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Got Racoon Eyes? Here’s What Causes Those Dark Circles Under Eyes and Some Natural Ways to Get Rid Of Them | Reduce Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags
By Jill | January 27, 2010
Topics: Dark Circles Under Eyes, Younger Looking Skin | No Comments »
While under eye bags and dark circles are not due only to aging it is a problem most people face as they age. As we age our skin thins and under eye circles and bags tend to become noticeable and permanent.
There are plenty of young people looking to remove dark circles under the eyes too so this article is for everyone. It discusses the causes of dark circles under the eyes and those annoying under eye bags that make us look like we should go back to bed after just waking up.
Causes of Dark Circles Under The Eyes and Under Eye Bags
Aging – As we age our skin thins and loses elasticity and becomes translucent.The skin under the eye is very thin and sensitive to begin with. The fat under the eyes bulges out causing those under eye bags. As your skin ages bags can go from just a slight under eye bulge to an under eye carry on bag to a bag you may need to check at the gate.
Heredity – If your parents have/had dark circles under the eyes there’s a good chance you inherited the condition. These dark circles do tend to run in families and can be hereditary. All is not lost though. Read on for some things that might help.
Medical Conditions like poor circulation or anemia can cause dark circles under the eyes. Sometimes just increasing circulation with regular exercise will help the problem.
If you’re anemic you are low on iron. (***do not take iron supplements without a doctors advice***) You can get plenty of iron in foods like clams, oysters, shrimp and sardines (yum!) and chicken and beef liver (eww!) also cooked beans, enriched cereals and pastas, dark green leafy vegetables like spinich. Check iron content on labels.
There are other medical causes to dark circles under the eyes so check with your doctor if you think there’s more to your case.
Dehydration can cause dark circles under the eye. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day. 6-8 glasses should do you. People who drink only when thirsty are probably not drinking enough water.
Hyperpigmentation – Some people, usually those with darker skin tones, have dark circles under the eyes caused by to much melanin (pigment) under the eyes. You can tell if your dark undereye circles are caused by hyperpigmentation by pressing your finger on the dark circle. If the area doesn’t lighten it’s pigment not thinning skin or dehydration.
Bad diet and other bad habits can be the cause of dark circles under the eyes. Eat a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes and some meat if you wish. Limit the amount of processed foods, sugars and bad fats in your diet. Don’t drink too much coffee or replace with tea if you can, don’t smoke or drink alcohol especially in excess.
Lack of sleep – Plain old tiredness can cause dark circles under your eyes. Getting a good nights sleep can help.
Some Natural Ways to Reduce Dark Eye Circles and Under Eye Bags
TEA TIME! – Black tea contains tannins (tannic acid). Tannins are found in plant bark, seeds, leaves etc. They are astringents and are used to treat burns, seal wounds and they reduce inflammation. They also form a protective layer on the skin (seal wounds) They will help reduce puffiness under the eyes although I’m not at all sure about dark circles. Often reducing the puffiness will help with appearance of the dark pigmentation simply because there is less shadow with reduced puffiness. You should certainly give tea and tannins a try for dark circles and puffy eyes. Brew a cup of strong black tea (not green, not decaffinated) Let the bags cool and then place on the eyes and relax for about 25 minutes. Tea is not going to remove the dark circles under the eyes. This is temporary and you’ll need to continue to use it. I would take a luxurious bath in the morning and relax with the teabags. This should help your eyes with puffiness and you’ll look rested all day.
Random thought of the day on black tea and tea bags….Teabags are also helpful for cases of conjunctivitus (pink eye) Use as above.
Potato – Shred up some raw potato and apply to the dark circles under the eye area. I have heard this is a good remedy for dark circles under the eyes although I have no idea why it works.
Cucumber and Lemon Juice – Cucumber is used in skin care to sooth, soften and hydrate skin. It can help with the puffiness under the eyes. Mix it with some lemon juice which has a bleaching effect and will help lighten the dark circles under the eyes. You might also add some vitamin E oil to this cucumber and lemon mixture. You can pop open a vitamin E capsule and add a bit then just swallow the rest of it.
All of these treatments above need to be done on a regular basis. I would suggest at least 3 times a week to see a reduction in the dark circles and puffiness.
If you’re looking for an eye cream there is one study that suggests that vitamin K may help. I did find only one study. I’m not sure if that ONE study and limited results would justify the price.
Try the home remedies for dark eye circles here first and let us know results.
You may need to also use a concealer to help cover up dark circles. Look for tones of peach or yellow and dab under eyes gentle. Pat in. If you go with a pink color you only bring the bluish tint out. You can also look for a mineral based (mica) concealer. The minerals deflect light which helps to conceal the shadows.
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