I have a confession to make,  I have always been quite lucky when it comes to the under eye department. Didn’t suffer much with swollen/puffy eyes, didn’t have much of an issue with dark eye circles but there’s always a small issue, smiling or not I have this annoying double eye bag under my left eye. I am guessing it must have been my love of sleeping on my left side and not tossing and turning much during the night. Hence over the years it developed this hideous under eye bag and no amount of make up or concealing could hide.

This was my concern throughout my 20s and it gets worst throughout the years. Now that I am nearing the end of my 20s, I have also started to notice how my dark eye circles are becoming more prominent than ever despite my religious application of eye cream. For this reason, I did my research and found quite a few interesting theories out there to first identify dark eye circle and treat it accordingly.

Some dark circles are created by hyperpigmentation, others by excess blood pooling, and a third rare category by a deep tear trough. (via Futurederm)

1. Dark Circle Caused by Blood Pooling - If you apply pressure to the circle or shadow under your eye and it disappears, your problem is due to blood pooling under the eyes.
2. Dark Circle Caused by a Deep Tear Trough – If you apply pressure to the circle or shadow under your eye and the shadow forms at the inside corner of your eye, where a tear would flow, it’s probably due to a deep tear trough.  This is not treatable by topical cream application, and I recommend that you see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for advice.
3. Dark Circle Caused by Hyperpigmentation – If you apply pressure to the circle or shadow under your eye and the color doesn’t disappear, the darkness is caused by excess pigment.

The good news is if your dark circles are caused by #1 and #3 it is treatable by topical products, not overnight but overtime you can reduce the intensity and prevent further damage to the precious skin around our eyes. I have been experimenting lately to work on my deepening dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation and fine lines around the under eyes with some eye products in the market.

So here’s my routine:

Day time – Thalgo Collagen Eye Roll-on RRP AUD$59

I use this to target puffiness and dark circles. The roll on provides this ice cube effect that is very soothing and refreshing for when in the mornings I am feeling neither of those. Since this is a roll on, it also means I can both massage and apply the eye gel on my eye area at the same time.

While I don’t have massive issues with puffiness around the eyes, I do however appreciate the cooling sensation and the lightweight gel this eye cream comes with. It moisturises my eyes well for eye make up to sit still without seeping into fine lines or acting weird. Also with the “massaging” effect, I think it is helping to reduce my dark eye circle. As always, when it comes to the eye area I use product with care and only apply the lightest pressure massaging this in tiny circular motions around my under eye area.

Night time – Kerstin Florian Correcting Brightening Eye Creme  RRP AUD$139

When it comes to night time I go for something that is more treatment focused and richer in texture for that “comfort” of knowing it will kick some bad asses while I sleep away. Although I must clarify, both products are perfectly fine to use both morning and night but I am choosing this method to best suit my needs.

For those who are not familiar with Kerstin Florian it is a family-run company based in California, USA and was founded back in 1978 by Swedish born Kerstin Florian. KF is today a progressive range of European facial, body + bath products and treatments for the luxury spa industry, sourcing only the highest quality ingredients available.

Kerstin Florian Correcting Brightening Eye Creme is a brightening eye treatment, infused with vitamins, peptides and ingredients that work tirelessly to reduce dark eye circles. This eye creme comes in a pump bottle packaging as you can see quite a large amount get dispensed in one pump. So be sure to go easy with the pump and thoroughly pat the eye cream on. Texture wise, this is cream texture  that leaves a slight hint of sheen after application boosting instant luminosity.

Since I am using both products on a daily basis, I thought I would comment on the results based on my experience using both products. When it comes to under eye area, hydration is key and minimal fraction around the eye area is crucial. By using this combo, I find my eye area to look smoother and surprisingly brighter looking in just 2 weeks. While the dark eye circle is still visible but the slight change is noticeable for me and I find my eye area to take on eye make up easier.

Truth to be told, I can’t defy the natural process of ageing (that I’ll leave it to the plastic surgeons),  I can however prolong the process and minimise the damage in a long run by being diligent with my routine. Remember every extra effort you take to your skin will never go wasted and prevention always far outweigh the cure.

Ps. Some best eye products available in the market and recommended by Futurederm to treating specific eye concerns are listed here.

All products noted are available in the market now