6 Natural Ways To Prevent Dark Circles And Eye Bags

Dark circles and eye bags are a common struggle both men and women can relate to. Dark circles refer to the darkening of the skin beneath both eyes. Eye bags, on the other hand, are the mild swelling or puffiness visible under the eyes. If you’re dealing with them, you may feel frustrated, not to mention self-conscious, as they can make you look tired, older, or unhealthy. Moreover, getting rid of them can also be a struggle.

Using a concealer, foundation, or even primer may temporarily cover them but won’t totally help you fight your under-eye situation. Knowing the underlying causes of dark circles and eye bags can make a big difference in eliminating them.

What Causes Dark Circles And Eye Bags?

Although it’s a given fact that tiredness and lack of sleep can cause dark circles and make your eyes appear swollen, there are also other factors likely to contribute to their appearance under your eyes.

Some common causes are:

• Allergies
• Aging
• Eczema (a skin condition that causes patches of itchiness, inflammation, or swelling)
• Periorbital hyperpigmentation (a condition caused by an increase in melanin production) 
• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Dehydration

These contributing factors may vary depending on your medical history and lifestyle. And while some causes of dark circles and eye bags may be outside of your control, there are many ways you can do that may help prevent them. 

What To Do

Improving your lifestyle, including your sleeping habits, diet, and skincare routine, may help reduce dark circles and eye bags. As popular as this piece of advice is, it often gets neglected. By getting enough sleep and being conscious of what you eat, you minimize the possibility of their existence. Aside from that, using a skin regimen product designed to reduce them, such as a nourishing eye cream, may also be a great addition to your skincare routine.

Moreover, there are also several home remedies you can apply to your under-eye area.  Here are the six natural ways you can try to combat dark circles and eye bags:

• Apply Tea Bags

If you have a regular supply of tea at home, you can use tea bags, preferably caffeinated tea, as a remedy. The caffeine in the tea contains antioxidants, which are believed to reduce dark circles and eye bags by increasing blood circulation, reducing liquid retention, and protecting your skin against the aging process. To do this, you may follow the steps below:

• Steep two tea bags in hot water for at least five minutes.
• Put them inside the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Apply the chilled tea bags to each eye and let them stay for 10 to 20 minutes.
• After removing, you can also squeeze out the extra liquid (if any) from the tea bags and apply it to your under-eye area.
• Cleanse your face with cool water afterward.
•  Put Cucumbers Over Your EyesCucumber slices used as natural moisturizer pads for the eyes in a bowl on towel (Selective Focus, Focus on the middle of the first cucumber slice)

Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which may help diminish dark circles and eye bags by strengthening blood vessel walls and lessening the swelling under one’s eyes. In trying this natural remedy, you can place chilled, thick slices of cucumber, which will act as an anti-inflammatory compress, over your eyes for 15 minutes. 

• Apply A Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress may help get rid of the dark circles and swelling by shrinking the dilated blood vessels in your eyes. Although you can purchase a cold compress at the store, using things you have at home may also be a good alternative.

Some DIY cold compresses are:

• Chilled teaspoon
• Wet and cold washcloth
• Bag of frozen veggies

• Stay Hydrated

Due to your body’s response to dehydration, the skin under your eyes retains water and possesses salt concentration, causing dark circles and swelling. Drinking eight glasses of water a day may help decrease those puffy dark circles and bring a natural glow to your skin. 

• Use Cold Milk

Another natural way that may help ease dark, swollen eyes is milk. It’s a great source of vitamin A, which contains retinoids that promote healthy, younger-looking skin. You can dab a cotton ball soaked in milk under your eyes and let it sit for about 10 minutes. 

• Stay Elevated While You Sleep

How you sleep could also play a part in producing those dark circles and bags under your eyes. You can try to elevate your head with an extra pillow while you sleep to prevent the pooling of fluid under your eyes, which can make them look dark and swollen.

Outlook

Though it’s also possible to try skin treatments, such as laser therapy, fillers, or chemical peels to diminish dark circles and eye bags, they’re guaranteed to be expensive. If you prefer low-risk and low-cost methods, you can experiment with the ways discussed above to help you lessen their appearance.

Remember that the skin below your eyes is thinner so make sure to properly treat it with care to prevent any complication or rash. You can also seek help from a dermatologist to properly diagnose the cause, which may aid you in choosing the most appropriate method for getting rid of your dark circles and eye bags.