watermelon: Contains beta carotene especially beneficial to support eye health.
Broccoli: Rich in Vitamin K and a great source of goodness used by the body to promote excellent blood circulation. Boosted circulation will make it easier for your nutritious blood to reach the tender skin under the eyes.
Tomatoes: Contain Lycopene and high in antioxidants that protect our blood vessels and improve circulation to the eyes.
Oranges: Are rich in Vitamin C and helps our body boost collagen production.
Beetroot: Contains detoxifying Betalain antioxidants in the red pigment shown to help promote healthy eyes.
and finally:
Carrots: are rich in beta-carotene, a carotenoid pigment which is an essential precursor for vitamin A. Vitamin A helps the surface of the eye, mucous membranes and skin be effective barriers to bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of eye infections. Carrots also contain lutein, an important antioxidant. Lutein-rich foods are known to increase the density of pigment in the macula, the yellow-shaped oval area in the center of the retina
THE BIG PICTURE
Yoga & Meditation
All the fixes natural and otherwise for dark circles, will not be sustained if you have a hectic lifestyle and a busy restless mind. Our hectic lifestyles ebb and flow, but our busy mind is something that we control no matter what is going on in our lives.
Studies show that yoga and meditation practiced regularly, are key to reducing stress & calming the mind, body and spirit.
It is from within that we can finally banish those dark circles. If you can't make a Yoga class/Meditation class, you can always find a good Youtube or online video to follow along with. In time, your new wellness practice of relaxation & meditation will fit nicely into your daily routines, thereby reducing stress from the inside out.
The best medicine, is prevention, some one wise once said.