Can you lighten dark circles naturally?

There’s nothing more frustrating than looking exhausting when you’re wide awake. Dark circles will do that to you. Even worse, some dark circles make it look like you’ve been punched in the eyes. Who needs that?

Are you tired of your dark circles? Have you tried expensive creams and find that your circles won’t fade? Here are some favorite natural remedies for dark circles under the eyes.

1. Get some Vitamin K in your diet.

There have been numerous studies showing that a deficiency in Vitamin K may be one of the causes of dark circles under the eyes. Eating more foods rich in Vitamin K may help address this common problem. Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are great sources of natural Vitamin K. Other foods that may help include oatmeal, asparagus, okra, and peas.

2. Slice some potatoes.

Just how can potatoes help with dark circles? Dr. Brandt, a leading dermatologist to the stars, has said before that potatoes contain a brightening chemical called catecholase. By slicing a raw potato and applying it to the delicate skin under the eyes, you may notice a slight fading of dark circles. The effect is cumulative, so be sure to do this every few days for best results.

3. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

If you have sluggish lymphatic drainage in the face, it may result in dark circles. Did you know that you may be able to massage away your dark circles? It is true! Many spas employ specialists who are very familiar with lymphatic drainage, so you may be able to have this done while having other spa treatments. There are also many books that can give you step by step tips for how to perform this ritual properly at home.

4. Mint leaves are a wonderful choice.

Those mint leaves in your herb garden have another benefit–dark circle relief! Pick a handful of mint leaves and put them in a blender with spring water. Make a paste with this. Apply the mint paste to the affected area for a half hour and rinse gently, being careful not to pull the delicate skin under the eyes.

5. Brew some tea.

The natural tannins in tea have been shown to help fade dark circles. I prefer chamomile or a simple black tea for this. Simply pour boiling water over a tea bag, let steep, and then chill. Apply one chilled bag to each eye. Relax! Recline with the tea bags over your closed eyes for 20 minutes. Results start to become noticeable as early as the next morning.

6. Eliminate triggers

Did you know that allergies are actually a key trigger when it comes to getting dark circles under the eyes? Both food allergies and seasonal allergies are triggers, so it is important to seek treatment if you have them. Once you have identified the allergy you may have and start to treat it, you may find that your circles will begin to fade.

7. Sleep on 2 pillows.

Simply sleeping at a slight incline may have a dramatic effect on dark circles. One cause of dark circles is puffiness. When you are sleeping flat on just one pillow, the fluids pool around the under eye area. This causes both puffiness and dark circles. Sleep on two pillows and see what impact this has under the eyes.

8. Cucumbers aren’t just for salads.

Water-rich cucumbers are a wonderful natural remedy for dark circles. When applied over the entire eye area, you will feel an immediate cooling sensation. Cucumbers soothe and refresh, help to reduce swelling, and may help to fade the bluish-purple color from under eye circles.

9. Try Tomato

Tomatoes are rich in natural lycopene, which is known for its many skin benefits. Lycopene is known for lightening and brightening, so it only makes sense that it could help improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Believe it or not, the best way to get lycopene is by applying simple tomato paste, which is under a dollar at the grocery store.

10. Pineapple slices are helpful, too!

I love pineapple for its skin care benefits. The reason I love it so much is because of the enzyme it possesses called bromelain. This fruit enzyme can help fade everything from acne scars to dark circles. It also leaves behind a brighter appearance to the skin. I like to put one slice over each eye. You can also mash it up and apply like a mask, but it is more liquidy this way.

Relief in the pantry

You do not have to spend $100 on a European eye cream to help lighten your dark circles. Just head for your fridge or look in the pantry, and you most likely will have the ingredients you need to help naturally get rid of dark circles under your eyes.