Looking to get rid of dark circles and under-eye bags?

RIVERDALE — Those bags under the eyes caused by any number of issues can be upsetting to women and men alike, and while there is no scientific evidence that over-the-counter remedies work, they are worth a try.
Whether they show up after an allergy attack or result from a good cry, bags under the eyes can be unsightly and embarrassing for those who suffer. Strategies to reduce them depend on diligence and the individual.
Dr. Marc Abbate of the Dermatology Group inRiverdale says over-the-counter remedies, from eye-rolling cosmetics to collagen fillers, are not scientifically proven to work, although he did not say they do not work.
"Some people have a worse problem than others," said Abbate. "And, sometimes, it’s just age that causes this."
In addition to bags under the eyes, dark circles can be an issue. Caused by leaking blood vessels and thinning skin, dark circles can be attributed to aging or genetics, said Abbate.
According to WebMD, a simple dinner of salty foods or a night of crying can cause morning puffiness.
"The reason is osmosis," states the website. "Water always travels from areas in the body where there’s low salt concentrations to tissues where there’s more salt. That principle holds true whether the salt comes from tears or from soy sauce."
Vitamin K and kojic acid are helpful to alleviate eye bags and darkening, said Abbate, but there are no guarantees. Even cucumbers resting on the eyes are no real, proven relief.
But there is some hope for those struggling with a medical condition, such as dermatitis, eczema or roseacea, all of which can cause irritation under the eye.

Age Spots Home Remedies

Age spots, also known as liver spots, sun spots and lentigines are flat, harmless discolorations of the skin that are looked upon with disdain by people. This is because these yellow or brown skin discolorations occur on the face, neck and hands of people beyond the age of 40 and can reveal a person's age. Age spots occur mainly because of over exposure to the sun, thus, should be called as sun spots instead of age spots. However, since they have been commonly observed in people above the age of 40, they are referred to as age spots. Impaired liver function and dietary deficiencies can also conduce to the formation of these spots.

When the body is exposed to sunlight, it produces cells called melanocytes, to protect the skin from damage due to excessive exposure to the sun. These melanocytes produce a dark brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin a suntanned appearance. However, a typical day in the sun can also cause an uneven jump in melanocytes. This weird production pattern conduces to formation of irregular coloring or skin pigmentation. Though these spots are harmless they affect the cosmetic appearance of a person, which is why age spots removal treatments have gained popularity across the globe. Moreover, the natural aspect of age spots home remedies has caused them to be preferred to over-the-counter face creams that have side effects on prolonged use. Read more on age spots on face.

Home Remedies for Age Spots Treatment

Remedy # 1: Horseradish
Horseradish, though not popularly known as a medical herb, is a fantastic herb that helps remove age spots and freckles. Just grate one 4 inch long piece of horseradish and add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar to it. Mix well and allow the mixture to sit for 2 weeks (shaking daily). Then strain it into a small container and store it in the refrigerator. Take small amounts of this mixture and apply it on the spots 3 times a day. However, do test for anyallergies or skin irritations on a small patch of your skin before applying it on the face.

Remedy # 2: Onion and Vinegar
Chop an onion finely and extract its juice. Combine 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of onion juice in a container. Mix well and apply it on the age spots. Read more on skin care.

Remedy # 3: Lemon Juice
Take a lemon and rub it directly onto the spot. Citric acid present in the lemons makes them one of the strongest skin lightening natural remedies. You could even dab lemon juice onto the spots twice a day for two months to see the spots begin to fade away. However, people with hypersensitive skin should avoid this.

Remedy # 4: Castor Oil
Rubbing castor oil directly onto the skin twice a day helps blot out age spots. Castor oil penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and its acid and anti-inflammatory properties lighten the age spots. Castor oil should be kept away from the eyes and should only be used externally.

Remedy # 5: Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel and juice have been known for healing scores of skin disorders and problems like skin burns. Aloe Vera juice and gel are good remedies to remove age spots on skin. Just rub the gel or juice onto the spots twice a day. It will take a month before you notice any improvements.

Remedy # 6: Vitamin E
Cut the vitamin E capsule and apply the oil contained within directly on the age spots. Daily application helps reduce the appearance of age spots. In addition to this, one can even take vitamin E supplements daily.

Remedy # 7: Chick Pea Paste
Take 1/3 cup of fresh chick peas and mash it up with a little water to form a paste. Smear this paste onto the spots and leave it until it dries. Then wash it away.

Remedy # 8: Green Papaya
Take a cold piece of green papaya and rub its fleshy side on the skin to reduce age spots. Leave the papaya on the spots for 15-20 minutes and then wash it away. Apply the papaya daily until the desired lightness has been attained.

Age spots home remedies are the safest and most inexpensive ways of reducing age spots. However, it is important to note that eliminating these spots will take time, so do not expect immediate results. These age spots home remedies are not magic potions and you may have to wait for several months before noticing visible results. Nevertheless, do not give up! Try one remedy for a month or two and then try another one.

By Priya Johnson

Tips To Choose The Right Lipstick For Dark Lips

Getting the right kind of lipstick is very important. This should be in line with the clothes that you are wearing. It should also match the occasion. The way you look will matter greatly. There are many reasons to have dark lips. Exposure to the sun, excessive caffeine intake, imbalance in the hormone, harmful UV rays and allergies are some factors that lead to dark lips. You can treat these dark lips by using beetroot paste or pomegranate scrub. These are some of the best ways to lighten the lip complexion. Having dark lips is in fact a problem, especially when you are looking for lip colours. This may make you stay away from the latest trend and fashion. You should know what colours to stick to it, so that the dark lips don’t show. Therefore, extra care should be taken to know the best lipstick for dark lips. Burgundy One of the best lipsticks for dark lips is burgundy. Dark lips can always carry off deep and bold colours. This is one of the best ways to hide any pigmentation. This will give your lips that elegant look. Red Whatever be the lips colour, red lipstick will always look glamourous. This will add glamour almost instantly. Red lipstick will give you that bold and beautiful look. Cold red will work very well on dark lips. Trying out lip colours before using them is one of the ways on how to choose lipstick for dark lips. No to Pink For people who have dark lips, it is always better to avoid light colours. Colours such as pink and peach should be completely avoided. The problem with this is that the light colour will not cover the pigmentation of the lips. If you still want to use it, you can use concealer and corrector to line with the lips. This is one of the best lipsticks for dark lips. Wine red There is no reason to say no to this colour. Don’t think that dark lipsticks will not suit dark texture. This will help in neutralising the pigmentation. There is no harm in trying new colours. Nude colours This is an all-time favourite, there is no doubt that this will go well with a day or a night look. Makeup is not too made up if you are wise enough to select nude colours. Gloss or opaque lipsticks can be used. You can highlight your eyes for a perfect look. Texture This will play an important role. It can be matte finish or a moisture lipstick. Care should be taken not to use glossy lipstick as this will show the pigmentation. Consider the colour of the lipstick before deciding the texture. Dark lips offer too many options to select from neutral and dark colours. But, be careful not to go for too light colours.

How do I get rid of dark under-eye circles?

We've all have had those mornings: the ones where too little rest results in awful under-eye shadows. But dark circles are a regular occurrence for many of us, regardless of how often we get a solid night's sleep.

Dermatologists say discoloration under the eyes is one of the most common complaints they hear from patients. But exhaustion usually isn't the culprit: There are many contributing factors, as well as a number of remedies that can help banish those bags.

Here's what three local doctors had to say.

Dr. Rhoda Narins, Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center, White Plains

There are three main causes of chronic dark circles, which can affect any skin color. Genetics is often a factor: Excess pigmentation is a particular problem among blacks and Asians. Another reason is that dilated blood vessels — reddish-blue in color — sit close to the very thin skin under the eye, which gets even thinner with age. And what frequently looks like dark circles are actually shadows cast by hollows that develop under the eye, another side effect of aging.

Narins treats many patients by injecting fillers like Restylane and Juvederm Voluma to plump the skin in that area. Fillers can last between one and two years, and whenever you need it again, less is needed to do the job.

"People look younger and healthier because they don't have that darkness. The filler is a 'wow' procedure."

But Narins warns that it's a procedure that should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon — and not at a spa, salon or neighborhood party.

"This should not be done by a person who's had a weekend course. It has to be done by someone who knows what they're doing. This is a very sensitive area."

Dr. Wendy Epstein, dermatologist in West Nyack

Epstein notes that a doctor should first rule out illnesses associated with dark circles, including Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and anemia.

But when it comes to medical therapies, fillers are not the answer for everyone. Lighter-skinned patients, for example, may see better results with a CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser. This stimulates the production of collagen, causing the skin to thicken and tighten. Epstein also sometimes recommends chemical peels under the eyes to reduce pigmentation.

Still, some patients are not good candidates for any of these regimens.

"You have to know when not to treat people."

As for topical creams, Epstein prefers not to promote specific products, and she points out that many of those on the market don't work. Even those that are somewhat effective, such as products containing caffeine (which constricts blood vessels), provide only temporary relief.

Often, Epstein's best recommendation is a simple one.

"Sometimes, a good cosmetic is better than anything."

Dr. Neil Goldberg, dermatologist, Bronxville and White Plains

Goldberg, too, believes that makeup can be just as good as medical intervention. He's also a huge fan of self-tanners, which he says are not harmful.

"They sometimes make the pigment and dark circles less visible, because they eliminate contrast between the dark circles and the rest of the face."

It's also much safer than natural sun exposure, which damages skin and exacerbates dark circles. Not surprisingly, he advises wearing daily sunblock and sunglasses.

"They physically protect the eye and the structures around it. Find sunglasses you like – the bigger, the better."

And while a lack of sleep and poor eating habits don't cause under-eye circles, you can minimize red, puffy eyes by getting enough rest and cutting back on salt.

"In general, anything you do that increases sleep, decreases stress and improves your diet, only makes your eyes look better."

6 Simple Tips To Help Fade Dark Knuckles

Having dark knuckles can be a difficult thing to deal with for women of colour. It could be that you have them naturally or they could have been induced either by bleaching, excessive tanning, exposure to extreme/hazardous washing agents etc.

For a quick fix, here are some natural methods to help women who have dark knuckles

But First, What Causes Dark Knuckles?
You need to know that it could be genetic, a health issue or based on how you use your hands. For instance, dark knuckles become more emphasized when you use a lightening cream or if you expose your hands to a lot of chemicals including washing agents, bleach used for clothes or excessive washing of hands.

You must remember that because you use your hands a lot, your routine must focus on pampering those hands. The skin around the knuckle is tough and any lasting routine must have the ability to keep the area soft to enable it absorb any treatment, and include some type of scrub to help peel off the dark skin and hyper-pigmentation.

On that note, check out these tips by Obiageli Ajaero that can be used for both hands & feet to help you get rid of those dark knuckles.

1. Get a bottle of a good revitalizing lotion. Use a Q-tip/cotton bud/ear bud, dab it in the lotion and apply it on your dark knuckles. Be sure to lay on a thick layer of the lotion and ensure it gets absorbed into the skin. After the 5-minute mark, clean it off or rub it in.

2. Another great way to moisturize your dark knuckles is to use raw shea butter. First take a scoop of the butter and smother your hands and feet with it. Be sure to use this on your feet as well. Shea butter has properties that help even skin tone and moisturize the skin and will work well in reducing the darkness on your knuckles.

3. If it is severe, for the first week, after applying the Shea butter, wear disposable non-sterile powder free vinyl medical examination gloves on your hands and sleep over night with it. This will help lock in moisture to begin the peeling process. Then wash your hands with a mild scrub in the mornings.

4. For the feet, apply shea butter and then wrap your feet. The heat generated from the closure of the bag will help with peeling the skin fast. Do this every night for 1 week.

5. If it is not severe, then simply wear a cotton glove for your hands and a pair of cotton socks for your feet for about two weeks.

6. Using a scrub or skin polish as well is great for dark knuckles. Scrub the dark areas 2-3 times a week to help exfoliate the skin and reduce hyper-pigmentation.

If these do not help, you may need to see a dermatologist. Remember, a qualified dermatologist is a doctor! Consulting with uncertified beauticians can lead to damaged skin.

SOURCE: bellanaija

Home Remedies For Age Spots And Hyper Pigmentation

There are some home remedies for age spots on face. These natural remedies are safe and effective. Age spots are caused by an excess production of melanin. They may be caused by skin aging, sun exposure. You are most likely to develop age spots on the areas of your skin that receive the most sun exposure such as our face, back, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands. Sun exposure, aging, genetics and many other factors like stress, pregnancy, birth control pills, vitamin deficiencies or a weak liver all these factors contribute to age spots. So make sure to wear sunblock when you go out, get your stress under control. You must take your daily need of vitamins and minerals to avoid them from appearing. People of any age, sex or race can develop age spots. However, age spots are more common in people with certain risk factors such as being older than 40 years old, having fair skin, frequent sun exposure, having a history of frequent tanning bed use. It is best to opt for natural remedies for age spots on face as there is no chemical substances added in them. There are many creams and lotions in the market but many of these are packed with harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good in the long run. Today. Boldsky will share with you some safe and easy home remedies for age spots on face. Have a look at some natural remedies for age spots on face.

Lemon Juice How to get rid of dark age spots? Lemon juice helps to remove age spots and promotes a soft, clear skin. Rub pure lemon juice on the affected area and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. You can also dilute the lemon juice with water, rosewater or honey.

Castor Oil This is one of the best home remedies for age spots on face. Castor oil can effectively be used to reduce the appearance of dark spot and pigmentation. It has skin healing properties and helps to tone your skin. Massage the oil on the affected areas for a few minutes and leave it on for a couple of hours before washing it off. Do this twice a day to help fade dark spots and tone your skin.

Turmeric How to get rid of dark age spots? Turmeric paste decreases melanin build up in the skin and works great to treat dark spots and pigmentation. To make a turmeric mask, mix ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder with 2 to 3 tablespoons gram flour (flour made from chickpeas), ½ teaspoon oliveoil, ½ teaspoon milk, and some lemon or cucumber juice. Mix well to make a paste. Apply the mask on your face or other affected areas, leave it on for 10 minutes or until the mask dries on your skin. Remove the mask with warm water while making circular movements. Use once or twice a week.

Aloe Vera It is one of the effective home remedies for age spots on face. Its healing powers promote skin regeneration and works well to reduce pigmentation or dark spots caused by sun exposure. Gently massage pure aloe gel on the affected areas twice a day. To make a face mask, mix ½ tablespoon aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon kelp powder, and ½ tablespoon raw honey. Keep it for 10 minutes. Use 2 to 3 times a week

Buttermilk How to remove brown spots naturally? Buttermilk helps to exfoliate the skin and removes blemishes and brown spots due to its high levels of lactic acid. Apply buttermilk to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off with water. Add lemon juice or tomato juice for a better effect. Repeat once or twice a day.

Sandalwood Sandalwood has anti-aging and antiseptic properties. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Make a paste with 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder, 2 teaspoons rosewater, 1 teaspoon glycerin, and one teaspoon lemon juice. Apply the paste on the affected area for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Apply this mixture a few times a week until brown spots improve.

Papaya You can use papaya to remove skin brown spots. Rub the inside of a papaya skin onto the affected areas of your skin for a few minutes. Keep it for 15 minutes. Rinse off once it gets dry. Repeat daily to reduce dark spots or pigmentation in a few weeks' time.

Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains powerful alpha hydroxy acids to help remove dead skin cells and makes your complexion fresher and healthier. Apply a little undiluted ACV directly onto the age spots with a cotton wool bud and leave for about 20-30 minutes. Do it for about 6 weeks. Using ACV is one of the best best way to fade sun spots.