“The eyes don’t lie, they will tell you everything,” says a well-known expression. And indeed, the eyes reflect a person’s character, temperament, emotions and mood, his mental state. Unfortunately, dark circles under the eyes are considered a common problem today and make the face look tired and haggard. Many women try to fight them with foundation, powder or concealer. However, such measures are aimed at combating symptoms, not eliminating causes. Homemade masks for dark circles and bags under the eyes can solve the problem and guarantee you a long-term effect.
Why do circles appear under the eyes?
The solution to any problem related to both health and cosmetic defects begins with identifying the cause. The following factors can be a consequence of the appearance of circles under the eyes.
- Fatigue, physical weakness.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body (especially K, C, P).
- Lack of proper skin care around the eyes.
- Stressful situations, systemic psychological stress.
- Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Intoxication of the body associated with long-term use of pharmacological agents.
- Kidney diseases, dysfunction of the endocrine glands.
- Disruption of the cardiovascular system.
If we consider the problem from a physiological point of view, then the appearance of dark spots is associated with insufficient blood circulation in the vessels and capillaries located under the skin in the eye area.
Reference! Circles in the eye area may be due to genetic predisposition. In such cases, it is not prohibited to make masks, but it is more rational to choose a make-up option to thoroughly disguise the flaw.
Pharmacy creams and ointments for dark circles
Creams for dark circles under the eyes are present in the lines of all major cosmetics manufacturers. They are designed to care specifically for the delicate dermis of the eyelids. This area should be treated only with products that are intended specifically for it.
Such creams are effective, but, as a rule, very expensive. Medicines that are sold in regular pharmacies can be a good replacement.
Planeta organica gel for dark circles
Planeta Organica eye gel for puffiness and dark circles belongs to the category of organic cosmetics. Its effectiveness is based on the therapeutic effects of plant extracts.
The unique composition of the gel helps:
- tone the epidermis;
- compensate for the lack of vitamins;
- speed up metabolism;
- strengthen fabric fibers;
- protect covers from negative external influences;
- relieve irritation.
As a result, the aging process of the skin slows down, signs of fatigue in the form of dark circles and puffiness disappear.
Heparin ointment
The blood-thinning drug effectively combats cyanosis caused by congestion in the smallest vessels or injury.
Additional components of heparin ointment are:
- benzyl nicotinate, which helps the active substance penetrate deep into tissues;
- peach oil to soften the epidermis.
Apply the drug under the eyes in a thin layer twice a day or apply sponges soaked in ointment to the problem area for a quarter of an hour. The maximum duration of treatment with heparin is 10 days. Then you need to take a month's break, then, if necessary, you can repeat the course.
Attention: an overdose of the product causes itching, burning, redness of the skin, swelling, and peeling.
For ladies with sensitive dermis, it is better to mix the drug with oil (shea, almond, argan or jojoba) or baby cream in a 1:2 ratio.
It is forbidden to eliminate cosmetic defects with heparin ointment for people with blood clotting disorders, severe allergies, or violation of the integrity of the integument in the area of application.
The drug is not compatible with a course of drugs from certain pharmaceutical groups.
Among them:
- anticoagulants;
- antibiotics;
- vasodilators;
- antihistamines.
The use of heparin is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, and menstruation.
Troxevasin
The medicine is used in the treatment of thrombophlebitis. The active ingredient (troxerutin) helps:
- restore capillary permeability;
- stabilize lymph flow;
- preserve hyaluronic acid molecules.
For the face, the gel can be used if bruises are caused by a specific lifestyle. Troxevasin is not effective against dark circles when the defect is a symptom of a disease of the internal organs.
You need to use it a couple of times a day, lightly “driving” it into the problem area with your fingertips. The product must be used until the defect disappears. The gel is absorbed quickly and significantly whitens bruises after just three hours.
Attention: side effects of the gel - rash, dermatitis.
The product should not be used by allergy sufferers, children under 14 years of age, or if there is a violation of the integrity of the dermis.
Arnica ointment and gel
The gel belongs to the category of homeopathic preparations. Arnica promotes rapid healing of wounds and relieves inflammation. Suitable for resolving traumatic bruises, in other cases it is weakly effective. Faradiol, which is part of the drug, has a local irritant effect.
A reliable contraindication is an allergic reaction to the components of the product. Due to the lack of sufficient clinical trials, Arnica is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age, as well as in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How can I remove them?
There are several ways to remove circles under the eyes, using special cosmetics and alternative medicine recipes. If the cause lies in stress or other health problems, a comprehensive approach will be required, including the use of medications, vitamins and physical therapy. In addition, to stabilize the psycho-emotional background, it is necessary to review the daily routine, introduce walks in the fresh air, active recreation, and ensure proper sleep. Massage will help restore blood circulation through the microvessels of the face.
To accurately determine the cause of the formation of circles in the eye area, it is recommended to visit a cosmetologist. If blemishes on the face appear due to problems in the body, an examination at the clinic will be required. Darkening of the skin around the eyes can be caused by the kidneys, liver or gall bladder. A blue, yellowish or gray tint to the circles should alert you.
In case of urgent need, you can quickly disguise flaws by using cosmetics. In order to hide a defect, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of color combinations. Women often make the mistake of believing that foundation can even out large differences in skin color. To obtain the desired effect, a layer of camouflage pencil is first placed under the tone (tones from light green to blue).
Watch a video about life hacks for under-eye circles:
Factors contributing to the appearance of dark circles
Bruises under the eyes sometimes appear in almost every person. If such a defect appears once, it is usually enough to get a good night's sleep. Constant blackness on the lower eyelids requires eliminating the causes of its appearance. They are very different. More often associated with everyday habits.
The most common provoking factors:
- regular lack of sleep;
- alcohol abuse;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- constant stress;
- lack of fresh air;
- hypothermia;
- smoking;
- excessive use of the computer (or working in front of a monitor);
- poor nutrition;
- taking hormonal medications;
- use of low-quality decorative or skincare cosmetics;
- frequent exposure to the sun (or visiting a solarium).
Natural causes of deterioration in appearance include physiological aging of the body and genetic features of the structure of the dermis (for example, too thin covers through which capillaries are visible).
If there are no objective reasons for the appearance of bruises, you should consult a doctor. In some cases, a visual flaw is a symptom of a serious illness.
During the examination, the therapist pays attention not only to the presence of shadows, but also to their shade. It can suggest a disease of one or another organ:
- blue indicates hypoxia, which develops against the background of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. Bruises can also occur due to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
- yellow (or brown, greenish) is a sign of the liver and gall bladder. If yellowness appears on other parts of the skin and sclera of the eyes, you should immediately consult a doctor. This is one of the characteristic symptoms of hepatitis;
- purple color appears in kidney pathologies;
- red indicates allergies, intoxication, and helminthic infestation.
If the defect is caused by any disease, it will not be possible to eliminate it with the help of cosmetics. You will have to first treat the underlying pathology. In other cases, properly selected professional or folk remedies for dark circles under the eyes will help.
Top best masks for dark circles under the eyes at home
From parsley
Parsley helps lighten the skin around the eyes
Chopped parsley does a good job of lightening the skin, its effect is not aggressive, which makes it possible to use the ingredient for the area around the eyes. For use in winter, greens are stored in the freezer. After defrosting, it retains valuable microelements and properties.
The simplest version of the mask involves brewing parsley in a glass of boiling water. After 20-30 minutes of settling, the liquid is ready for use. Cotton pads, after generous wetting, are applied to closed eyes. As the cotton dries, you need to moisten the discs again and repeat the steps for 15-20 minutes.
You can enhance the effect by combining parsley with sage, chamomile, and cornflower.
Cucumber
Grate the cucumber, add a couple of drops of apricot kernel essential oil to the pulp. Place a portion of the composition on two cotton pads and apply them to your closed eyes. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes.
Potato
Potatoes contain a large amount of starch, which has a bleaching property. This can be used to eliminate dark circles under the eyes. It is enough to grate the peeled vegetable on a fine grater and distribute the pulp in the eye area. After 20 minutes, you can remove any remaining product with cool water.
To enhance the effect, you can combine potatoes with milk, cream, lemon juice, apricot kernel essential oil, and olive oil.
From soda
Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in 100 ml of chamomile infusion (brewed only). Let the product sit for 30 minutes. The composition works when applied to the skin using a cotton pad.
From starch
Starch is also a popular component for lightening the skin.
Several types of starch are sold in stores, but only rice and potato are suitable for the eye area. The process of preparing the mask involves pouring 1 tbsp. l. water at room temperature (100 ml) and heating the mixture until a thick consistency is formed. You cannot boil the mass; valuable microelements will be lost.
During heat treatment, it is necessary to thoroughly knead the starch so that lumps do not form. After cooling, the product is ready for use. It is applied as a stand-alone product, or in combination with sour cream, chopped parsley and other whitening ingredients.
From eggs
You can make many masks for the area around the eyes from eggs. The simplest recipe involves applying the yolk to the skin (for 15 minutes). Whipped protein is best combined with chopped oatmeal or starch. The yolk nourishes the skin more, the white promotes lightening and lifting.
Bread and milk
Peel two slices of white bread from the crust, pour them with slightly warm milk. After 5-7 minutes, thoroughly mix the ingredients into a paste. Apply the resulting mass to closed eyes and hold for 20 minutes. After the procedure, you need to wash your face with cool water and treat the area around the eyes with a nourishing cream.
Curd
Mash the homemade cottage cheese with a fork, add a little freshly brewed green tea into the pulp. Make two cakes from the mixture, 5-7 cm in diameter, and place them on your closed eyes for 25 minutes. After the procedure, wipe the skin with ice cubes from frozen green tea.
Lemon
Mix lemon and cucumber juices, taken in equal proportions, with grated raw potatoes. Distribute the mixture onto cotton pads, which are subsequently placed on closed eyes. You need to keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
Tomato
Tomatoes can be used as an independent component or in combination with other products (turmeric, lentil flour, lemon juice, etc.). The most primitive method involves applying the pulp of a fresh tomato to the skin. The duration of action is 20 minutes.
For the winter, you can prepare tomato ice cubes. They wipe the skin around the eyes after taking a bath or before bed.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics for the eyes helps restore clear vision faster. You need to do it every day (preferably several times).
The effective complex includes the following exercises:
- Rotate your eyeballs, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. With eyes open and closed;
- alternately focus your gaze on objects located far and close to the person;
- close your eyes tightly, then relax your eyelids;
- blink frequently and forcefully.
Complete each task for 5-7 minutes. In addition to blackness under the eyes, such exercises help prevent myopia.
Express masks for the night
It’s no secret that homemade cosmetics give an effect after a course of procedures, which includes an average of 6-12 sessions. But there are other ways, so-called express methods, that allow you to get rid of dark circles under the eyes and bags in just one night.
- Option #1. Before going to bed, apply a paste of sour cream (2 tsp), parsley (1 tsp) and green tea leaves (1 tsp) on the skin in the eye area. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. In the morning, massage the eye area with ice cubes made from parsley decoction and lemon juice.
- Option #2. Prepare a mask from grated fresh cucumber and cream (1 tsp). Before going to bed, apply the mixture to the skin and allow time for the upper layer of the epidermis to soak in (15-20 minutes).
- Option #3. Distribute a mixture of liquid honey and cottage cheese onto the skin around the eyes (fat content is adjusted depending on skin type). Leave the mask on for 25 minutes. Remove any remaining composition with a cotton pad soaked in cool water.
Eliminating the problem with cosmetics
The choice of cosmetic products for dark circles under the eyes is large, but not all live up to the expectations placed on them. To choose a high-quality and effective cream, you need to carefully read the composition.
It should include in different combinations:
- caffeine;
- elastin;
- ceramides;
- kojic acid;
- heparin;
- collagen;
- vitamins C, K, B;
- peptides;
- hyaluronic acid;
- retinol;
- extracts of medicinal plants.
These components have a beneficial effect on blood microcirculation, activate metabolism and cellular regeneration. The skin looks young, healthy, its tone is evened out.
It is also worth paying attention to the brand of cosmetics. You should not buy unpatented, dubious drugs for sensitive dermis.
The following products have proven themselves to be effective:
- Cooling Eye Gel from Planeta Organica;
- Hyaluronic Multi-Active Cream from Librederm;
- Contorno Occhi Borse E Occhiaie from Nature's;
- Douceur Contour Gel from La Biosthetique;
- Eye Cream SPF-15 from Korres;
- Anti-Dark Circle Serum from SesDerma;
- La Creme Yeux from Chanel and others.
More and more often, girls prefer to use patches for dark circles on the lower eyelids. They owe their popularity to their ease of use. Therapeutic patches simply need to be applied to the problem area and left on for 20-30 minutes. You can do this anywhere, even in the car, on the way to work.
Patches are produced in two types: gel and fabric bases. They are impregnated with medicinal components. Thanks to the targeted action, high concentrations of substances give quick results.
What masks are suitable for teenagers
Teenage girls, trying to imitate their mothers, use different face masks. They should not be prohibited from doing this, especially when there is a skin flaw in the eye area. You just need to check that the ingredients included are safe and as effective as possible.
The body in adolescence is at the stage of restructuring, which is accompanied by a hormonal surge. This is one of the main causes of bruises and bags under the eyes in children. A deficiency of nutrients and vitamins can provoke the problem. Therefore, to eliminate flaws, you need to use products based on herbal ingredients that are enriched with valuable microelements. Among the recommended products for preparing a mask:
- raw potatoes;
- egg;
- citrus;
- liquid honey;
- oatmeal (ground to powder);
- avocado, etc.
Before a teenager begins to perform procedures on his own, the basic rules for applying masks need to be explained in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- When using any ingredient for the first time, you should test it on the back of your hand. If 7-10 minutes after application there is no redness and itching (burning), the component can be used.
- It is recommended to immediately apply the prepared mass from fresh products to the skin in the eye area with light finger movements or using a spatula. The settled product loses its properties, which reduces the effectiveness of the mask.
- Before distributing the mass, you need to clean your face with lotion or clean water. This helps to open the pores, which allows microelements unhindered access to the tissues and cells of the upper layer of the epidermis.
- The frequency of procedures should not exceed 2 times a week.
- The product is prepared strictly according to the recipe. It is not permitted to make adjustments to the quantity of components or make substitutions at your own discretion.
- The mixture can be left on the skin for a maximum of 20 minutes.
- At the end of the time, the remaining mixture is removed with a damp cloth. The procedures are completed by washing the face with cool water.
Gentle care - a simple solution
Remember, to eliminate dark circles, you first need to improve blood circulation in this area, as well as pay increased attention to nourishing and moisturizing the skin.
Moisturizers
Cosmetic products that affect lymph circulation and cell metabolism will help protect yourself from fine wrinkles. Such products perfectly tone and restore the structure of the skin around the eyes. Choose water-based gels with plant extracts and vitamins, including roll-on ones. They are less greasy than regular cream and are absorbed within minutes.
Women over 40 years old with mature skin, on which wrinkles are visible not only with animated facial expressions, require moisturizing creams with hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, antioxidant complexes and natural oils.
Nutrients
Mature skin cannot do without additional nourishment, compensating for the lack of natural lipids and stimulating the formation of collagen. Such products have a rejuvenating effect, which is also called lifting. Age-related cosmetics usually include:
- macadamia oil;
- Shea Butter;
- avocado oil;
- biostimulants;
- phytoestrogens.
Compresses
In the fight against dark circles at home, cold compresses come first. Chilled herbal infusions are perfect for them: for example, infusions of chamomile, cornflower, sage, rosemary.
Chamomile is often used to combat darkening of the lower eyelids.
How to get rid of bruises and bags under the eyes - video
Ways to get rid of circles and bags under the eyes
To solve a cosmetic problem that has formed on the skin in the eye area, it is recommended to use an integrated approach, including several types of treatment simultaneously.
Hydration - disturbed water balance in the body is reflected primarily in the condition of the skin. Therefore, for daily care you need to purchase a moisturizing cream, spray, gel. It also doesn’t hurt to make ice cubes from mineral water or herbal decoctions. If the reason lies in a moisture deficiency in the layers of the epidermis, then the effect can be achieved by performing regular procedures for 1-2 weeks.
Nutrients - this method involves the use of homemade or ready-made cosmetics. However, first, it’s worth checking out your makeup bag. One of the reasons for the formation of circles under the eyes is the incorrect selection of cream.
A product that is enriched with useful minerals and vitamins is considered nutritious. If the composition consists primarily of chemical compounds, it should be discarded.
It is also important to consider the shelf life of products; expired cosmetics can cause harm to the skin.
Compresses are made from decoctions or tinctures of medicinal plants. It is allowed to use both dry herbs and fresh herbs. The liquid obtained after filtering is applied to the skin using cotton pads or gauze pads. Ideally, the impregnated blank is applied to the entire area around the eyes, including the upper eyelid. The eyes should be closed. Ice cubes made from a healing decoction are considered no less effective.
Eye massage – the remedies used for circles under the eyes have an effective effect while simultaneously massaging the treated area of skin. After distributing the cream or mask, you need to use light patting movements with your fingers (pads) to promote rapid absorption of the composition into the upper layer of the epidermis. This should be done for several minutes (2-4 minutes); using stretching or pressing movements is strictly prohibited.
When choosing ready-made cosmetics to combat dark circles under the eyes, you should give preference to formulations that include the following components.
- Vitamin A is an essential skin nutrient and contains large amounts of retinoic acid.
- Kojic acid (hydroquinone) – has a powerful whitening effect and significantly reduces the susceptibility of thin areas of skin to darkening.
- Caffeine – promotes contraction of blood vessels, thereby activating them to normal activity.
- Products with epidermal growth factor - used to eliminate dark circles under the eyes and for prevention purposes.
The root of the problem
The causes of dark circles should be sought in our daily habits and lifestyle. Overwork when working at a computer, stress and chronic lack of sleep (less than 7–8 hours a day) are, unfortunately, constant companions for residents of the metropolis. Remember that due to stress and lack of sleep, the complexion becomes unhealthy pale and the capillaries become more noticeable against the background of such contrast. This is especially true for people of the winter color type with light, sensitive and redness-prone skin, for whom shadows under the eyes may appear as early as adolescence.
Normalize your daily routine, allocate enough time for sleep and rest, try to put your thoughts in order and relax. These primary measures will be the first step in combating the cause of the problem.
Cheap cosmetics, allergic reactions caused by their use, excessive tanning and visiting a solarium not only lead to the appearance of circles under the eyes, but also contribute to the early appearance of fine wrinkles and pigmentation. Alcohol abuse removes water from the body, thereby causing dehydration and, consequently, bruises under the eyes. Please note that if the skin under the eyes is not sufficiently hydrated, it will become more permeable and transparent, and the eyes will appear sunken. Try to limit your alcohol intake and drink enough water throughout the day.
What do circles under the eyes mean - video
Preventive measures
Changes in skin color in the eye area, swelling, and a tired appearance are generally easier to prevent than to eliminate the consequences. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend systematically performing preventive measures.
- Adjust your daily routine so that you have at least 7 hours of sleep left. It is worth considering that the most productive sleep occurs before 2 am.
- To refuse from bad habits. Alcohol and smoking contribute to rapid aging of the skin and changes in its color.
- You should start the morning by washing your face with cool water or wiping with ice cubes. To prepare ice cubes, you can use purified or mineral water, as well as herbal decoctions.
- Fresh air enriches blood circulation with oxygen, which has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and cell regeneration. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce regular evening walks and active rest on days off from work.
- Dark circles often appear as a result of a deficiency in the body of vitamin C, A, E and other trace elements. You need to take a vitamin complex at least 2 times a year.
- Ventilate your home or work space more often.
- Review your diet and adjust it so that the menu consists of 70% fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Use cosmetics that are appropriate for your age and only those that suit your skin type.