Avocado Avocados aren’t just good for guacamole, they can serve as an anti-aging aid. This fruit is packed with nutrients such as potassium, fiber, folic acid, vitamin B complex, and vitamin E, which help lighten dark shadows. Place slices of ripe avocado under each eye, or opt to mix it into a paste with 3 slices of avocado and 5 drops of almond oil to form the paste. Crushed Mint Leaves Mint leaves are the perfect garnish not just for mojitos, but for your eyes. The cool, tingling effect of these leaves prompts an increase in blood flow when applied to the under-eye area. Sensory neurons in the skin have a protein called transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) that is responsible for regulating the flow of ions and cellular membranes, which eventually enter the nerve cell. In other words, your skin responds to the brain which interprets the properties of mint as a “cooling sensation.” Crush mint leaves and apply over dark circles for 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe off with a clean and damp cotton cloth. Cucumber This popular salad add-on has been touted for its ability to constrict blood vessels and temporarily reduce swelling. A 2009 study published in the journal Inflammatory Researchfound flavonoids can possess anti-inflammatory properties due to antioxidant activity that “modulates the production of proinflammatory molecules.” Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants and flavonoids, including quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which can reduce free radicals and increase overall antioxidant capacity. These powerful antioxidants and flavonoids can reduce the puffiness sometimes accompanied by dark circles. Moreover, the cooling effect of cucumbers, just like mint leaves, will lessen the hue of under-eye circles. Cut two slices of cucumber and place them over your eyes. Leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and discard slices. Pineapple Juice And Turmeric This herb widely used in cooking, and responsible for giving Indian curry its flavor and yellow color, can also be used for your dark circles. Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory to treat ailments, including skin diseases and wounds. The herb contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant, says theUniversity of Maryland Medical Center, known to lower the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties will not just clear dark circles, but also make the skin around the eyes smooth and soft. Mix turmeric powder with pineapple juice to make a thick paste and apply evenly on your dark circles. Leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes so it can react with the skin. Wipe it off with a damp cloth. Raw Potatoes Baked, fried, or mashed potatoes on a plate can feed anyone’s appetite, but it’s a different story when it’s your face. Potatoes are loaded with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and other nutrients, which can deliver a mirage of benefits for your skin. This homemade face brightener can reduce under-eye shadows, while plumping the skin, and reducing wrinkles, according to a 2007 studypublished in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Cut two potato slices and place them against your eyes. Leave slices on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and discard potatoes. Tea Bags A brewed tea bag doesn’t have to be immediately dispensed after being seeped in tea. “Cooled green or black tea bags can help, partly due to the diuretic caffeine and anti-inflammatory antioxidant content of tea and due to the capillary-constricting effect of cold, but it's a temporary effect,” De Fiori said. Tannin, along with the antioxidant EGCG found in green tea, can reduce swelling and discoloration. Cool off an already used pair of tea bags in the fridge. Apply over both eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove tea bags and discard. Source
