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Dark circles are a telltale sign of sleep deprivation, stress, allergies, or illness.
However, many people have dark circles under their eyes naturally, even if they’re well-rested. This can happen because the skin underneath the eyes is thinner, making the blood vessels more apparent. Thinner skin can also lose moisture more easily and become dehydrated.
Almond oil can help to lighten the dark circles under your eyes and reduce under-eye puffiness. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Almond oil also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it. These naturally occurring ingredients may also help contract the dilated blood vessels that are causing the discoloration.
When using almond oil for dark circles, buy a high-quality oil. The oil should be pure and cold pressed, and preferably organic.
First, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, wash your face with your daily cleanser and gently massage a small amount of almond oil into the area under your eyes. The massage helps increase blood circulation.
For best results, do this in the evening and let the oil sit overnight and wash it away in the morning.
In order to see results, you’ll need to use almond oil overnight daily for at least several weeks. It may take this amount of time to see the results of increased circulation, lightened skin tone, and skin hydration taking effect.
Almond oil may be more effective at treating dark circles under your eyes if used in conjunction with other remedies.
Combining almond oil with honey, for example, may help increase its effectiveness thanks to
To use this remedy, mix a teaspoon of honey with four to five drops of almond oil. Massage it into the dark circles beneath your eyes before bed.
Raw, unprocessed, organic honey is best for this purpose, as it contains the most natural health benefits.
That being said, this treatment may not work well for those who toss and turn during their sleep. Though the honey doesn’t feel overly sticky on your face, it may get all over your pillow and potentially in your hair if you change positions frequently during the night.
Avocado oil is another excellent option that can be used in combination with almond oil. Avocados contain a number of different nutrients that are beneficial to skin health, including vitamin E. There’s also evidence that they can
Mix two drops of avocado oil with four drops of almond oil and apply it to the dark circles under your eyes. Wash it off the next morning.
There’s a great deal of anecdotal evidence about how almond oil can help reduce the dark circles under your eyes, but research into this exact use is slim.
That being said, there’s scientific evidence showing its positive benefits for skin in general, explaining why it may have positive effects on those pesky dark circles.
Almond oil’s anti-inflammatory effects, for example, are well-documented. It can help reduce the puffiness associated with dark circles, improving their appearance significantly.
It’s also known to have emollient and sclerosant properties, which improve complexion and skin tone. (Sclerosant is a medical term that means “causing the veins to contract and not be as visible.”)
According to anecdotal evidence, it typically takes between two to three weeks of using almond oil daily before you may experience noticeable results.
When applied topically, almond oil is safe for most people to use. The exception is those with nut allergies, in which case almond oil should never be used.
In some individuals, almond oil may irritate the skin or cause it to break out. To prevent this, apply almond oil to a small test patch of skin before you start using it on the dark circles under your eyes, especially if you know your skin is sensitive.
Almond oil shouldn’t be taken orally, as it can lead to side effects ranging from gastrointestinal upset to weight gain to an overdose of vitamin E. Instead, you could try eating about 10 almonds a day. This won’t be as effective as applying almond oil topically, but for those who experience irritation, the nutritional benefits may still help.
More research is needed to study almond oil as a treatment for dark circles under the eyes. The anecdotal and supporting evidence for its effectiveness is strong.
If you’re interested in using almond oil to reduce the dark circles under your eyes, avoid using over-the-counter products or creams that claim to accomplish this. Instead, add honey or avocado oil to almond oil if you want to add an extra punch to the remedy. You don’t want to over-treat this delicate area.
If you’re unsure about whether almond oil is right for you, or if you see no changes after three weeks, talk to your dermatologist about alternative treatments.