This post will help you to understand your dark circles and use natural ways to get rid of them based on medical advice .
What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles and eye bags can often be down to genetics or lifestyle, either way they are a complete pain and instantly give us a fatigued, stressed out look, while it is common belief that they are caused by a lack of sleep, there are many other factors that contribute to the appearance of dark circles..
One of the most prominent reasons for dark circles is hyperpigmentation, which can be caused by both genetics and environmental factors, these include stress, poor diet, smoking and exposure to the sun.
The second cause is having thin skin that allows the dilated veins underneath to show, these veins carry deoxygenated blood that is darker in colour and can pool in this area. The skin around our eyes is thinner than the rest of the face meaning blood vessels and pooling of blood becomes more visible which gives it a dark appearance compared to the rest of our face. People of asian or african origin genetically have very thin lower eyelid skin, meaning dark circles appear more prominant.
In addition, loss of volume (fat and collagen) under the eyes which is a natural part of ageing contributes to dark circles. This leads to a sunken look and thinner skin, which can magnify their appearance.
Seasonal allergies and nasal congestion, can also contribute to poor circulation to the lower eyelid, leading to dilated veins. When veins under the eye dilate, they become bigger and darker.
Our lifestyles today also play a part, spending long hours staring at a screen, wheather its a laptop, television or mobile phone contributes to panda eyes. When focusing on a screen for long periods of time, our eyes prompt the surrounding blood vessels to get bigger and this creates an effect of dark eye circles.
What ever the cause of the dark circles, here are ten steps you can try today before you splash out on expensive creams and cosmetic procedures.
1. Sweet Almond Oil
They also improve blood circulation which can stop blood pooling in this area. Apart from this it has anti-inflammatory properties which basically means it will help with that “swollen first thing in the morning look”
Sweet almond oil is filled with two vitamins essential for brightening the under eye; these are vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Try the 
2. Check For An Iron Deficiency
Increase foods that are rich in iron such as beans, most greens such as spinach and peas as well as red meat.
Iron deficiency is very common in women so it’s worth getting tested if you experience other signs such as low energy levels, dizziness, regular headaches, irritability, dry skin and brittle hair. You can also buy iron supplements but check with your pharmacist or doctor before doing this.
3. Try Vitamin C And Collagen Supplements
Our old friend vitamin C to the rescue once again! Vitamin C helps to produce collagen in our bodies which in turn keeps skin healthy, happy and hydrated especially in the thinner areas like under the eye. You can buy supplements but do check with your pharmacist first. Before you do this try some foods that are rich in it such as tomatoes, berries, oranges, lemons, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
4. Potatoes
Using potatoe slices are as cheap and cheerful as it gets. Because they’re filled with starch they can help brighten darkness and they are packed with Vitamin A and C.
Leave two slices on the under eye area for around 20-30 minutes and then wipe away with a slightly damp cloth.
5. Green Tea
Brew a green tea bag and then let it cool down in the fridge before placing under the eyes. Caffeine helps to restrict the blood capillaries which does two things; it helps improve the appearance of the dark circles and gets rid of any swelling or puffiness. Combining this with something called EGCG will add to this effect due to it’s anti-oxidant properties. Both of these are found in green tea.
You can also try one of my favourites which contains both of these; Caffeine and EGCG solution by The Ordinary. (£5.75)
6. Ice
Cooling the under-eye area helps to drain blood from the area because the blood capillaries get smaller but this is more likely to be quick fix before a big day or after a sleepless night. Apply a couple of ice cubes wrapped in a clean tea towel and wait for magic to happen.
7. Decrease Salt
When there is a lot of salt present water will follow to try and counter act it, so salt makes water hang around in the body which results in puffiness and a bloated look, it also has this effect under the eyes so reducing your salt intake reduces the water retention. Cutting back on salt will only do your eye-bags, skin, weight and heart good!
8. Water, Water And More Water
When we are dehydrated our bodies decide to hold on to salt meaning we will hold on to water too! Which means puffy eye bags.
So, whilst cutting back salt also increase your water intake. You will know you are dehydrated if you notice your pee to be yellow, this is your kidneys trying to clear the nasties. Try adding in a slice of lemon to shake things up and get a bit of Vitamin C. Our bodies are made up of up to 60% water and the skin itself is 64% water, so it goes without saying that if you want glowing skin and eyes drink up!
Try these Mango Sports Motivational Water Bottles (£10.99) to help keep track.
9. Ditch The Cigarettes
These have a reputation for causing dark circles, so if you want brighter eyes, hair, skin nails and just better health overall stop ASAP.
Many pharmacies offer stop smoking services that guide and support your quitting journey by providing you with nicotine replacement therapies.
10. Get More Sleep
This is easier said than done but try to get at least 8 hours, try fiddling with your routine so you can squeeze in enough hours or try an app such as sleep better to help optimize your routine.
This post may contains affiliate links, which means I will receive commission if you purchase through my link with no extra charge to you. Read the full Disclaimer here
