FRESH SPRING NAILS

POLISH OFF YOUR MANICURE WITH THESE NEW- SEASON PICKS

Q.IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN DO TO MAKE MY DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES GO AWAY? SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY WORKS?

A.There are many myths surrounding dark circles, but according to the pros it basically comes down to ageing and genetics. “The skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than the skin on the face,” explains Skinstitut expert Zoe Devine. Ageing means a decrease in collagen production and, over time, the skin around the eyes becomes even thinner and less elastic. “As we lose density in this thin tissue, the capillaries within the dermis become more visible and give rise to the appearance of dark circles.”

Lifestyle habits such as smoking, lack of sleep and a high-sugar diet only speed up this ageing process (all the more reason to cut back), causing blood to pool in those veins

under the eyes. This is where topical creams come into use. “Look for eye creams that utilise caffeine, as this acts as a vasodilator to open up constricted vessels and get the stagnant blood flow going,” says Devine. Antioxidants like vitamin C will keep the area bright, while using a vitamin A formula at night will promote healthy cell turnover and keep the delicate area plump.

For those who have genetics working against them, it’s a more challenging road. “Bone structure can produce deep-set eyes and create shadowing under the eye area,” explains Devine. “Some people with this issue are happy to consider cosmetic injectables, such as dermal filler, to reduce shadowing.”

Unfortunately, in the case of natural pigmentation, this can’t be removed by topical products. But don’t despair, there’s always the magic of concealer.