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Dark circles can be extremely frustrating to stare at and difficult to get rid of. Many brands and companies promise their products will diminish the look of hyperpigmentation under and around the eye. But what if you’re trying everything from a luxury eye cream to a spoon from the freezer and nothing is working? Well, it might be because you’re not getting to the root cause of the problem. According to Shereene Idriss, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and an expert in facial rejuvenation, that’s the key to getting real results.
Dr. Idriss recently took to social media to share her findings as a 40-year-old dermatologist in New York City. She gives expert tips about how to identify the type of dark circles you’re dealing with and how to treat the unique cause. Who knew there was more than one kind? So, before you run to get filler (which can be a dangerous move!) or spend half your paycheck on an eye cream with all the wrong ingredients, keep reading.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles
@shereeneidriss Dark Circle Test from a dermatologist! For REAL solutions that actually work, check out my newest YouTube video up now 👏 #darkcircles #undereyes #eyecream #skincarehacks #dermatologist #shereeneidriss @ShereeneIdriss
♬ original sound – ShereeneIdriss
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If you thought all dark circles were created equal, you’re not the only one. Sure, there are different reasons for darkening pigment under the eyes. They come from fatigue, allergies, genetics, sun exposure, contact dermatitis, aging, eczema and so many other reasons. How do you tell which one you’re dealing with? Dr. Idriss has a genius hack.
“Lightly pinch the area over here or press firmly for a few seconds over there,” she says, pointing to her under eyes and just past her tear duct (on the bridge of the nose). “If the shadow disappears, the discoloration is due to redness and your vasculature, i.e. your blood vessels.”
To deal with the problem, you want a product with vitamin K, arnica or caffeine. “Yes, tea bags will do,” she says of the affordable hack. “Because all of those ingredients have anti-inflammatory effects. When you have inflammation, you have redness.” Insert those seasonal allergies! Dr. Idriss explains that this inflammation and redness worsen dark circles, which is why she “looks the worst in the spring and in the fall.”
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She quickly shows a few products that have these ingredients. We spotted ISDIN Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes, Dr. Idriss The Depuffer Roll-On Serum (her own stellar product!) and Innisfree
Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum.
Now, for the other type of discoloration. If you lightly pinch under your eyes and your dark circles don’t disappear, that means your dark circles are due to “discoloration pigmentation,” Dr. Idriss says. She explains that your best bet is a retinol (such as No7 Pure Retinol Fragrance Free Eye Cream) or a brightening serum (like Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum).
Now that you can identify the cause, you’re one step closer to banishing those dark circles for good. And if they become a bigger issue and cause distress, see your dermatologist for in-office treatment options.
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