What is Collagen?

Collagen is responsible for your skin’s youthful appearance and elasticity. Collagen also helps skin to heal properly after injury or diseases such as acne. Collagen forms small fibers, making a netting of protection for the skin keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Collagen breaks down as we age, and the skin’s collagen fiber production decreases causing sagging skin, wrinkles and visibility of sun damage and liver spots.

How do I restore Collagen?

1/ Drink eight to ten glasses of water per day. Water is very beneficial to your skin, which is your body’s largest organ. Water flushes toxins from the skin and promotes collagen fiber formation.

2/ Take a 10mg vitamin E supplement daily. Vitamin E is essential to collagen rebuilding by providing the supporting nutrients required for your body to produce collagen.

3/ Apply a retinol-enriched moisturizer to the skin after daily cleansing. Retinol, or vitamin A, is responsible for the formation of collagen fibers. A retinol moisturizer containing alpha hydroxy acids will also get rid of dry skin, exposing newer, plumper skin.

4/ Consume foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, green, leafy vegetables, and dairy foods. Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant needed for skin health and collagen production.

5/ Apply an over-the-counter copper peptide serum. Copper peptides stimulate collagen cells, causing collagen fibers to form and increase in the skin.

Try Eating Dates and Pears.

Eating dates offers great health benefits. Dates provide several essential nutrients such as calcium, fiber, amino acids, sulphur, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous ,copper, potassium, and fats to the body. Also a great source of dietary fibers and are rich in vitamins A1, B1,B2,B3, and B5.

By Eating Pears you can benefit from their unique copper and hypoallergenic contents.Copper aids in the destruction of free radicals and a great option fpr preventing all types of cancer, and the hypo-allergenic ability of pears.

Copper supplements are also available; however, you should not take more than 2mg, because copper is highly toxic when ingested.

How to Rebuild Collagen after Suffering from Dark Circles?

Among the noticeable symptoms of aging, the signs that form underneath the eyes are the most visible ones. The skin area under the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, so buying just an ordinary skin care product can’t be used to remove dark circles, wrinkles and bags on this part.Try this list to rebuild collagen for your dark circles..

1/ Use the latest and the best antiaging ingredients as well as the technology which science can offer in removing dark circles, wrinkles and bags beneath the eyes.

These ingredients below are essential to work together to rebuild collagen for dark circles.

Apply a retinol-enriched moisturizer to the skin after daily cleansing. Retinol, or vitamin A, is responsible for the formation of collagen fibers. A retinol moisturizer containing alpha hydroxy acids will also get rid of dry skin, exposing newer, plumper skin.

The best ingredient commonly use in these creams is the Eyeliss (TM) which is a patented peptide which were proven to improve the drainage of those ugly bags, lessen capillary fragility. It was also known to minimize irritation and skin slackening and at the same time increase skin firmness and elasticity. Results proven  of decrease  in  under eye bags after 28 days of use.

Another ingredient to look at in eye wrinkle cream is Haloxyl (TM) as this ingredient is proven to thicken the skin area under the eyes. It can also enhance circulation and can remove accumulated hemoglobin in order to produce a lighter skin.

Those people with persistent or chronic dark circles  can benefit from the use of an under eye cream which contain at least 5% of vitamin K. Vitamin K aids in strengthening of capillaries around the eyes and minimize swelling.

Besides Eyeliss and Haloxyl, and Vitamin K, you must also look for an eye anti-aging skin cream with ingredients that help internal collagen production, essential oils which replace lost natural oils, antioxidants that fight free radicals and emollients that soften and soothe the skin, such as Vitamin C.

Apply eye creams gently and carefully.

Taking a supplement to assist with Dark Circles:

Hereditary factors and lack of sleep are not the only contributing factors in developing the skin condition, dark under-eye circles. It is vital to know that even the nutrients that go inside the body would be playing an important role. There are some dietary supplements that are capable in counteracting deficiencies of nutrients leading to the dark under-eye circles.

1/ Vitamin C:

Dark under-eye circles appear whenever the under-eye blood vessels became dilated and weak. Another thing that may increase the appearance of shadows under the eyes is the thinning of the skin caused by collagen loss under each eye. The intake of vitamin C helps in combating the dark under-eye shadows thru blood vessels strengthening and supporting and maintaining the health of collagen. Adult people require daily helpings, but it varies by gender. Adult women require 75mg everyday while men need 90mg also on a daily basis. However, men and women who smoke would need more than 90mg or 75mg every day, respectively.

Jump-start the day with one squeezed lemon in a glass of warm water , helps kick start the day,ands get the metabolism going.

Foods that you can incorporate in your diet which are rich in vitamin C are spinach, cabbage and cauliflower. For fruits vitamin C can be consume from lemons, guavas and limes.

Eating Red Capsicum, the Vitamin C Superfood is a must in your daily diet.

2/ Vitamin B9:

Dark circles are also reduced by the help of folic acid or vitamin B9, more of it. Vitamin B9 is very essential in making or maintaining the eyes and skin healthy. On a daily basis, an adult would need approximately 400mcg of vitamin B9. Vitamins B6 and B12 would make a great tandem with vitamin B9 for the B vitamins together work as group. Usually, supplements contain the whole complex of B vitamin.

Eating Acai Berry, Dates, Pears, Tomatoes, watermelons, are all excellent sources of Vitamin B-complex.

3/: Iron

Dark under-eye circles may be caused by lack of iron or iron deficiency. Also, it causes the skin to become paler which further results to make the under eye shadows to be more stand-out. Approximately, 3% of men and 20% of women lack iron. Moreover, those who are in greater risk for lacking the mineral iron are the pregnant women. On a daily basis, men should have 8mg of iron and 18mg of iron for women every day. It is important to talk with a medical expert regarding the optimal dosage first prior to the intake of iron supplement in order to avoid overloading of iron. This is most essential to women or men past the age of reproduction.

4/ Grape Seed Extract

Antioxidants contained by grape seed extract, are supporting blood vessel health and are capable of helping the dark circles fade. The strong effect of this grape seed extract on the blood vessels enables the latter to aid in the legs chronic venous insufficiency. Experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center noted that such extract protects collagen. UMMC experts suggest that for vascular health, one would take at least 300mg every day. If one is taking anticoagulants such as warafin, a discussion with a medical expert should be done first before the use of grape seed extract.

These are but some of the choices you have when it comes to treating dark circles. Apart from these supplements, you may resort to other remedies.

5/ Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin known for its antioxidant properties. It is believed to prevent the effects of aging on skin, healing scars and scar tissue and preventing damage to the body from free radicals. Vitamin E, being an antioxidant, provides protection against heart disease, cancer, inflammatory diseases like arthritis and other effects of aging. In topical preparation, it helps erase wrinkles and promote healthy skin and hair.

Taken internally, Vitamin E prevents heart disease, thins the blood and helps reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure to hormone replacement therapy. For the procedure, prick a Vitamin E capsule and apply the Vitamin E oil to the skin area below the eyes. This soothes, heals and rejuvenates the skin area thus helps diminish the dark circles.

6/ Parsley (Vitamin K )

Parsley is an organic remedy in treating dark circles under your eyes since it contains Vitamin K. As Vitamin K decreases blood flow when applied topically, parsley on the other hand reduces the primary cause of dark circles under the eyes. Dermatologists agree that parsley can reduce the swelling and visible blood flow under the eyes, which cause dark circles. In using parsley in treating dark circles under the eyes, freeze parsley into ice cubes, then wrap the ice cubes in a soft small towel. The parsley ice cube will soothe the eyes and at the same time work on diminishing the dark circles. For the other procedure, simply mix a handful of fresh parsley with one table spoon of plain yogurt in a food processor until a paste is formed.  To apply, rub the paste under your eyes and let it stay for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. For this to work most efficiently, do this once a week.

7/ Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can improve circulation so if you have pale skin and your dark circles appear to be prominent, you should try drinking it. This is one way by which it contributes to better circulation making your dermis have a healthy glow. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of cold water or citrus juice and drink it after breakfast.

What about drinking Lemon Juice in the morning?

Jump-start the day with one squeezed lemon in a glass of warm water , helps kick start the day,ands get the metabolism going.
It’s so simple and the benefits are just too good to ignore. Warm water with lemon:

1. Boosts you’re immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they’re alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it’s easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can’t perform all of it’s proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response.

What are some natural treatments for Chronic Dark Circles?

1/ Water

Water benefits us in many ways. It cleanses your body and takes your toxins out.  Drinking water can clear up your skin and keeps you with a healthy glow. For the procedure, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated

2/ Exercise

Engage in physical activity several times a week. Exercise has been proven to activate a particular molecular pathway that increases the production of collagen in the skin. This means exercising will give you fewer wrinkles and smoother, more supple skin around your eyes. When you exercise, you help flush toxins out from the body , which makes you feel good, and drink more water, and eat better food, and of course sleep better. Its a positive spiral.

3/ Proper Diet

Another way to prevent dark circles is to maintain proper diet. Choosing the right foods cause you to avoid skin problems.  You must also avoid drinking alcohol, caffeinated beverages and sugar because all of them can lead to dehydration., and constricts blood vessels and retards proper flow of blood and fluid in the veins

Incorporate foods that are rich in vitamin K as this can help prevent pigmentation problems caused by improper blood flow. Vitamin C rich foods are also important as this helps normalize skin color and aids in making your skin appears vibrant and healthy.

 4/ Have Adequate Sleep

Since lack of sleep can lead to dark circles under the eyes, you must have at least seven hours of sleep every night. Inadequate sleep doesn’t cause dark circles itself but it cause the face to look pale and ashen which emphasize the dark circles under the eyes. If a person gets enough sleep, this provides the body more time to repair and at the same time re-energize, thus makes the skin appear younger and fresher.

5/ Avoid the Sun directly on your face

Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen designed for your delicate under-eye area. The sun’s damaging rays greatly speed up the degradation of the collagen fibers on your skin, points out Collagen.org. It also causes thinning around the eyes, giving you a tired, aged look. This is the most important thing you can do to preserve your youthful appearance.

 6/ Almond Oil

Almond oil is a rich source of Vitamin E and has many cosmetic benefits. It improves complexion and retains glow, soothes skin irritation and inflammation, delays aging process and lightens dark circles. For the procedure, massage almond oil under your eyes and leave it for 15 minutes then gently wipe it away with soft damp cloth. You can also apply it before going to bed at night to help prevent the dark circle from forming.

7/ Rose Water

Rose water is the leftover liquid or hydrosol remaining when rose petals and water are distilled together for the purpose of making rose oil. It is used in therapeutic preparations especially for facial or skin treatment. It is also used as a facial cleanser since pure natural rose water is 100% free from artificial ingredients and perfumes. It also prevents aging by reducing wrinkles and tightening skin pores.

Rose water is also used as a moisturizer thus hydrating dry skin. It also acts as a cleansing agent as well as a skin toner and can be used on any skin type without causing much irritation. For the treatment, soak cotton balls in chilled rose water and apply it on each eye. Let it stay for 10-15 minutes to lighten the dark circles under the eyes.

Improve Blood Circulation through Hot Compress or Eyepads

One way to improve blood circulation is through hot compress.  This is like the one you are doing with bruises. If you don’t want your bruises to be seen, you usually use a hot or warm compress first to make the circulation be at normal. And the next thing you do is to get an ice pack to prevent or reduce swelling.

Same is true with dark circles, hot compress also works well. Additionally, you can use tea bags which you are about to discard as a compress. You can put them over your eyes and the warm temperature soothes the dermis of the skin and loosens up tight blood vessels.

How does Eye Pads work for Dark Circles?

When an individual’s body is stressed out, the capillaries in the skin’s area under the eyes will leak. This occurrence causes the blood in pooling in the skin underneath. The skin under the eye area is extraordinarily thin which somehow causes such blood to be appearing as dark circles. However, when the body recovers, the blood is being absorbed back by the capillaries. The good thing is there are eye pads for dark circles that might just solve the problem.

Cucumber Slices

The capillaries are being pulled away from the skin’s surface due to the fact that the eye pads work through cooling the area. There are available eye pads that are commercially made, and there can be home-made. In making cucumber eye pads, one would be needing cucumber which is refrigerated. The cucumber should be sliced in thick pieces. Lie down and the home-made eye pads are placed over the eyes. Remove the home-made eye pads after at least 15 minutes and the dark circles are expected to reduce.

Tea Bags

It is amazing to know that even used and cold tea bags could possibly be used as an eye pad. Dark circles under the eyes is accompanied by puffiness which are reduced by the caffeine and tannin contained in the tea bag. Like the cucumber slices, the tea bag are to be placed over the eyes as one lies down for 10 to 15 minutes. The tea may temporarily stain the eye that is why it is important to wash them thoroughly at least after 15 minutes.

Tea is a source of powerful antioxidants that help to fight free radicals which causes premature aging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduces any swelling and can benefit dark under- eye circles. For the procedure, brew a cup of tea using 2 tea bags but don’t let the bags linger very long in the hot water. Squeeze the bag to be sure it is not too wet. Recline comfortably and place a tea bag over the dark circles under your eyes. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes.

Commercially-Available Eye Pads

Aside from the cucumber slices and tea bags, there are also eye pads which are commercially available. Such eye pads which are commercially made are containing antioxidants like vitamins A and C or green tea. These eye pads also make use of gel in helping its ingredient in the penetration to the skin. Some eye pads contain potato juice. The effect of the potato juice is that it brightens the area under the eyes. Some eye pads are also containing ingredients that help in the improvement of the circulation of the blood. A type of eye pad may not always work with anyone. If in case, it doesn’t work, one with a different mechanism should work. It is important though to be aware what caused the dark circles under the eyes.

Homemade Treatments to Erase Dark Circles

Cucumber and Potato

Cucumber and potatoes are good remedies for puffy eyes and dark circles. Cucumber have astringent properties that can help decrease water retention, while potatoes have liquid starch content and catechalase, an enzyme that is often used as skin lightener. For the procedure, lay down and put slices of potatoes or cucumber over your eyes, allow to cover the dark eye ring for at least 15 minutes.

Turmeric and Pineapple Juice

Turmeric is a natural ingredient that not only helps spice up curry dishes but also adds potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the diet. There are lots of skin care benefits associated with it such as treatment of acne, blemishes, blackheads, dark spots and hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also helps heal and prevent dry skin, diminish wrinkles, keep skin supple and improve skins elasticity. Overall, it slows down the skin aging process.

Pineapple juice, just like turmeric, it is also a source of enzyme that fight free radical damage and are known to reduce age spots and fine lines and leaves the skin supple. For the procedure, mix turmeric powder and pineapple juice into a thick paste and apply to the affected area. Let it stay for 10-15 minutes before wiping it away with a soft damp cloth.