How to eliminate dark circles and keep it that way, Dr. G reports

The skin around the eyes is naturally thin and is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from environmental stressors such as sunlight, smoking, and air pollution. This constant assault gradually breaks down the fibrous network composed of proteins, elastin, and collagen, resulting in thinner skin in the eye region as you age. Facial expressions like laughing and frowning further contribute to the destruction of the skin proteins and stimulate the formation of wrinkles (crow’s feet), dark circles, and bags under the eyes. We sat down with Dr. G to find out what we can do to banish those unwanted dark circles for good. 

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Retinoid’s: “Using an eye product that contains Vitamin A (Retinol) is so beneficial for many anti-aging purposes (brightening, fine lines), but because Vitamin A increases collagen production, it creates an increased plump appearance to the eye area which helps to fade the visual appearance of dark circles.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

Brightening Ingredients: “Skin brightening ingredients are so important to use when working to eliminate dark circles. The most powerful naturally-based brightening ingredients include skin brightening Vitamin K, Arnica and Soy and Rice Bran Peptides. These heavy treatment oriented ingredients work together to break up the dried blood trapped within the bags underneath the eye area while simultaneously working to increase circulation to move the excess colored fluid out. Using treatment-based products are most beneficial for long-term benefits vs. using a concealer and calling it a day.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

Cool Water and compress: “Always rinse off with cool water as warm water will add to increased inflammation and darkness. Keep a tea bag in the freezer, add cool water, and apply onto the eye area for a quick spa treatment – you’ll be amazed how fast-acting this trick is for reducing puffiness and darkness and brightening the overall eye area.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Makeup Remover: “Aggressive rubbing of the eye area can lead to inflammation and even broken capillaries that will only add to the issues underneath the eye area. Selecting a gentle non-toxic makeup remover is key (try Tatcha’s Camellia Oil Cleanser) and work to pat the eye area free of any and all makeup vs. rubbing.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Sunscreen: “The thin skin just underneath the eye area is especially prone to increased hyper pigmentation as a result of over sun exposure, so be sure to extend your sun blocking agent underneath the eye area too. Using a lightweight, oil-free and fragrance-free formula is highly recommended so that it won’t cause heightened irritation to the eye are. Look for SPF based products that contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as a safe option.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD 

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Top 5 Anti-Aging Rules Every Dermatologist Swears By

Maintaining a glowing and youthful complexion is certainly something that many need to work at through diet, exercise and topical treatments, but here are five must-do rules that every Dermatologist agrees is necessary in obtaining gorgeous skin.

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Diet Counts: Clear and glowing skin starts from the inside. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the most beneficial is Salmon, can greatly reduce inflammation, reduce dryness and increase circulation – a key attribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Daily consumption of vitamins specifically my favorite vitamin – Vitamin D and an overall multi-vitamin greatly impacts your overall health.

Exfoliation is key: The beginning of every successful skincare regime starts with exfoliation. Exfoliation is key – you would be surprised how much smoother and brighter just one exfoliating treatment can do for your skin. Regular exfoliation, the removal of dead surface skin cells, dirt and oils greatly reduces the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and dull, lack-luster skin and prevents from future breakouts. It also allows topical products, particularly super potent treatment serums, applied onto the skin afterwards to penetrate deeper, increasing the overall treatment.

Super Potent Anti-Aging Ingredient to Use: Retinoids have been proven to be one of the most powerful anti-aging properties and ever women over the age of 30 should be incorporating them into their skincare regimen. With regular use, Vitamin A or Retinoids work to stimulate your skin to make collagen, help to repair sun damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase overall skin tone/discoloration and promotes cell turnover. Vitamin A stimulates skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of cell division resulting in a plumper complexion. Additionally, retinol-based products can help to unclog pores thus inhibit dead skin cells that can cause future breakouts and also inhibit acne scars from forming.

Most Powerful Anti-Aging Step – Stay Protected: One of the most IMPORTANT things that you can do for your skin is stay protected from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Rain or shine, sun rays work to breakdown collagen fibers, increase skin cancer cells, create unwanted pigmentation, and promote premature aging.

We love Sun Visor because it’s an easy-to-apply oil-free and fragrance-free translucent mist which makes this the ideal sun screen to reapply throughout the day. 

Partying Really Does Count: “Smoking causes the narrowing of blood vessels throughout your body, including those that supply the outermost layers of the skin with oxygen and nutrients. Regular smoking slowly starves your skin of vital oxygen and other substances, such as immunity-boosting Vitamin A that is essential for that youthful-looking glow and radiant complexion. Alcohol has a similar effect by destroying the body supply of Vitamin A.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

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Unexpected Daily Habits That May be Ruining Your Skin

The best skincare routines and being diligent about proper daily cleansing is key to glowing skin, but if you’re not aware of some of the most common daily habits that could be running your skin, it does not matter what you put on. We’ve dug deep to highlight these common daily skin busters that could be the culprits that lead to those unwanted breakouts.

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Gym workouts are beneficial for your overall health, but the machine surfaces and ground are filled with acne causing bacteria. Try not to touch your face during your workout and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Tip: We love these Yes to Carrots new all-natural fragrance-free antibacterial wipes – they should be part of every gym bag!
You may not be lactose intolerant, but dairy contains hormones that trigger the oil glands to go into overdrive, causing breakouts. Try going dairy free for a few weeks and watch your skin become luminescent.
Tip: Supplement your dairy with Almond Milk-based products; they’re delicious and lower in calories.
Cell phones can carry a lot of bacteria because they get put on many dirty surfaces. Every time you hold your phone to your face that bacteria is transferred onto your skin.
Tip: Invest in headphones and these Bose headphones are one of our favorites.
Think your foundation is causing you to break out? Think again, dirty makeup brushes carry bacteria that leads to breakouts. Make sure to clean your brushes regularly and wipe off the top layer of your foundation to ensure that you are keeping it bacteria-free.
Tip: The Beauty Department featured this recent post that we now follow – featuring an all-natural DIY brush cleaner that is super easy and extremely effective.
Think again when you want to grab those tweezers inside your drawer. They carry loads of acne-causing bacteria that spreads like wild fire when using them to pluck those unwanted hairs.
Tip: Disinfect your tweezers with rubbing alcohol right before you pluck your eyebrows, and do it every single time.
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