Dark under-eye circles aren’t cute on anyone. It is believed that they are caused by sleep deprivation, but sometimes they just appear anyway.
The dark under-eye circles may appear due to various causes, sleep deprivation being one of them. Allergies, hyperpigmentation, reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes, thinning skin under the eyes, and overexposure to sunlight may also be the other causes.
Looking at the screen constantly for long duration results in tired, itchy and dry eyes; rubbing the eyes can lead to darkening of the under-eye skin.
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Dr Veenu Jindal, MD Dermatologist, points out that High-energy visible (HEV) light or blue light released from these devices not only disrupt our circadian rhythm but also generate free radicals responsible for pigmentation, fine lines and premature ageing.
Dr Jindal shares quick home remedies that can help get rid of the dark under-eye circles:
Use of a cold jade roller to massage
Roll under the eyes in an outward direction. This helps in lymphatic drainage of the fluid collected underneath.
Cucumber slices or grated potatoes
Cucumber is rich in antioxidants along with Vitamin C and K. Vitamin C is known for skin brightening benefits and also has cooling effects. Potato reduces blemishes and works wonders in removing dark circles.
Cotton balls dipped in cold rose water when kept around the eyes for 10 minutes every day hydrates the skin and makes it look healthy.
For dry skin
Almond oil or a Vitamin E capsule can be used to give a gentle massage to moisturize and replenish the skin.
Moisturizing twice in a day and applying appropriate under eye creams or serums also help a lot. Sunscreen is a must, even when at home as it protects the sensitive under eye skin from photo damage manifesting as pigmentation and fine lines.
DIY face mask
A mask made of 2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp raw milk and ½ a tsp of lemon is a great way to gain the luster back.
Turmeric is an excellent antiseptic with healing properties, milk is a gentle moisturizer and lemon is rich in Vitamin C with a brightening and cooling effect.
The mask should be kept for half an hour and then rinsed with lukewarm water.
It can be applied for 2-3 times in a week for maximum benefits.
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Following is what you can do on a regular basis to keep the dark circles at a bay:
Start with having a proper schedule, this also brings the sleep cycle to normal. It’s easy to monitor screen time by setting a time limit to most-used apps. One should build hobbies away from the screen such as cooking, gardening or playing board games.
Prioritise eating healthy and staying hydrated. Salt contains sodium which causes the body to retain water and bloat, leading to more prominent under-eye bags.
Cutting down on processed foods, fatty meat, canned beans, and other foods that contain high amounts of sodium also helps in reducing the under-eye bags. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants which help in getting the glow back.
