Ask the experts: dark circles

23 Aug 2010 04:57 AM | Posted by Editor

You asked, so we answer! Well, by 'we' I mean that beautyheaven has teamed up with NIVEA expert, Ken Lee, to answer your skincare questions and help you achieve your best complexion yet.

 

Q: “I have read that as we age, the skin and fat pad under our eyes becomes thinner, causing the blood vessels to become noticeable. This gives the skin under our eyes the appearance of dark circles, which is made worse by sun damage because it weakens the delicate skin making it more obvious. My question is this: Is this information true, and if so how do we protect and reverse any damage? Also can we lessen the look of these dark circles and give our delicate eye area the TLC it needs without resorting to cosmetic procedures?” - Divine Diva

A: Yes, this information is generally true. The skin around the eyes is indeed delicate, thin, flexible and soft. Compared to say the cheeks, it is more permeable, more sensitive and has a weaker elastic strength. This makes the skin around the eyes more prone to wrinkles, sun damage, and the effects of external elements such as stress, lack of sleep, the effects of working in front of your computer all day, unbalanced nutrition and smoking.

However, whilst the skin around our eyes does easily reveal its damages, thankfully, it will just as quickly recover after some TLC. Dehydration for example, is noticeably visible in the skin around the eyes, but it is quickly recovered once you are rehydrated and have had a good night’s sleep.

In terms of lessening the look of dark circles from a cosmetics perspective, there can be two approaches: a quick fix and long term. The quick fix can be something as simple as using cold packs, ice, or masks containing cooling ingredients (such as aloe vera, algae extracts, enzymes from papaya and/or pineapple, and cucumber). Try: NIVEA Visage Aqua Sensation Anti Shadow Eye Cream.

For long-term effects, there are a lot of cosmetic products specially formulated for the eyes. It is important to use products specifically designed for the skin around the eyes, as these are usually opthalmologically tested to ensure it does not irritate the eyes. These formulations employ various ingredients (too many to mention) either by themselves or in combination to strengthen the delicate skin.

Finally, let’s not forget our everyday cosmetic routines, which go some way in keeping the skin around our eyes in good condition. Seek an effective yet gentle eye make up remover, and try gentle toners, and avoid the delicate eye area when using weekly scrubs.


Got a skincare question you'd like Ken Lee to answer? Email it to debbie@beautyheaven.com.au with 'Ask Ken' in the subject line, and your question may feature in the next Ask the experts feature!