These days, more than our morning cups, we get to see coffee in skincare products … and if you ask us, that’s great! Coffee is known to be pumped full of antioxidants, caffeine and other anti-inflammatory properties, all of which make it a great addition to skincare products.
Coffee has been an increasingly common ingredient in store bought eye creams or DIY hacks for dark circles and puffy eyes. How that works is, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it constricts blood vessels. Applying coffee can be the solution to puffy or inflamed skin. Its vasoconstricting nature reduces blood flow to the area and as a result reduces puffiness.
If you’re known to stay up night after night, binge watching the latest show on Netflix, or going through your favourite book at lightning speed, you're probably familiar with the next day’s struggle of concealing dark circles. However, that’s not always the case. Dark circles and eye bags can also be a genetic predisposition. Whichever is the case, don’t worry, you’ve landed at the right article. We’re here to spill the (coffee) beans and share the best remedies for puffy and dull eyes.
To begin with, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to eye care
#1 Moisturization and hydration
The answer to your eye woes lies in eye cream. Dehydration and improper moisturisation is often the reason behind dark circles and puffy eyes. When our skin doesn't get the required amount of hydration it begins to look dull and patchy. Similarly, our eyes also appear sunken if the skin around them is not hydrated. Using eye cream is a must to protect and nourish the skin around the eyes.
This Coffee Under Eye Cream is a fav! It’s a kick of caffeine, lightweight, deeply hydrating and all things that make an eye cream amazing.
Additionally, Remember to drink water to flush out the toxins and keep your skin looking flawless!
#2 Sunscreen is key
Applying sunscreen everyday is as important as applying lotion, if not more. The sun’s UV rays can be super harmful for the skin. They’re a leading cause of premature ageing and skin cancer. Using sunscreen can shield your skin against these rays. Over exposure to direct sunlight can lead to hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and dark spots. A broad-spectrum sunblock and sunglasses can go a long way in keeping your skin looking its best. We recommend choosing an SPF 30 or higher, and applying sunscreen 15 mins before heading out.
#3 DIY hacks
Tea and coffee are the most commonly consumed sources of caffeine. Their high caffeine content makes them a top DIY pick for puffy eyes and dark circles. Read on to know 2 super easy hacks for some much needed eye nourishment.
#Using tea bags
Using tea bags to conquer dull eyes is an inexpensive and reliable remedy. The caffeine in tea works to shrink the blood vessels, while the natural antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Here’s what you need to do
- Soak two tea bags in hot water for about 10 mins, preferably use green tea.
- Take them out and gently squeeze the excess liquid (be careful the tea bags are hot)
- Let the tea bags chill in the freezer for 20 to 30 min. (using a chilly tea bags soothes the skin)
- Apply the cold tea bags on and around your eyelids and let them rest for 10 mins.
- Remove and rinse.
#Coffee cubes
Caffeine helps us pull all-nighters, wakes us up in the morning, and even comes to our rescue when we want to de-puff our eye bags on a hungover morning - what's not to love?
Coffee ice cubes are an ingenious way to de-puff and improve dark circles. The cold ice not only reduces swelling but is also super refreshing!
Here’s what you’ll need to do
- Simply mix instant coffee in water and let it set in an ice tray.
- Once set, gently massage an ice cube around the eyes, under the eyes brows and near your temples. (this should feel super invigorating)
- Rinse your face with cold water.
Following this simple hack regularly will help you keep your dark circles in check. You should notice the improvement in a few weeks.
#4 Healthy lifestyle
Dark circles and puffy eyes are mostly a lifestyle oriented problem for which lack of nutritious food, improper sleep cycles, excessive screen time and dehydration are to be blamed! At the end of the day our skin is a reflection of how we treat our body and what goes on inside.
While resorting to eye creams and eye masks will definitely help, it cannot be a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. A poor diet and improper nourishment can make the skin dull, thin and weak. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep and eat a balanced meal, you’ll be amazed to see what taking care of your body will yield.
That’s all from our side. These tips are all you’ll need to battle the raccoon eyes!
