The area around the eyes is not rich in sebaceous glands and collagen like the rest of the body and the skin appears thinner. That’s why it is easier for wrinkles and lines to form and to see the subcutaneous network of capillaries making the area darker. Moreover, this part tends to accumulate fluids forming bags under the eyes. So how can wrinkles, eye bags and dark circles be countered? Let's see the main natural remedies!
Tea for eye contour
Tea, both green and black, contains caffeine and this substance is able to counteract bags and dark circles, it is in fact astringent (Ahmadraji et al, Adv Biomed Res, 2015). In addition to this, tea brings tannins that help make the skin tighter and counteract the accumulation of liquids. Take tea bags, both green and black are fine, the important thing, if you choose green tea, is that it should be a variety that contains caffeine. Indeed, bancha or kukicha, two types of Japanese green tea, contain less caffeine and therefore would not be the right choice, the gunpowder is excellent instead. Soak the tea bags under water and squeeze them, then apply them on closed eyelids. Repeat the treatment every day. While for an anti-wrinkle action, rooibosh tea is excellent, as shown by scientific studies. Also in this case you can apply rooibosh bags soaked in water on the eyelids (Chuarienthong et al, Int J Cosmet Sci, 2010).
Plant based oils rich in vitamins E and K
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant able to counteract the aging processes of skin tissues. Aging causes a slower cell division and thinning of the dermis. The skin thus loses elasticity and collagen, appears less elastic and wrinkles and fine lines form in the area around the eyes. In addition to this, vitamin E is always considered useful to prevent and treat dark circles. Vitamin K is associated with the proper functioning of the circulatory system and is therefore considered useful in the case of dark circles, often connected to poor circulation in the area around the eyes (Ahmadraji et al, Adv Biomed Res, 2015 - Sheth et al, Indian J Dermatol , 2014). Well, argan oil is a valuable source of vitamin E as well as carotenoids and polyphenols, important antioxidants that contribute to counteract aging processes (Lizard et al, Int J Mol Sci, 2017). Also the prickly pear oil is appreciated for its content in antioxidants including vitamin E (Koubaa et al, J Sci Food Agric, 2017) but also for its intake of vitamin K (Ramadan et al, Food Chemistry, 2003). Other plant based oils also contain vitamin E, such as avocado or grape seed oil, but for the consistency, density and easy absorption, argan and prickly pear are certainly the best for the area around the eyes.
Cucumber
You can apply a slice of cucumber on closed eyelids, this will help fight swelling. This action is due to the presence of vitamin C, the astringent power of cucumber that can counter dark circles and bags, its ability to hydrate tissues and its illuminating properties (Naveed et al, Africon journal of biotechnology, 2011).
