How to reduce dark circles under eyes: for 40+ tired mums
If you struggle with dark circles under your eyes, you are not alone, especially if you are severely sleep deprived. As a mother of a toddler, I’m still navigating this myself.
You've probably realised by now that there's no magic cream for dark circles, and getting rid of them can be even more challenging if you're over 40. As we age, collagen levels in the skin decrease, accentuating blood vessels and deepening shadows, making dark circles more prominent.
Skincare alone isn’t enough if the dark circles are caused by genetics, lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, or nutritional deficiencies. So a healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial in reducing dark circles under eyes.
There are a few things I've tried that make a real difference to reduce dark circles under eyes and they don't involve botox or harsh skincare treatments:
FACE MASSAGE TO GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES
In my opinion, a facial massage or facial exercises are among the best ways to reduce dark circles under eyes. It enhances lymphatic drainage and improves circulation, delivering nutrients to skin cells while eliminating toxins. Your face appears brighter and more radiant, with reduced puffiness and dark circles.
You can massage your face using your fingers, suction cups, or sculpting tools like a gua sha. Incorporate it into your daily routine by forming a habit, for example, I do a few minutes of facial exercises every time I get into my car. Or, try a 3 minute face massage every time you apply your evening moisturiser.
It’s important to perform the face massage or exercises correctly because otherwise you may cause wrinkles to be created.
If you don’t know how to use your fingers or the tools, the easiest one to use is the Rose Quartz Face Roller. It is especially created to stimulate lymphatic drainage, encouraging a youthful look and healthy glow. It comes with an instruction how to use that is very simple, you can roll for as little as 3 minutes per day, even when watching TV.
The Rose Quartz Roller was used in ancient Chinese beauty rituals to reduce face puffiness, minimise dark circles, and wrinkles while brightening the complexion and enhancing skin’s elasticity. Be cautious of fake jade rollers that may contain toxic dyes; ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity if you're uncertain.
ICE CUBES TO REDUCE DARK CIRCLES
Another method to reduce dark circles under eyes is to run an ice cube on the face, which helps shrink dilated blood vessels under eyes. This not only minimises dark circles but also helps reduce face and eyes puffiness, enhancing your skin’s natural glow.
For best results, freeze pure water or a green tea infusion in an ice tray. Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft cloth and gently massage your face, or roll a cube directly on the skin. If you’re prone to broken capillaries, be cautious, as the cold could exacerbate spider veins on the face. In this case, the Rose Quartz Face Roller offers a safe and effective alternative.
FACE TAPING FOR DARK CIRCLES
Face taping, which uses an adhesive tape called kinesiology tape, can also reduce puffiness and dark circles by promoting blood and lymphatic circulation, while toning tissues and lifting the skin, and reducing the appearance of line.
The effect is to slightly lift the skin and reactivate the muscles, which are often contracted due to stress, causing wrinkles to form and the skin to lose tone. The end result is to reduce the appearance of lines and dark circles under eyes.
Specialists recommend applying the tape at night for at least a week, leaving it on overnight, and gently removing it in the morning.
The application is quite straightforward but watching an instruction video by a taping specialist is helpful. The tape is cut into specific shapes and applied to different areas of the face, such as the forehead, around the eye area, lips, or neck. Since I started using it, I've noticed a visible reduction in my dark circles.
TEA BAGS COMPRESS FOR DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES
Applying chilled green, chamomile, or regular tea bags to your eyes can also minimise dark circles under eyes, puffiness and swelling.
Brew two tea bags in a boiling water for about 10 minutes, squeeze out excess liquid and refrigerate until cold. Then place them on your closed eyes for 15-20 minutes.
BEST EYE CREAM FOR DARK CIRCLES
If you're searching for an eye cream for dark circles under eyes, look for these ingredients:
Vitamin C: known for its brightening properties, it lightens pigmentation and boosts collagen, reducing dark circles.
Grape seed oil: with potent antioxidant properties, it helps lighten dark circles, improve skin’s moisturise and elasticity, and tightens the skin.
The Sana Naturals Serum offers a natural alternative to a mainstream cream for dark circles under eyes. It contains Vitamin C and grapeseed oil among other ingredients. It serves as both a face and under eye moisturiser and serum. In my opinion, it’s the best moisturiser for dark circles under the eyes.
Hyaluronic Acid: hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, which can make dark circles less noticeable.
Caffeine: constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation, which can help diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness
As an advocate of minimalist, multifunctional skincare, I believe in gentle, nourishing products that restore skin’s natural health without dependency on numerous products.
Switching to truly natural, multipurpose skincare like Sana Naturals has many benefits. Not only do these natural skincare products nourish the skin, but they also offer a wide range of advantages, including slowing down skin ageing. You’ll need fewer products, have fewer steps in your routine, and ultimately see better results faster. Check it out here.