Tag Archives: Dark Circles

Under Eye Circles & Bags : Causes & Remedies, Indian Beauty Blog, Skin care

Under Eye Circles & Bags : Causes & Remedies

Under Eye Circles & Bags : Causes & Remedies

By Ishleen

Lifestyles today are more stressful than comfortable, despite the luxuries that we can indulge in. Computers, mobiles, and all the electronic gadgets that we have involved to make our lives simpler have further disturbed our working schedules, that too on the cost of the health of our body. More work, less sleep; and the direct results are clearly visible in the puffiness and dark shadows around our eyes.

Raccoon eyes, under-eye bags, dark circles, shadows, panda eyes; all these are names of the same problem. So what basically causes our eyes to develop such conditions?

Read below to know more.

Causes

Whether you may know it or not, the skin which appears to be bluish black under our eyes is because of the skin in that area being too thin, thus making the blood vessels visible all the more. No, your blood vessels are not exactly blue; but only the wavelengths of blue and purple colors are allowed to be reflected by your under-eye skin, thus giving an impression of bluish-black under eye bags.

1. Genetics

One of the major causes of recurring or prominent dark circles is genetics. If your parents have thin skin around the eyes, or more than average blood vessels, it is almost certain that you will be passed on with the unfortunate trait.

2. Age and Gender

Dark circles under the eyes can begin to be dominantly visible in your 20’s, both in males and females alike; but they are most daunting in the old age. In old age, our skins loose elasticity and do not have the ability to regenerate the skin cells at a steady pace, thus the predominance of raccoon eyes.

3. Fatigue and sleeplessness

In case of fatigue, skin produces a chemical named cortisol, to give your body dynamism when it is working on low levels of energy. It increases the volume of blood in the body, thereby enlarging the blood vessels by creating more pressure in them. As the skin is thin around your delicate eyes, the engorged blood vessels are more prominently visible.

4. Ruptured blood vessels

At times, blood vessels under the eyes can get ruptured and the blood leaking from them starts oxidizing; leading to dim shadows on the lean membrane underneath the eyes. However this is nothing to be much apprehensive about, as in the company of the right type of treatments; this hitch can be easily rectified.

5. Excess of sleep and other lifestyle reasons

Dark under eye circles can even be caused by high sodium intake; which helps in retaining more fluids in body, leading to puffiness; which in turns makes dark circles more visible. Sleeping on your stomach for prolonged periods of time, leads to the accumulation of fluids in the facial area, especially around the eyes, causing freaky dark circles. Or say, when you have been crying uncontrollably, for any reason whatsoever, the salinity of your tears leads to puffiness around your eyes. So forget what happened and just smile 🙂

Remedies

If you are one of those few unlucky ones who have to bear with the problem of dark under eye circles, no matter what, and you do not want to spend on swanky under eye creams or laser surgeries; these home remedies await you.

a) Cucumber apart from acting as a cooling agent, also works as a lightening instrument and an astringent for your skin. Placing cucumber slices on your eyes, or gently rubbing cotton balls dipped in fresh cucumber juice can help to reduce the dark circles. Though the cucumber juice works better if you leave it overnight. Don’t worry; your skin will readily absorb it.

b) Potato juice is great to reduce the puffiness around the eyes, and is often used for treating tan spots and blemishes. Grate a raw potato, extract its juice, and apply the freshly squeezed juice to the affected area. Leave it on overnight if possible.

c) For added goodness, mix both cucumber and potato juice, and with a soft cotton pad, dab the juice gently on to the skin. Leave the juice on for about half an hour, and wash the face with cold water.

ADDITIONAL TIP: To keep the eyes moisturized, follow up by gently massaging olive, coconut or almond oil around the eye area. Remember not to put too much pressure around the eyes.

2. Frozen metal spoons

For instant relief from under eye circles caused by lack of sleep, or sleeping in the wrong posture for prolonged periods of time; all you need is two frozen metal spoons. Make it a habit to keep two metal spoons in your freezer so that you can utilize them any time you want. Just place the rounded edges of the spoon on the eye area and let it rest till the temp of the spoon becomes normal. The cooling effect will help stimulate blood circulation and also decrease the quantity of fluid accumulation around the peepers.

3. Chilled Green tea bags

Green tea is chock full of anti-oxidants, and anti-oxidants are good for your skin. Period. Dip two green tea bags in boiling water, and let them stay immersed for about 3-4 minutes. Take out the tea bags and place them in the freezer, letting them stay till they are chilled. (In the meanwhile, enjoy the goodness of your green tea.) Once the tea bags are chilled enough, place them onto your under eye areas, one bag on each eye, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. You will notice the results for yourself.

4. The goodness of rose water

Pure Rose water is one product which is the answer of almost all skin care problems. Yes it is that good. Dab a pair of cotton balls in cold rose water, and apply it to the eyes. Let the cotton balls stay on the eyes for as long as possible and wash your face off. Do not forget to follow up with a rich moisturizer.

5. The Wonderful Tomato juice

Most of the treatments for dark under eye circles lie in our own kitchen. Tomatoes comprise of lycopene, which is a great anti-oxidant and has the ability to lighten your skin. Squeeze the juice of one ripe tomato, or mash the pulp and mix in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice again acts as a bleaching agent and has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce puffiness. Apply this mixture under the eyes and let it stay for about 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water for better results.

6. Crushed mint leaves

Mint has amazing cooling properties which helps in instantly soothing the skin and reducing the appearance of dark discoloration around the eyes. Crush a few mint leaves using a mortar and pestle and apply the leaves as it is under the eyes. Wait for about 15 minutes and then remove any residue with a damp cotton swab. You can even mix the goodness of cucumber juice to the crushed leaves for better results.

7. Cold compress or ice pack

Cold compress works on the same principal as that of the metal spoons. The chilling effect will help stimulate blood circulation, thereby diminishing puffiness and rectifying the temporary pigmentation under the eyes. Either use a gel based cold compress, or take a few ice cubes wrapped in a thin cloth, and place them under your eyes till the ice melts off completely. Goodbye, raccoon eyes. 😉

8. The efficient milk and fenugreek seed paste

This DIY under eye face mask can work wonders to rectify dark circles. Take a few fenugreek (methi) seeds and soak them overnight. The next day, grind the seeds to form a fine paste. To this paste add a tablespoon of milk and a pinch of turmeric. Mix well, and apply the paste under the eyes.

9. White bread and milk

Milk has both fats and proteins, making it the best moisturizer for our skin. Mix this elixir of goodness with a slice of white bread, mixing it into a fine paste. Apply this paste daily on your under eye area for smoother and even toned under eye skin.

10. Say goodbye to bad habits

Smoking, drinking and stressing a tad bit too much are the main causes which can lead to hyper pigmentation around the eyes and leads to fluid accumulation, causing puffiness. For eyes that do not resemble that of a panda, try bidding goobye to these bad habits of yours.

Till when are you going to hide the dark under eye area with corrective concealers and heavy-duty foundations? It is high time you followed one of these easy tips listed above and bid goodbye to these nasty shadows which never allow you to look your best. But remember that all the points listed above are purely natural and you should not expect instantaneous results; patience is the key.

Editor’s Note: Well written post Ishleen, I am going to try some of the tips myself 😀

Do you have dark circles? Use any of the tips mentioned? Also add your own tips in the comments below which work for you.

P.S: Images from Google

Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review

Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review

Look Beyond – A health and wellness venture, started in 2011 is the brainchild of Dr. Seema Anand.A health & Wellness venture has come up with their wide product range. By utilizing age-old knowledge and new research into its sphere, Look Beyond started its mission with an intent to provide holistic wellness to its patrons. Look Beyond’s products’ strive on 100% natural ingredients, with no use of chemicals and they are entirely environment friendly.Dr. Seema envisioned a place that would be open to all, where the individual could look at their overall wellness and find ways to improve it. The brand is devoted to creating services and products that aim to heal one’s mind, body and soul. The intention of the center is to inspire well-being, personal growth, peace, harmony and happiness for all and provide the tools that can help people achieve the same.

The products are segregated into three categories: those for the body, health, and for the home.

The three year old brand boasts of a varied product line that includes:

Liquid soaps (100% natural liquid soaps are infused with a blend of essential oils)
• Linen Sprays (It brings the fragrance to ones linen by using our 100% all natural Linen sprays)
Oil Serums (Oil Serums are infused with the healing ability of nature through essential oils)
• Sound Healing Cds (It brings forth a healing by listening to our frequency corrected, therapeutic and meditative tracks)

Look beyond believes that an integral part of their wellness mission is to give back to the society. A percentage of their profits are used towards providing vocational training and a means of livelihood to those in need through their “Pay it Forward Program”.

About Hebe Bath Gel : Hebe – Youth

Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera, is the Greek Goddess of Youth.
Eternal is Hebe, the goddess of youth.
Pouring nectar from the ageless flower,
Gifting everlasting youth with every shower
A special blend of oils has been infused in this bath gel to fulfill the desire of eternal youth. The natural property of rose is combined with other essential oils to smoothen the skin and give it a natural, youthful, glow.

Ingredients:

It comes in a small pump dispensor packaging. It dispenses the right amount of product and foams well. I am in absolute love with the smell!! It smells amazing! My whole bathroom smells amazing whenever I use Hebe Bath Gel. I love essential oils, so any product with essential oils naturally attract me, especially lavender oil. Skin feels soft,supple and hydrating. No sliminess as with some body washes. I loved this and absolutely recommend it.

 

Though the only con would be its available only online on lookbeyond right now. Buy HERE

Rating: 4/5

150 ml / 5 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 395

About Sirona: Sirona – Dark Circles (Night)


Sirona is the Celtic Goddess of Healing.
Lightly apply this serum on a clean face, prior to applying any other cream, to start the process of lightening dark circles over time. This serum is meant for use during the night.

10 ml / 1 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 445

Ingredients:

Its a small blue genie bottle shaped packaging. At first, you would think it would have a dropper pipette which oils and serums usually have. But no! Its a roll on. Yes, the first oil serum I have seen in a roll on form. And what an idea! I love it. It perfectly fits into the contours of the under eyes where we apply the creams,etc for dark circles.

I think the packaging is genius. And this makes it travel friendly too. I don’t have too many dark circles to begin with. So I did not see a dramatic result as such, but definitely some improvement. And also the skin stays supple and no dryness around the eyes. Oils are always welcome in winters for me. And this too smells awesome!

Rating: 3.5/5

Have you heard about Look Beyond Products ? Do you use skincare products with essential oils ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Khuraira Dark Circle Primer, Age Control Concealer Review, Swatches

Khuraira Dark Circle Complex Primer, Age Control Concealer Review, Swatches

Khuraira Dark Circle Complex Primer with Peptides

What the Company claims: Khuraira Dark Circle Complex Primer is an advanced dermatological treatment. Scientifically proven to significantly diminish the appearance of dark under eye circles and discolorations. Smoothes and moisturizes the delicate skin under the eyes. Helps concealer stay put, creating a flawless finish. Best brush to apply with is concealer brush. Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. Not tested on animals. Dark circle complex primer is not a concealer, therefore Khuraira recommends applying the Age Control Concealer or the Camouflage Concealer that best matches your complexion over the Dark Circle Primer.(as demonstrated in our youtube video).

Tip: Apply dermal revitalizing age-control dark-circle primer on bruises, dark-circles, tattoos… with a concealer brush and even out with the right concealer. Khuraira Dark Circle Primer is the ultimate camouflage revealing a flawless, radiant you. “Its a must have product” Instyle Wedding, August 2008, Essence Magazine 2012 top picks.

Brush: Concealer brush

Ingredients: Water, didecene, polyacrylamide, propylene glycol, squalane, cyclopentasiloxane, C13-14 is paraffin, glycerin, laureth-7, bary (hordeum distichon) extract, sunflower (helianthus annuus) seed oil, wheat (tritium vulgare) germ extract, wheat (tritium vulgare) germ oil, steareth-20, chrysin, hydroxysuccinimide, palmitoyl tetra peptide-3, palmitoyl-oligopeptide, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, tocopherol, xanthan gum, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone cross polymer, citric acid, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben.

Price: $30.00

Khuraira Age Control Concealer with Peptides

What the Company claims: Khuraira Age Control Concealer contains the same patented anti-aging complex (enriched with Peptides) in Khuraira Liquid Foundation. Silky and easy to blend formula Glides on to disguise imperfections and dark circles while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Specially formulated for the delicate under eye area. Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. Not tested on animals.
Tip: Apply dermal revitalizing age-control™ concealer under the eyes as needed using a concealer brush and set with an invisible powder.

Brush: Concealer brush

Price: $35.00

Ingredients: Petrolatum, bis-diglycerol, polyacyladipate-2, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, propylene glycol stearate, ethylhexyl palmitate, ozokerite, lecithin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, ceramide 2, palmitoyl-oligopeptide, peg-10 rapeseed sterol, tocopheryl acetate, polysorbate 20, retinyl palmitate, sorbitan laurate, propylene glycol laurate, tribehenin, propylparaben May contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides.

Shades: Light, Medium and Dark

First of all, I never heard of Khuraira..and when they approached me for reviewing their primer and concealer, I checked their site and products..and they had some interesting and good stuff..and orange corrector always works for cutting dark circles…and they had an orange primer..which primes as well as corrects..so I was quite intrigued..and thought of trying it out..

T-B: Primer, Dark, Medium, Light

It is super creamyy in consistency..and a little thick..so needs to be blended well..but also thats a reason..it settles in fine lines under the eye..and also it needs to be set with a powder..

The Dark shade is not so dark..and would suit NC 37-40, Medium would suit NC 30-35 but has a pink undertone to it..and Light is wayy too light..probably for NC 20-25..I think the shades are not appropriate for all skin tones..and three are too less for people all over the world..with a vast range of tones..one is light…and one is not dark enough..

L-R: Without Concealer, With Concealer, With Primer and Concealer

For me, both Dark and Medium work well..I even mix the both at times..

It stays all day long when set with a powder..I love the coverage..I even use it for spots and blemishes..and it works great..the qty is amazing too..coz just a little bit is needed..and this would last forever..


Pros:

1. Amazing coverage.
2. Super creamy.
3. Stays all day long.
4. Quantity offered is very good..would stay forever.
5. Its not cheap..but for this quantity and quality, the price is justified.
6. Works on spots and blemishes too.
7. Gives a flawless under eye with both corrector and concealer.
8. Easy to use..I use it with my fingers too..but just needs to be blended well.

Cons:

1. Available online..you can buy it HERE
2. Needs to be set with a powder.
3. Settles in fine lines under the eye at times.

Overall I would say I am a fan of this ! I had read about the Khuraira orange primer in recommended products for dark circles online on the Vogue India website long back..and now after using this myself, I know why 😀 Its amazing..and more so for someone with prominent dark circles..I do not have deep circles to begin with and still I love the results..if you are someone who suffers from dark circles, I would highly recommend this primer and concealer..

Mickey Contractor had also come up with a concealer..where it had orange corrector on one side in his LE collection with MAC..

Basically..our dark circles have bluish purple undertones..and orange helps cut them..as its the opposite color in color wheel..and so orange base helps reduce the appearance of dark circles..followed by the concealer which completely covers it..

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes, if needed

Have you tried orange correctors for dark circles ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

Vichy Laboratoires BI-WHITE REVEAL Anti-Dark Circle Whitening Corrective Eye Care

Worried About Dark Circles?

Get Rid Of Them Using Vichy Laboratoires BI-WHITE REVEAL Anti-Dark Circle Whitening Corrective Eye Care

Getting rid of those dark circles is not an easy task. The major reason behind this dark circles is that stagnation of melanin in that lower layer of your eyes which is also the reason for dull skin. VICHY Laboratories presents the revolutionary, BI-WHITE REVEAL Anti-Dark Circle Whitening Corrective Eye Care with a novel mechanism for whitening in the in the skin cream world. Contains Ceramide WhiteTM in alliance with Caffeine and Vitamin B3 providing a complete power packed solution for dark-circles.


Research shows that all the available skin lightening creams have disappointed consumers in some way or the other so with the help of intensive research, L’Oréal has brought in 3 active ingredient cream,

§ Ceramide White TM which controls the cellular signal at the origin of melanin production.

§ Caffeine which helps to relieve congestion, stimulate the inner micro-circulation and evacuate stagnating haemic pigments.

§ Vitamin B3 which helps to inhibit vascular dilatation and increase the micro-circulation flow.

These core ingredients works on generation of cells which control the melanin production and also treat and clean the existing melanin and provides that glowing skin to match your beautiful eyes. The results, reduction in pigmented dark circles are visibly reduced in size, color and intensity*, are evident in just 4 weeks of the use of products.

The eye contour looks visibly lighter giving your face that radiant and even skin tone. Dullness is noticeably reduced making eyes look brighter and more beautiful!

PRICE: Rs 1990/- for 15ml

AVAILABILITY:

· At select pharmacies in all major cities.

· Orders can also be placed online (No delivery charges).

· To place orders or to locate the nearest Vichy store log on to: www.vichyindia.com

How to Treat Dark Circles and Bags Under Your Eyes

How to Treat Dark Circles and Bags Under Your Eyes

Guest Post

No one likes getting dark circles under the eyes, but most of us have them at some point in time. Stress, sleep deprivation, poor dieting, and heredity can all lead to a less-than-perfect reflection in the mirror, and there’s only so much you can cover with makeup. Before matters get any worse, you should try some of the treatment options listed below. Here are a few ways to treat dark circles under the eyes.

Stop the Causes

In order to get rid of dark circles and bags, you need to know what is causing them in the first place. If you’re running on Redbull and power naps, you probably need more sleep. If your stack of unpaid bills is larger than your stack of paid bills, you probably need less stress. Think about what might be causing the issues under your eyes, and then do whatever you can to avoid it. If you can’t do that, you might as well get used to the way you look.

Moisturize the Skin

A boost of moisture can revitalize your skin and make it look soft and supple. Apply moisturizing makeup under your eyes throughout the day, and then use sesame or avocado oil before you go to bed at night. Look for natural ingredients in whatever products you use, especially if they include vitamin K and vitamin E. Both of those ingredients will do wonders for your skin.

Massage the Eyes

It sounds silly to give your eyes a massage, but that really can help get rid of the dark circles and bags. Test this out the next time you feel a bruise coming on. Rub the area of the skin where the bruise might form, and you may not even see a spot come to the surface. That’s because you’re encouraging circulation in the area, which will keep all of your cells right where they need to be. The same thing happens with you dark circles. Use almond oil to really get your skin active again, and your circles will just fade away.

Protect the Face

Wear sun block throughout the day, even if you’re just going outside for a few moments. UV rays can damage your skin, and that damage can lead to bags and circles. Look for moisturizing foundation with built-in SPF, or wear mineral makeup designed for sun protection. Then throw on some sunglasses, and you should be able to keep your skin looking healthy.

Release the Toxins

Believe it or not, you could be experiencing dark circles because of built-up toxins in your body. Go in for a colon cleanse when you have time, or try a cleansing diet instead. Yoga is a great workout routine for releasing toxins because it forces your body into unexpected positions. You could get your body in shape and make your face look better at the same time. Talk about a win-win!

Rejuvenate the Surface

You could use an in-home microdermabrasion treatment to get rid of your outer layer of skin. This will encourage new skin cells to grow, which will help you look younger. You may be red for a day or two, but then you will have a whole new face to look at in the mirror. Hopefully that face is dark circle free.

Being frustrated with your dark circles and bags under the eyes won’t make them go away. You have to put forth a positive effort to keep your skin looking its best. Use the tips above to correct your skin problems, and you’re sure to feel refreshed in no time.

About the Author: Hilary Swanson is a teacher, mother, and grad student who leads an incredibly stressful life. She treats her dark circles and keratosis pilaris with the microdermabrasion products on http://www.Riiviva.com