Every pair of eyes is utterly, undeniably unique: they are what makes each face special, and completely incomparable to any other. Equally, they are key to our each and every expression, showing our deepest feelings and emotions. So when the skin beneath them doesn’t look as fresh, youthful and wide awake as it might, it’s no surprise that many of us want to do something about it!
A thick swipe of concealer might have an immediate impact, but if you’re not the biggest makeup fan, it might not be the choice for you. Plastic surgery might promise sublime solutions, unless your wallet won’t stretch that far, and after all, who wants to go under the knife?! And the many chemically loaded products out there might seem to be effective, but who knows what they’re doing in the long run? Many of us might be feeling stuck with those shadowy rings…
You, however, absolutely need not feel trapped by them. The natural world is one of the most powerful assets we have at our disposal, and product developers are finally remembering what it has to offer! With modern expectations never higher, there need be no compromise in going for a naturally based product. That skin can be stimulated, lightened and smoothed with an expert blend of botanicals. What’s more, these products are an absolute delight to use, with tactile textures and fresh scents that are eminently satisfying. There are also many simple steps you can take at home to augment your bottle or tub of product.
First, though, it’s a good idea to understand the root of your concerns. Dark shadows are the result of more than just tiredness, so even if you’re getting ten hours a night, they might not be completely banished from view. Knowledge, after all, is power. Understanding is innately reassuring, and will give you the tools to proceed.
Why Do I Have Dark Circles?
- Allergies. Do you find yourself sneezing through the summer months? Does your friend’s cat set you off? Allergies often leave us rubbing at itchy eyes, exacerbating the appearance of dark circles. This often makes this sensitive skin even more so! Many people notice that they look their worst during hay fever season. So next time you go to rub your eyes, try to resist the urge!
- Fatigue. This one is a classic! Lack of sleep often leads skin, especially the thin, delicate skin under our eyes, to become paler. This means that the blood vessels beneath are more visible. Veins can also dilate when we are exhausted, contributing to the effect. While it’s not a guaranteed fixer, getting enough rest could be a great first step to an overall more radiant you.
- Diet. Many nutritional elements can contribute to skin’s appearance – but iron has been identified as contributing to this particular phenomenon. Iron is essential to healthy blood, and deficiencies have also been linked to bruising. So it can make something of a mark under your eyes, too! If you think you’re lacking, plenty of green veg is a smart move.
- Ageing & natural shadows. As we get older, our skin naturally thins – which means that our blood vessels become more visible. Equally, saggy skin and a loss of facial volume can lead to a similar effect, plus those with deep set eyes may notice the area looks more shadowed.
- Pigmentation. Sometimes, it’s not a matter of what’s going on under the surface, but on top of it. If you lift up the skin with your fingertips and it still looks shadowy, this applies to you! Pigmentation can be genetic, but it’s often a result of external factors like sun damage. So make sure you get sun protection on every part of your skin that’s exposed!
Can Natural Skincare Help My Dark Circles?
Absolutely, yes! Reliance on chemical formulations is definitely in the past. Experts are increasingly turning back to time-honoured factors, whose amazing abilities were once forgotten but are now being rediscovered! In harmony with modern expectations and scientific knowledge, these favourites of traditional practitioners are being put to spectacular use! Not only are they being combined in better, more precise combinations than ever before, they’re also created with an eye on the environment. Organic certifications mean you know it’s all natural, while the Vegan Society label excludes any animal involvement. In short, natural, organic products that are based on botanical extracts are more than just an option. They are truly the future of your eye-loving skincare!
What Products Can I Try?
If you’re experiencing dark circles, you’re definitely not alone! While this may not be immediately reassuring, it does mean that there’s a lot of motivation to find a solution. A whole range of products are available for you to experiment with, that will ideally fit with your routine. Equally, they come in many different textures, from serums to creams. Some will slowly help over time, while others can provide an immediate, short term effect.
Are Vitamins In Skincare Effective?
At the heart of many under-eye targeting creams and serums are three precious micronutrients: Vitamins A, C and E! Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, is known to contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. It cannot be overstated how important this factor is in the world of skincare! It’s taken it by storm, and is now considered a game-changer in anti-ageing products. Vitamin C, however, contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels and skin! As both these factors can play a part in the appearance of dark circles, addressing them head on is certainly a positive step forward. Finally, Vitamin E has a powerful protective action against oxidative stress. This are understood to degrade cells due to exposure to environmental factors. Skin is cared for so that it can recover and rediscover its own innate strength and brightness.
What Botanical Ingredients Can I Look For?
There are all manner of natural factors that can help to address this concern. Each and every one has a special, specific effect, that can make a powerful change to this area. Next time you’re looking at an eye cream, especially one that’s botanical and naturally based, take a glance for some of these!
- Botanical oils. Skin that’s dry naturally falls flat, meaning that the veins beneath become more visible. While puffiness of the flesh beneath skin heightens a shadowy effect, thicker skin is less translucent and masks tiredness. Bolstering skin with hydration can therefore have a powerful effect! Argan Oil not only boosts moisture retention for a dewier look, it also contains both Vitamins A and E. Five fatty acids plump up skin, locking in softness.
- Chamomile. This ingredient has been beloved by herbalists for centuries, renowned for its soothing, calming qualities. Skin in this area is often inflamed, especially if the darkness is due to rubbing or tiredness. When incorporated into nourishing eye care creams, they can relax the area, to banish exacerbating tension.
- Citrus extracts. If pigmentation is the concern at the heart of things, brightening the skin is a great approach. Many citrus fruit extracts and juices have this capability! The rich Vitamin C content of Lemon, Orange, Mandarin and Grapefruit can make a powerful difference, minimising melanin production to help to lighten this area.
- Stimulating herbs. Often, poor facial circulation is what’s leading to shadowy under eye skin. Re-energising the area, to encourage better blood flow, can really change up the situation! Certain botanical can stimulate, such as famous Ginkgo Biloba and Ginger. Mint and Nettle infusions are thought to be powerful, too.
- Almond oil. Many people are citing the power of this ingredient for its glow-instilling powers! With rich vitamin and fatty acid content, many believe it can revitalise and brighten this particular area.
What Home Remedies Can Reduce The Appearance Of Dark Circles?
Aside from investing in a good product, there are some extra at-home steps you can take out to help remove dark circles under your eyes. These are being used by men and women everywhere, to help simply and easily soothe those dark rings.
- Hydration! Water is absolutely indispensable to overall bodily health, so if you’re not looking your best, this is the best place to begin. Drinking a couple of litres of water every day will not only give you a fresh, dewier look, it can also help to flush out undesired toxins.
- Cucumber rings. These soothing, refreshing salad snacks are often seen used this way in Hollywood movies – and there’s a reason for that! Aside from being delightfully refreshing and cooling, valuable qualities in themselves, they are also thought by many to have lightening, tightening traits. Cold tea bags, rich in antioxidants, are also used for this purpose.
- Sleeping position. We’ve spoken about how important getting enough sleep is – but what about how you’re sleeping?! Many people now think that this can have an impact, and recommend sleeping with your head slightly tilted up to encourage fluid to drain from your face as you sleep.
Grace Thiele 