Having dark circles is something that many people want to reduce or eliminate, but can drinking coffee provide results? Many people have tried and requested advice from their barista on a regular basis but without significant results. While coffee is a stimulant, not all experts would agree that it is beneficial. There are multiple approaches that can help reduce these dangerous and unsightly dark circles.
Sleep deprivation is often related to having dark circles. When the body undergoes a lack of sleep and doesn’t get enough rest, the under-eye area can take a toll emotionally, physically and medically. A 2008 study conducted by the Harvard Medical School tested an experimental group of individuals that were not receiving sufficient sleep. The results were a clear correlation between the group and having dark circles. The side effect was a result of the change in pigmentation.
Coffee can increase energy and provide a sense of alertness and focus when tired, but this short-term energy boost should not replace true rest and actually getting enough good-quality sleep. Caffeine dehydrates the skin, resulting in less moisture and making the skin appear rather dull. Therefore, in fact it not only has the possibility of exacerbating dark circles but possibly due to dehydration, also wrinkles and accelerated ageing.
Apart from using coffee to reduce dark circles, many other home-remedies and medical treatments can be implemented. One example is cucumber – previously cut into thin slices, refrigerated and placed on the affected area for about 10-15 minutes. Doing this repeatedly on a regular basis will reduce the appearance of dark circles over time. Benoquin cream is another popular specialist treatment for darker circles being a combination of a topical cream and Vitamin C compound.
In terms of using a proper moisturizer and applying it during the day, it is recommended to use only natural and organic products. Such a product should include Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in order to hydrate and restore the skin under the eyes. It is also recommended to apply a few drops of moisturizer and massage the area around the eyes to stimulate blood flow. Another factor to consider is decreasing exposure to the sun, wearing sunglasses or hats outdoors.
Dark circles are caused by various conditions, such as age, genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress and lack of sleep. Knowing the reasons why they appear and understanding how to prevent them is the key. All of the above options and treatments can help reduce dark circles and the effects in the long-term provided that there is consistency in the application of remedies. Drinking coffee on a regular basis can be counter-effective and, although a stimulant, should not be used to substitute proper sleep.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are immensely popular and apply an array of ingredients on the affected area. The application of some moisturizers includes but are not exclusive to Vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid. These have the potential to reduce dark circles and vanish. The best results occur when these products are used together with a daily routine of dark circle reduction.
Moisturizers are the best options when there is a need to prevent the skin from cracking and to smooth the skin. By regularly and properly hydrating, the skin becomes more elastic and resilient, which can improve and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Such moisturizers must be applied during the day if the desired outcome of reducing dark circles is to be achieved.
Eye creams are also popular amongst women and men alike, as their effects tackle dark circles, reduce under eye bags, attenuates wrinkles and increases hydration. These products can be found in almost every commercial as effective and proven in multiple scientific studies.
Serums are also considered to be incredibly effective in capturing free radicals and reducing wrinkles or dark circles. The effects of such serums beyond dark circles include making the skin appear brighter, hydrated and wrinkle free. Some even go as far as containing antiseptic properties to avoid skin infection.
Medical Treatments
Medically speaking there are plenty of treatments to reduce or, with the right concoction, eradicate dark circles. One example are dermal fillers, very commonly used in cosmetic applications, and can effectively conceal under-eye circles. Employing such filler can instantly provide results, which although superficial and temporary, can allow the person to feel more confident when facing people.
Laser treatments are another application and are incredible efficient in treating wrinkles and dark circles. The laser targets the problematic area and by using laser light, the treated areas can become more crispy and smoother again.
Another popular medical treatment using the light concept is the IPL, or Intense Pulse Light. This is used in a similar way as lasers, however, this treatment is not as intense or punitive as lasers. The IPL method provides results just as laser treatments do but also employs a different methodology.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are also highly recommended as a treatment for dark circles, targeting primarily stubborn dark circles. This type of injection involves taking blood samples and re-injecting it in the specific areas. This treatment has been used by many celebrities and is incredibly successful.
Prevention
Prevention can be the key when it comes to avoiding the appearance of dark circles. A healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance, as it is necessary to follow a disciplined routine. This includes eating healthy foods, having a well balanced diet, exercising regularly, and having adequate sleep.
Furthermore, having sufficient rest, avoiding stress, increasing the intake of food rich in Vitamin C, decreasing salt intake, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and wearing sunglasses when outside can all contribute to better skin and avoiding the presence of dark circles.
Home Remedies
In terms of home remedies, there are a few treatments that are popular and provide great results. Some of these include aloe vera gel, chamomile tea, potato slices, cucumber, rose water, tomato juice, and cold compress with ice cubes.
Furthermore, natural oils are also recommended to reduce dark circles. These include almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. These natural compounds are great to reduce or eliminate the presence of dark circles, focusing primarily on hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Nutrition and Supplements
In terms of supplements, it is recommended to increase the intake of food rich in Vitamin C, iron, and zinc. Examples of such vitamin-packed food include blueberries, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and oranges.
It is also recommended to increase the intake of collagen, found naturally in fish, eggs, and yogurt, so that the skin is provided with a daily dose of lustre.}
Anti-aging supplements are also recommended to maintain youthful-looking skin and avoid wrinkles and dark circles. Such supplements contain antioxidants, fatty acids, collagen and amino acids with the purpose of regenerating collagen, elasticity and skin texture.
Effectiveness Level
On a scale of 1-5, the other approaches recommended to reduce dark circles can be considered 3 to 5, depending on the procedure and the following of a strict regimen. Home remedies, topical treatments and nutrition, can provide an effective solution although the rate of success varies considerably.
Due to the lack of scientific evidence and a correlation of drinking coffee with the reduction of dark circles, it can be considered a 1 on the same scale, as it does not provide a noticeable benefit as the other methods might.
