Big, dark circles under your eyes are telltale signs of stress and very little sleep. No one wants dark circles because it can make you look tired and much older than you are. However, dark circles are also notoriously stubborn and difficult to remove once they develop. You might try covering them up with concealer and foundation, but they will still be there once you remove all your makeup. While you do need to make major lifestyle changes if you want to say goodbye to your dark circles, some simple home remedies can make them disappear much faster. Mint is a common household ingredient which does wonders for circles underneath your eyes.
How Does Mint Help?
The cooling sensation mint gives is due to its main active compound called menthol. Menthol increases blood circulation in the skin, something that is very important to erase dark circles. It also acts as a natural astringent by constricting the blood vessels near your eyes, and removing the characteristic blue tinge that they cause. Mint is very high in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. When you apply it near your eyes, it makes the skin much more taut and prevents sagging.
DIY Recipes For Dark Circles
1. Mint Eye Mask
Add a handful of mint leaves to a blender and puree until they form a paste. If the mixture is too dry, add a few drops of water. Apply a thick layer of this under your eyes and leave on for 30 minutes before washing off. Do this every single day until your dark circles have completely vanished.
2. Mint With Tomato And Lemon
Tomatoes and lemons have natural bleaching properties, which reduce pigmentation around the eye area. Puree half a tomato with a handful of mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this paste over your dark circles and leave on for 15 minutes. You might experience a stinging sensation, which is completely normal. However, if it’s too strong, wash it off immediately and add less lemon and tomato the next time.
3. Mint Leaves And Potato Juice
Potatoes are also a natural bleaching agent, but don’t sting as much as tomatoes and lemons do. If you have very sensitive skin, this recipe is perfect for you. Roughly chop one potato into cubes and add to a blender along with a handful of mint leaves and a splash of water. Blend into a smooth paste. Dip cotton balls into this mixture and leave it in a refrigerator for an hour. Place these cold cotton balls over your eyes for 15 minutes and then wash off. You can make a batch of them in advance and store them in the fridge, so you’ll always have some on hand when you need them. This eye mask also reduces puffiness.
4. Mint Leaves With Rose Water
Rose water has natural soothing properties which relaxes the skin under your eyes. It also acts as a natural astringent and reduces pigmentation. Blend a handful of mint leaves with a few tablespoons of rose water. Refrigerate it overnight to let the ingredients fully combine. The next day, strain the mixture to remove the mint leaves. Soak cotton balls in the remaining solution and place them over your dark circles for at least 15 minutes.
5. Mint Leaves With Turmeric
Turmeric contains circumin which is a powerful anti-pigmentation agent and antioxidant. Regular application of this eye mask will reduce the severity of your dark circles. Blend mint leaves into a smooth paste and add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix well and apply this paste under your eyes. Be careful not to add too much turmeric or you could end up staining your under eye area temporarily.
6. Mint Leaf Ice Cubes
These cubes are great to have in your freezer as an immediate pick-me-up whenever you need it. Because of their cooling effect, they also release excess fluid from your under eye area, making them appear less puffy. Blend a handful of mint leaves until smooth along with half a cup of water. Pour this mixture over an ice tray and allow it to set in the freezer. When they’re ready to use, remove an ice cube, wrap it in a kitchen towel and press this over your dark circles.
