NATUROPATHICA

The result of various factors, dark circles are a very common beauty problem among women in particular. They appear as a darker color and/or puffiness around the lower eyelid. We often talk about tiredness or stress, but these are not the only causes of dark circles. Most options available are a “one size fits all” type treatment not taking into consideration what type of Dark Circles you have. Until I actually did my research, is when I discovered what type I have and what ingredients work for it, and that most Eye Creams don’t specify which will work for which. So I wanted to share with you So I have Vascular Dark Circles. these type of dark circles that have a blueish hue due to Dilated blood vessels that sit close to the thin under-eye skin. The skin under your eyes is the thinnest skin on your entire body, and as we age the skin can become thinner. Dehydration, not getting enough sleep etc can cause blood to pool in the vessels under the skin, which can worsen their appearance. These types of dark circles usually occur to people who have a more fair skinned complexion. The top of ingredient that have helped me the most is Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps with blood coagulation and circulation. So using an eye cream with Vitamin k increases circulation and reduces the appearance of dark circles. In searching for Eye Creams with Vitamin K, there isn’t a bunch of products available compared to the amount of eye creams on the market, which confuses me since this ingredient is proven. Other good ingredients to use are Caffeine, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Arnica and Retinol. So I use a Vitamin K eye cream in the AM and at night I use a Retinol cream, because Retinol not only helps with fine lines and wrinkles but it also stimulates collagen production, to help with the thin skin under the eye. The second type which is the Pigmented Dark Circles or hereditary/genetic dark circles due to excess pigmentation in the skin and usually effects people with a more darker complexion. Sun exposure can make them appear darker, as well as rubbing your eyes can worsen them. These type of dark circles you’ve had or noticed since a young age. Since the skin is actually darker you need ingredients to actually lighten the skin color itself. In order for your dark circles to gradually produce less pigment and not become darker overtime is to use certain lightening products, which have ingredients like hydroquinone acid, kojic acid and Vitamin C. Kojic acid can help make hereditary dark under-eye circles less noticeable by blocking the production of melanin (the substance that gives the skin its color) Retinol can also help as well. A more severe option like Laser treatments also help. It’s important to know that both types you can never really get rid off, but you can treat them with certain ingredients to make them better and to prevent them from worsening. [Dark circles ](https://www.self.com/story/under-eye-circles-genetic) A good article with some more info. NATUROPATHICA - Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum Herbal Dynamics Beauty - VITAMIN K & GREEN TEA BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM biopelle - Dark Circle Relief Cream 1 Percent Vitamin K Oxide SKINPRO - Hydroquinone Skin Lightener & Dark Spot Corrector Cos De BAHA - 2% Hydroquinone + Azelaic Acid 4% + Niacinamide 4% Serum Dark Spot Corrector Remover + Melasma Treatment Fade Gel + hyperpigment ZO SKIN HEALTH - Pigment Control Program + Hydroquinone

I’ve been simplifying my day to day routines and working in “specialty” products on occasion, to save time and money. AM (Alllll about quick and easy!) Andalou Apricot Cleansing Milk Cerave PM Moisturizer Nivea Super Watery Gel SPF PM Cerave Hydrating Cleanser (or Andalou if I want more richness) EB5 Anti Aging Toner Curology (clindamyacin 1%, tretinoin .04%, azelaic acid 7%) Hadalabo Hyalruronic Acid Illiyoon Ceramide Moisturizer Acure Blue Tansy Oil Rotating Products Makeup Removal: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm (I know some of you swear by the double cleanse, but it’s typically too irritating for me daily) Exfoliating (in place of EB5): Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel (great when I feel a breakout coming on), Alpha H Liquid Gold (for when I’m feeling super lazy—I cleanse, use this, and slap on a thick moisturizer...that’s it!) Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: Great top coat to seal in extra moisture Cicaplast Baume 5: Also a great top coat, more occlusive and I love when I’m feeling super dry Acne Spot Treatment: Kate Somerville EradiKate reduces size and redness overnight. Tends to pull off the whiteheads and cause bleeding & thus scarring when removed the next morning, so use with caution Holy Grail: Naturopathica Alpine Rose Recovery Serum. This is a 7-day treatment serum that reduces redness, plumps you up, and helps bump up the glow. For use 3-4 times a year at most, so would be great to use if you have an event you want to look extra glowy for. (Who goes anywhere nowadays? I can dream...) New Products (both recommended by my skincare group. Will update) Stratia Liquid Gold: Additional evening moisture layer Stratia Rewind: evening moisture layer, supposed to help with redness too