Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes? Try Avocado.

Let’s face it: Dark circles and puffy eyes are annoying. Not only can they make us appear like we pulled an all-nighter after a full eight hours of glorious sleep, but they seemingly pop up out of nowhere. Everything from genetics to allergies can leave your eyes puffy or surrounded by a deep purple-blue hue. Luckily, there’s a 100% natural remedy right in your kitchen that may help perk up those heavy eyelids.

 

No fancy creams, scrubs, patches, serums, or peels necessary — all you need for this naturally hydrating skincare solution is sliced avocado.

 

 

Water

Did you know 79% of an avocado’s weight is fiber and water? Thirsty skin loves hydrating avocado! Drinking too little fluid can lead to dry, dull skin but drinking water and consuming hydrating foods can help. In one clinical trial, researchers found that daily intake of avocado for eight weeks improved firmness and elasticity of forehead skin. The Avocado Nutrition Center supported the study. The findings are limited, and more research is needed, but the study suggests a potential role for avocados in skin health!

 

Note: Only ripe avocados will mash up easily into a creamy under-eye slather. The right kind of avocado for the job has a slight give when you squeeze it.

 

Vitamin C

In addition to telltale aging signs (such as wrinkles, age spots, and dryness), aging skin takes longer to heal. That’s because the skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. All the more reason to bring on the vitamins associated with skin health. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes healing, and it’s recommended to get antioxidants through healthy foods, like avocados, as opposed to supplements. One serving of avocado (one-third of a medium avocado) contains 4% of your daily value.

 

Tip: You only need a couple of slices of avocado for this under-eye treatment, but don’t toss the rest of it! Sprinkle a little salt and some red pepper flakes on top for a snack or save the remainder in the skin for another day using a spritz of olive oil or lemon juice and covering it in plastic wrap. Both options keep the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown from exposure to the air.

 

Vitamin E

One serving of avocado (one-third of a medium avocado) contains 6% of your daily value of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage and helps keep the immune system strong. Antioxidant molecules have been shown to counteract oxidative stress in laboratory experiments. Oxidative stress is a process that can trigger cell damage (boo!). It is caused by free radicals, which can be found inside our bodies and in our environment. Vitamin E for the win!

 

Keep Up the Good Work, Beautiful!

Our eyes are constantly strained throughout the day, from exposure to the elements and the blue lights of our electronics to fatigue from reading and simply daily life. To fight back against puffiness and dark circles, your best defense is a good night’s sleep, adequate hydration — and, when in doubt, avocado!

 

After giving your under-eye area a little TLC, pamper yourself with the nourishing superpowers of avocado from head to toe. Nutrient-dense avocados belong in all parts of your beauty routine, from hair masks to nail care, foot scrubs, and more.