1. Skin Creams
The first line of defense against under eye circles is skin creams. Doctors who lead the research and development teams at Clinique and Oil of Olay advise that if you are going to buy a product, make sure it contains either plumping agents or alphahydroxy acids. These active ingredients can thicken or inflame the skin, and add volume. Other ingredients to look for are Vitamins C and K, Hydroquinone (a bleaching agent) and Retinol as they help skin maintain texture and elasticity. As always, check your package instructions and use care when applying anything near your eyes.
2. Skin Peels
Mild peels are effective at lightening under eye pigmentation. A key ingredient to look for in any skin peel is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid works as an exfoliant, penetrating damaged skin and “burning off” the top layer of skin. When washed off, it leaves behind smoother skin that is also more youthful looking.
3. Juvederm & Restylane
If skin creams and peels aren’t doing the job, the best option to bring your eyes out of the shadows is injections of Juvederm or Restylane. These two skin-filling agents are widely used by cosmetic doctors to fill in areas around the lips, eyes and cheeks. Both products contain hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in our bodies) and when injected under the eye area, they help plump up hollow areas. One round of injections lasts approximately six months.