DYI UNDER EYE MASK FOR DARK CIRCLES

In our previous blog post, we walked through causes and types of Dark Circles and what you can do about them.

If you have the non-genetic, pigmented type, dark circles can be reduced with cosmetic skincare (like our 004-Br Skin Brightening Cream).

Or you could try one of the home remedies for dark circles that you can find online. But not many of those remedies deliver results. We've found one DIY under eye mask that actually works. It has been tried and tested for many years by Alexis Rochester, creator of the unique lifestyle blog, Chemistry Cachet (check it out - we are huge fans).

Alexis kindly gave us permission to repost the recipe for her DYI under eye mask here. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (This one or any kind you cook with)
• 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera (The best natural brand)
• 1 tablespoon of Match green tea powder or instant coffee (See Notes Below)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (I like this one)
• 2 drops of lemon oil (OPTIONAL)
  
  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine ingredients together until well mixed. →If using the matcha green tea powder, it will be a more thick mask. →If using the instant coffee version, it will have the consistency of a serum. All are good! Read chemist tips below on why we use one of these items!
2. Apply gently to under eyes.
3. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.
4. Wipe off with warm water and a soft towel. See more information under use.

STORAGE:

This will make enough to store in the refrigerator for a week or so. The matcha green tea version will get very thick in the fridge, so you might need to add a little more oil to it towards the end of use. The coffee based one can last a few weeks.

HOW OFTEN TO USE?

Every day is fine, but at least every other day! I recommend using it in the morning when you first wake up, then showering after. Turmeric can leave a slight pigment to skin, but this washes off with any water. You can also use it at night after cleansing your face. Apply the mask, then rinse off with warm water. Then apply your regular night time routine. I highly recommend following up with a really great eye cream, like the one I share in this post!

WHEN DO YOU SEE RESULTS?

You will notice after the first use the puffiness decreases! After one week of use, you will notice lighter areas around the eyes. The dryness will be better right away too! Fine lines decrease over time due to the nourishing oil and aloe vera. See chemist notes below for more detailed information!

CHEMIST TIPS

You might be wondering how all these items work together for your under eye area. Well, there is some pretty neat science going on behind the scenes for all these answers!

Grapeseed Oil

The first part of this DIY under eye mask is grapeseed oil. This oil is high in Vitamin E, but also has lightening qualities. Many store-bought versions of eye creams and eye masks contain grapeseed oil for this reason. I like to work with this type of oil to because it is very affordable.

Grapeseed oil is good for dry skin too, so it helps that tender under eye area.

You can use almond oil in place of this because it also has a high level of vitamin E, but it doesn’t have quite the same lightening benefits.

Evaporated Milk

This is probably the one ingredient that may have you puzzled. The reason for using milk in skin care is for the lactic acid. Lactic acid can revitalize skin and tighten saggy areas or lines. The reason I chose evaporated milk is it has the highest level of lactic acid out of any milk since it is a concentrated version of milk.

You can also use buttermilk which is a popular item in skincare. It also contains lactic acid, just not as high of a dose.

Aloe Vera

I like to use organic aloe vera in skincare because it soothes redness, irritation, and it has a nice cooling effect. You can use aloe vera plant if you have some, but it might not have the same texture.

Caffeine Source

The caffeine source is a very important component for this DIY under eye mask. Most skincare products for the eyes contain caffeine because it can brighten dull skin, lighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and tightens skin.

The matcha green tea powder makes this a very thick, refreshing mask. It has a nice scent too! Matcha green tea doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee, but it still contains a higher level than other teas. The powder mixes really well with this mixture, so it works great.

Instant coffee is a great option because it has a good amount of caffeine and dissolves well. Using the instant coffee makes this more of a serum, it won’t be as thick as using the matcha.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a very popular skincare item. It has a chemical called curcumin which is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. I use it orally all the time for rheumatoid arthritis pain, but it can also be used topically. It reduces inflammation, helps with pigmentation, and brightens dull skin.

Chemist Tip on Turmeric: Yes, this does have a color too it. You might notice after using this mask, a little yellow pigment is left. This comes off right away after rinsing. If you have light colored skin, you might need to rinse twice, but it doesn’t actually stain the skin 🙂 I don’t recommend leaving this out because it really helps the under eye area. I have seen many expensive eye masks that contain turmeric also.

Lemon Oil 

This is optional because the mask works great without it. But using cold-pressed lemon oil can really help enhance this mask! Lemon not only tightens skin, but it can really lighten dark pigmentation.

I don’t recommend using actual lemon juice (I tried it first) because it will make this solution sticky and isn’t as potent. You end up having to use more and it makes the solution to runny. 

I love this lemon oil, but again, this is optional. It will just enhance the effects 🙂

QUICK CHEMIST TIP ABOUT DARK CIRCLES

PLEASE READ THIS before using mask!

Dark circles can be caused from a variety of things. Mine are genetic which are the hardest to deal with. I have an olive complexion since I am part Native American, so dark circles are intense.

You might also have dark circles due to diet, stress, health problems, or anything else lifestyle related.

Everyone should also treat dark circles and skincare internally (this will make such a difference!).
I recommend the following:

1. Drink A LOT of water. I drink 10-12 cups per day and it has done wonders for my skin over the years. Hydrated skin is not only tighter, but it also lightens dark pigmentation.
2. Take collagen! It is so important to incorporate collagen as we age, and it will help your skin too. Read about my collagen concoction here.
3. Sleep more.
4. Use a good eye cream. My favorite is found in this post.

Following this tips will also dramatically help your eye area!

Hope you enjoy!