Combating dark eye circles
Lisa Kasanicky
Tired of your eyes looking like you just stepped out of the boxing ring? Nine out of 10 people have dark circles under their eyes at one time or another, so it's no wonder that dark bags of skin below the eyes are a common beauty complaint. Blame it on everything from lack of sleep or diet deficiencies to allergies, sun exposure or good ol' heredity. What's a girl to do? Local skin experts share some practical solutions for taming those shadowy face invaders.
Camouflage
The easiest, cheapest and safest cure for dark under-eye circles is camouflage, says Miguel Moralez, National Sales Director for I-Iman Cosmetics. Miguel recommends I-Iman's light-diffusing Foundation Stick (LINK), available in 18 shades to cover from the fairest to the deepest skin tones. To hide dark circles, Miguel suggests using your ring finger to lightly tap the foundation under the eye, starting at the inner corner, until it blends smoothly into the skin. The I-Iman stick sets to a natural matte finish without powder but if you use a concealer, finish with a light dusting of loose powder for a soft, polished look.
Treat
For a more lasting solution, incorporate an under-eye moisturizer into your daily beauty regiment. Pamela Springer, executive director of The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona, suggests using a product formulated with nourishing ingredients such as elastin, collagen and Vitamin E. For mature skin, she recommends Alpha Hydroxy Acid-based products that disband dead cells, allowing nutrients to penetrate. Because the delicate skin under eyes has such small pores, Pamela warns against over-hydrating, which can clog pores and add to the problem. She suggests visiting a spa or skincare facility where a certified aesthetician can recommend an effective product for your skin type.
Correct
If you're plagued by chronic dark circles, talk with a dermatologist about more aggressive options. For patients with excessive pigmentation, cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Susan Van Dyke of Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care prescribes lightening creams, chemical peels or laser resurfacing, depending on the severity. Lightening agents, such as hydroquinone and kojic acid, work gradually by training under-eye cells to produce less pigment. Non-prescription strength lighteners are available but can take two to three months to effect a noticeable improvement. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing remove layers of damaged skin and help to make pigmentation less visible. Each option comes with cautions, and Dr. Van Dyke suggests a visit to a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your skin. For more information, contact Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care (LINK) in Scottsdale.
Just the facts m'aam
Dark circles are caused by one of three primary reasons. Here's the quick and dirty on which solution works best for each type.
- Bone structure. If you have deep-set eyes, shadowing contributes to the dark color under the eyes. Your best bet: camouflage. Look for concealers with yellow undertones, which counteract the bluish cast to under-eye circles.
- Pigmentation. Genetic hyper-pigmentation is the most treatable form of dark circles. Your best bet: Try a lightening cream or talk to a dermatologist about chemical peels or laser resurfacing.
- Vasculature inflammation. Late nights, allergies and nutritional deficiencies can enlarge the blood vessels beneath the thin under-eye skin. Your best bet: Take care of yourself! Sounds cliché but drink that water, get your beauty sleep, eat a healthy diet and avoid cigarette smoke (easy enough, right?).
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