Dark circles can be annoying, stubborn, and plain unflattering, but they happen to the best of us. Besides lack of sleep and proper hydration, you may notice bags or puffiness near your eyes if you smoke, drink, are chronically stressed, or exposed to heavy air pollution. Did you know that dark circles can also be a sign that you’re not getting enough essential nutrients in your diet? The good news is, you can fight back by being more deliberate about the food you eat. So, before you start frantically ordering expensive eye creams, let’s take a look at ten healthy foods that can help to reduce dark circles before they appear.
Tomatoes contain high levels of the antioxidant, lycopene, which helps protect blood vessels and improves circulation around the eyes. They’re also rich in vitamins C, K, and potassium, which are beneficial to your skin.
Watermelon is ultra-hydrating, containing 92% water. It’s also rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health, as well as vitamins B1 & 6, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Cucumber also has high water content and is rich in vitamins A, K, E, and C, which can improve blood cell elasticity. It’s a known collagen booster and contributes to an even skin tone. For a quick treatment, place two chilled cucumber slices directly on each of your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Papaya is rich in vitamins A & C and contains tons of magnesium and other anti-aging properties. It’s a natural bleaching agent as well, making it perfect for reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Sesame seeds aid in collagen production and are rich in nourishing vitamin E. Try massaging sesame oil onto the eyelids and underneath the eyes to help clear up dark circles and improve circulation.
Beetroot contains a red pigment from betalain antioxidants that help detox the body and promote eye health. Dilate, magnesium, and vitamin C, which it also contains, are helpful for reducing dark circles.
Blueberries are a well-known antioxidant. They’re also rich in vitamins K, C, and manganese, which promote circulation around the eyes and protect the blood vessels.
Celery contains the electrolyte minerals, sodium and potassium, which are powerful fluid regulators that can aid in reducing puffiness around the eyes.
Oranges are chock-full of vitamins A & C, both of which are known to increase collagen and fight free radicals, which can break down skin’s collagen.
Foods rich in vitamin E like spinach, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and broccoli, can help fight enzymes that break down skin’s elasticity and protect against free radicals.
How do you treat your dark circles and puffiness? Let us know in the comments?
