This is part 3 of a 4 part blog on dark eye circles

A robust skin-care routine is vital in keeping your skin healthy, which, in turn, fends off issues like dehydration and irritation (which can play into dark circles). And fortunately, some ingredients prove more potent than others.

Look for products with:

Vitamin C—

It can brighten the skin and protect it against free radicals. Vitamin C helps build collagen, so there’s separation between the vein and skin. It brightens the skin and replaces the look of exhaustion with radiance and light

Hyaluronic acid-

HA plumps the skin to decrease transparency. It also brightens the skin and replaces the look of exhaustion with radiance and light

Vitamin B3 Niacinamide

B3 stimulates collagen production and increases ceramides while being soothing and hydrating (if skin cells are the bricks then ceramides are the mortar of our skin). This vitamin not only calms down redness and inflammation but stimulates collagen production and increases free fatty acids in the skin to hydrate. Tranexamic acid from lytera helps reduce pigmentation as well as phenylethyl resorcinol and niacinamide, tetrapeptide-30 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide, which all balance melanin production.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, which is commonly used in skincare, and using creams containing them will help to stimulate collagen and thicken the skin around the eye. Vitamin A is the tried-and-true molecule that produces collagen, exfoliates, increases hyaluronic acid, brightens the skin, and repairs the skin. Technically, if you use a retinoid in the eye area, in time you should have slightly firmer collagen and less dark circles. Retinoids are quite irritating however so you need to use a low percentage in that area and keep the skin hydrated – you may not be able to tolerate it every day. (Not all retinols are made equal and there are certain retinols that are appropriate for the gentle and thinner skin around the eye. Also consider using a patch test)

Caffeine

Caffeine is also a great ingredient for under the eyes as it gives vasoconstriction and boosts the skin energy. Look out for caffeine in creams. Tea bags have been used to de-puff around the eyes because of the decongesting properties of caffeine. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which in turns reduces redness, swelling, and extensive fluid from pooling around the eyes. This will give a tightened appearance around the eyes. Furthermore, caffeine has been shown to neutralize free radicals from DNA damage and contains anti-inflammatory properties which can further improve skin texture.

Liquorice

It reduces puffiness (puffiness contributes to the appearance of dark circles)

Hydration

If you want to get rid of your under-eye circles, keep the skin hydrated. Use a nice, hydrating eye cream. Toleriane Ultra eye cream by La Roche-Posay has no preservatives and contains niacinimide which soothes the skin, and glycerine, which leaves the skin hydrated and reduces inflammation. Not only does using an eye cream often help to brighten the area, it will prevent the bags from potentially getting worse as it stops the skin from becoming sullen and therefore shrinking inwards, closer to the bone, giving the illusion of shadow.

Avoid irritants

Your dark circles could be down to your current beauty products. Another cause is low-grade irritation or inflammation of the skin from something you're allergic to. It's very important to be careful with what you put around your eyes. Some serums for the face, for example, may irritate the eye area. When you're thinking of buying a new product, ask for a sample first and do a patch test to determine whether you may have an allergy.

Emma recommends

Hydrafirm® Eye Brightening Repair Crème

Net Wt. 15 g / 0.5 Oz.

Specially designed for the delicate eye area. Helps minimize the multiple signs of aging, including puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.

Advanced Eye Treatment for Lines and Wrinkles, Dark Circles and Puffiness which contains Retinol, Kojic Acid and Caffeine to help improve the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, targets dark circles and reduces puffiness.

Available in clinic.

Image ILUMA intense brightening eye crème

.5 fl oz (15 mL)

A super-hydrating and brightening eye crème that works aggressively to break up discoloration under the eyes. A blend of phytonutrients, peptides and botanical brightening agents help to reduce visible signs of aging like dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and lax skin to restore a firmer, vibrant and more youthful appearance to the eyes.

Available in clinic

Image MD Restoring Collagen Recovery Eye Gel w/Advanced Delivery Technology

Lightweight gel with powerful anti-aging and hydration benefits.For aging eyes, dark circles, loss of radiance and puffiness.

Available in clinic