«Introduction to the problem and anti-dark circles remedies
Blueberry
Vaccinium myrtillus
The blueberry belongs to the family of Ericaceae and drug berries (fruits) are used. As a natural remedy, blueberry is a drug known for its antioxidant properties and capillarotropic power: it is in fact considered in treatments to combat capillary and venous fragility, to decrease inflammation and to increase the resistance of the capillaries.
Bilberry consists of anthocyanins (mirtillin) which seem to act right at the level of the blood vessels, increasing their resistance, but among the other constituents there are also tannins, hydroxycinnamic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, flavon glycosides, terpenes, vegetable organic acids and phenols glycosylates (argutin).
Horse chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
The horse chestnut, known as Indian chestnut, belongs to the family of Sapindaceae, and is also used as an ornamental plant.
In cosmetics, horse chestnut, being a saponin drug just like gotu kola, is considered for several uses:
- Anti-inflammatory and astringent action;
- Used in the treatment of hemorrhoids;
- Widespread use in formulations aimed at reducing capillary permeability;
- Stimulating the microcirculation;
- Used in anti-cellulite creams.
Due to these properties, the escin extract represents a good natural solution to the problem of dark circles.
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
From a cosmetic point of view, cucumber is a natural remedy that is found in anti-dark circles products for its excellent qualities: regenerating, moisturizing, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor. Precisely for these capacities, cucumber can be used to reduce swelling under the eyes and to improve the eye contour, thus acting on dark circles and decreasing the imperfection present or counteracting its appearance.
Magnolia
Magnolia officinalis
Another natural remedy to consider is the extract of magnolia bark: its bark, in fact, contains two powerful anti-inflammatory substances, magnolol and "onochiol, which act synergistically in" inhibiting the "activation of" NF-KB (Nuclear Factor kB), a mediator of inflammatory processes and aging.
For external use these active ingredients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. It is a medicinal plant belonging to the Chinese pharmacopoeia: in fact the bark has been used for many years in Asia against the stagnation of liquids, but also for digestive disorders, anxiety and allergies.
The use of this active ingredient in an anti-aging cream will lead to an increase in the elasticity of the skin around the eyes, associated with an "excellent hydration of the skin: the magnolia extract is therefore a good natural remedy to counteract dark circles and signs. of aging.
Coffee
Coffea arabica
The coffee plant is an evergreen shrub belonging to the family of Sterculiaceae.
Coffee and, more precisely, the extract obtained from its seeds (grains) is widely used in the cosmetic industry. In fact, it is believed that the caffeine contained in this extract - when used topically - is able to exert an "anti-edema and lipolytic action (it promotes lipid catabolism).
For this reason, its use in anti-cellulite products and anti-dark circles cosmetics has had great success (for more information: Caffeine against bags or dark circles).
Do It Yourself Natural Remedies
Up to now some of the plants have been described whose extracts are widely used by the cosmetic industry for the production of anti-dark circles and anti-aging cosmetic products.
With these same plants - as well as with many others - it is, however, possible to create numerous DIY natural remedies that are very useful to combat dark circles. Some of them will be illustrated below.
Cucumber packs
An ancient grandmother's remedy - also adopted in various beauty centers - the pack with cucumber slices seems to be one of the most popular and well-known natural DIY remedies to combat dark circles.
Doing it is very simple: just cut a few very thin slices of cucumber and apply them on the eyes (approximately, two or three slices per eye) for about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use the cucumber juice by soaking gauze to apply to the eyes for the same shutter speed.
Tea Packs
Tea is endowed with astringent properties and for this reason carrying out compresses in correspondence with dark circles can make them less evident and can reduce any swelling.
This natural do-it-yourself remedy involves the use of the classic tea bags available in any supermarket. The bags must be wet with cold water and well squeezed, after which, they can be applied to the eyes (one per eye) and left on for 15 minutes after this time, the sachets should be removed and the face should be rinsed with fresh water.
Alternatively, you can brew some tea (green or black), let it cool and use it to moisten cotton pads or a make-up sponge. The discs, or the sponge, will then have to be dabbed on the dark circles. The tea must be left to act for a few minutes, after which you can proceed with rinsing.
Packs with Potatoes
Another DIY remedy very in vogue (but with unproven effectiveness) involves the use of potatoes to fight dark circles, in particular for those of very dark color.
The remedy is simple: it is sufficient to cut two thin slices of potato (after having previously washed it) which must be wrapped in gauze and then applied to the eyes. The processing time is about 15-20 minutes, after which you can rinse your face with fresh water.
Chamomile packs
Chamomile wraps - similar to those with cucumber - are among the best known natural remedies used to combat dark circles. This is thanks to the anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that this plant has.
Putting this remedy into practice is very simple and fast. In fact, it is sufficient to prepare a chamomile infusion by immersing the dried flowers of the plant (easily available in herbal medicine) in boiling water. The infusion thus prepared must be left to cool. Once warm, dip cotton pads into them and apply them on the eyes until they have cooled. After that, the disks will have to be removed, dipped again in the "lukewarm infusion and, later, reapplied again on the eyes. This" operation must be carried out 4 or 5 times, at least once a day.
The first results should be visible already after the first week.
