A foursquare solution to dark under-eye circles
November 8, 2006 | 12:00am
Hi, Rissa!
I have very dark under-eye circles. What product can you recommend? Also, what sunblock can you recommend for the face? I want to invest in a good product now before it’s too late.
Janet
A lot of women – and men – have to deal with dark circles under the eyes. I sometimes get them, too, whenever I don’t get enough sleep. But sleeping late isn’t the only cause of dark under-eye circles. If it persists for a long time, those dark circles can also be due to an allergy. It may also be hereditary; you may have been born with it.
Consider using an eye cream every night. When it comes to skincare, Clarins has always been one of my favorites. Their new product Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate takes action on all fronts: wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. Most eye products just target the eye zone, but this also zooms in on wrinkles in between the eyebrows (making one appear more "serious" and sometimes even sad or angry) and crow’s feet (those wrinkles in the corner of the eyes that open like a fan up to the temples). With regular use, Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate makes the skin on the eyelids smoother and crow’s feet and wrinkles in the eye area become less visible. Puffiness under the eyes and on the eyelids is also visibly reduced. And to target your concern, the blue appearance of dark circles is diminished so the eyes appear more rested. If you’re going to use an eye cream, you may as well choose a product that targets and solves all your problems in the entire eye zone, from temple to temple.
Whether you’re at the beach or just in the city, never skip sunblock, especially on the face. Even on a cloudy day or indoors, the sun’s rays are still very harmful. Natural sunlight contains a mixture of ultra-violet (UV) rays of which two types, UVA and UVB, affect our skin. The UVB rays cause sunburn, UVA rays do not burn but simulate a tan. Both are damaging to the skin; you can damage your skin without burning it. The results of cumulative exposure to sunlight – and they may not show up until 10 to 20 years later – are premature lines, coarse and sagging skin, and the danger of developing skin cancer.
Try Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Block SPF 30, a lightweight facial sunblock that protects skin from both the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. It helps prevent darkening, hyper-pigmentation, and sunspots to maintain fair, even-toned skin. And yes, even your eye area should be protected from the sun’s UV rays, especially since the skin there is most sensitive. Go for an eye cream with SPF you can use during the day like Avon Anew Retroactive Day Defense Eye Cream SPF 15. It seeks out and stimulates repair of damaged cells before they have a chance to show. It helps the skin around eyes look brighter, reduces puffiness, and visibly minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
One sunblock that I really like for the face is VMV Spring Fresh Oil-Free Nourisher SPF 15. I’ve tried several face sunscreens and most feel really heavy and sticky, and give off that sunblock smell. But this VMV product is extra light, fresh, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing. It’s oil-free so it hydrates, protects, and softens without the shine. The great thing about VMV products is that they’re hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, preservative-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog the pores). This is one sunblock that really feels light enough to put on even before makeup.
Clarins is exclusively available at Rustan’s Department Stores. Neutrogena and VMV are available at leading drugstores, health and beauty stores and department stores. Avon is available at Avon boutiques in leading malls nationwide.
Rissa
Is it true that pimples on the jawline are stress-related? I don’t have them on other parts of my face. Do you think applying fresh calamansi juice on the pimples will cure them? Got any not-so-expensive but natural suggestions, please?
Peachie Filarca
I asked a dermatologist and she says there is no conclusive study that lilnks pimples on the jawline directly to stress. Pimples can appear on almost any part of the face, and while stress could be a factor, it is but one of the many possible. Diet, the products you use, and hormonal changes could be culprits as well. It could be the toothpaste and/or mouthwash you use. The fluoride in toothpaste is known to cause pimples in some people, so it’s either you try and make sure none of the toothpaste drips down your chin all the way to your jawline while brushing your teeth or you switch to another brand that has less fluoride. Ask your dentist for suggestions. When you shampoo, try to keep the suds away from your face as well because I know of at least three people whose skin breaks out if they so much as let the suds stay longer on their face than necessary, while rinsing.
Aside from proper hygiene and using a product that is compatible with your skin type, I know of no natural remedies that really work. I could throw you some supposed good ones you can get from the nearest fruit stand or your vegetable suki, but they are all just old housewives’ tales. There is a product that really works, though. It may seem expensive at over P1,000 for a small bottle, but believe me, it goes a long, long way (this small bottle will last you many, many months). Go to Rustan’s Essenses and ask for the Mario Badescu Acne Drying Pink Lotion. With Q-tips, you just dab a little on each pimple and overnight, you will see a change. It is very potent and works very well for me when my skin breaks out. I hope it works well for you also.
Lucy
I’m so afraid to meet strangers. Tell me what to do to have self-confidence.
Lanie
I’ll tell you this: Conversation is an exchange of thoughts, not an oratorical contest. You need not be clever to carry on a conversation with an acquaintance. Most faults lie in the fact that some people talk too much. It’s better to talk less. Don’t rush in with an unmodulated voice. Learn to listen. Don’t be afraid of silence. Don’t just talk and make noise. Stop! Don’t go on and on. Look! Pay attention to the person who’s talking to you. Listen! Don’t let your mind wander. Smile and simply be yourself.
Tingting
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