A natural remedy for under eye dark circles could be just as effective as any synthetic prescription or over-the-counter cream. Although most cosmetic companies use synthetic ingredients, their reasons have nothing to do with effectiveness.

For the most part, cosmetic companies choose synthetic ingredients over naturally occurring ones because they are cheaper and more readily available. The sources of a naturally occurring ingredient may be limited, but they can always make more synthetic ones in the laboratory.

For example, one of the most effective compounds for supporting blood vessel strength is Chrysin, an antioxidant found in the blue passion flower. While blue passion flowers are grown for this purpose, quantities are not unlimited.

Supporting and improving blood vessel strength is important, because the smudges that you see under your eyes are actually hemoglobin and waste products. These fluids leak from the blood vessels and build up in the tissues under the eyes, which is why you get bags, along with the smudges.

Another effective antioxidant is hesperidin, but since it is a citrus bioflavonoid, it is easier to come by. You may have heard that resting with orange slices or other slices of citrus fruit over your eyes is an effective natural remedy for under eye dark circles. There are several reasons that might work.

First, fruit slices are cool. They help to improve the circulation of fluids and reduce inflammation. Resting with your head back (but not flat on your back) can also help to get the fluids moving, again. A cold compress or wearing a chilled gelatin face mask would work in the same way.

The other reasons that the fruit slices might work has to do with the antioxidant content. Vitamin C, hesperidin and other antioxidants are found in brightly colored fruits. Not only do they support blood vessel strength, they may work to counter one of the causes of an aged appearance. That is free radical damage.

Any natural remedy for under eye dark circles should contain ingredients that address the issue of free radical damage. Research indicates that the number of free radicals in the skin increases with age, while the number of antioxidants becomes lower. Doctors believe that this imbalance in the antioxidant/free radical levels is the cause of all of the signs of aging.

Although you might only be looking for a natural remedy for under eye dark circles, right now, you probably would like to look as young as you feel, for life. The best way to do that is to use nourishing skincare products on a regular basis.

The products that you can make in your own kitchen will be limited in their effectiveness. Luckily, there are some great companies that specialize in all-natural products for the skin.

The ingredients are safe enough to eat, but they have been processed correctly, so that they will be most effective. In other words, the best natural remedy for under eye dark circles is made by the best manufacturer of facial creams, lotions, gels and cleansers, but not by the major cosmetic companies.