The skin around the eyes is very delicate and thinner than most other areas of the face. It has no oil glands and has a fine texture. This area requires special care and reflects neglect, abuse, aging, stress, internal health and lifestyle very easily. In fact, dark circles around the eyes can also develop due to hereditary factors, lack of sleep, illness, stress and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, along with external treatment, it is advisable to take these aspects into consideration in order to establish the cause and bring about the necessary changes.
Dark circles can develop at an early age, like adolescence and early 20s, although it is more common in older people. This is due to the causes discussed above. The way to prevent dark circles is to have a nutritious and balanced diet, including fresh fruits, salads, yogurt and sprouts in your daily diet, along with unprocessed cereals, skimmed milk, cottage cheese (paneer), lentils and beans.
Daily exercise, along with deep breathing, helps blood circulation, oxygenation and control of stress. Adequate sleep and relaxation are very important.
Gentle movements and a light touch are essential while handling the area, to remove make up or apply creams. It is better not to massage the area, so that the skin does not get pulled or stretched in any way.
Any massage of the area should be done during a professional facial, so that correct techniques are employed. A cleansing gel or cream should be used to remove make-up, using moist cotton wool. Gels and creams help to dissolve make up and grime and thus facilitate their removal.
A cream which has been specially formulated for the area around the eyes should be applied. Heavy creams are not suitable. It should be a cream with a light texture and consistency. The cream should be removed with a moist cotton wool after 10 minutes. Cream should never be left on the area around the eyes during the night. Normal facial masks should not be applied around the eyes. An under-eye cream, containing almond, is good, as it not only nourishes the skin, but has a lightening effect on the colour tone, if used over a period of time. Facial masks are usually not applied around the eyes.
Eye fatigue can also be relived with washing. Wash your eyes with warm water and follow this with cold water. This improves blood circulation to the eyes and soothes them. It also cleanses the eyes and relieves congestion.
Some home remedies can be used to minimise dark circles, brighten the eyes and reduce fatigue:
Cucumber juice is a common remedy. It should be applied daily around eyes and washed off with plain water after 15 minutes.
Mixing potato juice with cucumber juice in equal quantities helps if there is puffiness along with dark circles. Follow the same procedure.
Dark circles can also be treated by mixing cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal quantities. Apply daily and wash off with water after 15 minutes.
Tomato juice is also said to lighten skin colour.
Consult your doctor about daily exercises. Include deep breathing exercises in your exercise schedule. This helps to deal with stress and also oxygenates the body.
Along with external care and a healthy lifestyle, take time off for relaxation, using eye pads. Take cotton wool and make two thick square pads. They can be soaked in cucumber juice or rose water. Lie down, close your eyes and put the soaked pads on them. Keep them on for about 15 minutes. Used tea bags can also be used as eye pads.
Applying a compress of iced water or cold milk directly over closed lids for 15 to 20 minutes also helps.
BDST: 1858 HRS, MAR- 30, 2016
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor
