9 simple and effective ways to get rid of dark circles and bags under your eyes

We’ve all been there: we meet up with a friend or relative and they tell us we look tired. We hadn’t noticed but when we looked in the mirror, we had bags under our eyes. It is just a fact of life, but there are a number of reasons why we get dark circles under our eyes.

Some of the main causes behind dark circles are family history, ageing, dry skin, crying, working for long hours on a computer, mental or physical stress, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet. It’s not uncommon for both men and women of different age groups can have dark circles.

While it’s not a serious skin problem, it can make you look exhausted, unhealthy and older. But there are a number of ways you can reduce the appearance of these dark circles and look fresh again.

1. Coconut oil

Thanks to its moisturising qualities, coconut oil promotes smooth skin and prevents dark circles. Simply massage coconut oil under your eyes and leave on for a few hours before washing. Repeat two to three times daily until you are satisfied with the results.

2. Honey

Honey has some wonderful benefits, not least of all its ability to reduce inflammation, perfect for under eyes. Lightly apply a small amount to the eye areas before bed and wash off in the morning for a noticeable reduction.

3. Lemon juice

No matter your skin colour, the vitamin C in lemon juice makes an excellent lightener. Soak cotton pads in cold lemon juice and rest under your eyes, being careful not to get the juice in your eyes. Rest for 10 minutes then splash with fresh, cool water.

4. Cucumber

An age-old beauty trick for good reason – cucumbers have skin-lightening properties as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Cut thick slices of cold cucumbers and lay them over your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes up to three times per day.

5. Potato

It sounds odd but potatoes can reduce puffiness under eyes. Grate one chilled potato and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Soak cotton balls in the juice and apply to the under eye area for 10 minutes.

6. Black tea bags

After using your tea bags, don’t throw them out. Leave them in a container in the fridge and apply to your eyes to reduce swelling.

7. Turmeric and milk

It sounds silly but the soothing benefits of milk and turmeric’s ability to lesson inflammation are a winning combination. Soak cotton balls in milk with a sprinkle of turmeric. Squeeze out the liquid and rest on eyes for 15 minutes.

8. Hemorrhoid cream

Many models and celebrities swear by hemorrhoid cream to keep puffiness and wrinkles at bay – and it works! If you don’t like the odour of the cream or it irritates your eyes, mix it with a bit of your moisturiser before applying.

9. Avocado

Place slices of ripe avocado under each eye to alleviate swelling – avocados are packed full of natural fats, bringing much needed moisture to the area.

Tips to reduce bags under your eyes

• Never touch or rub your eyes.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain skin’s fresh, dewy look.
• Make sure your diet contains enough iron, fresh vegetables and fruit.
• Control your allergies to stop allergies.
• Try an over-the-counter eye cream to reduce the swelling if your bags don’t go away with the above treatments.
• Get enough sleep!