Updated: Sep 18, 2020
November 2019:
Ask Savvy Derm Diva
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
I use a 0.5 retinol and vitamin c every night, but my dark spots are now visible WITH makeup on. Help!
-Katie M, Dark Spots and Makeup
Dear Dark Spots & Make-up,
Thank you for inquiring! I love this question! You are missing the most crucial piece, which is using a Broad Spectrum SPF in your routine. Make sure you get a mineral-based one with SPF 30 or more and reapply every two hours and after sweating or swimming. SPF in makeup is NOT enough to protect you. Another problem is our smartphones and computers are contributing to the discoloration, so make sure you have an SPF with Iron Oxide. Lastly, you may even need a prescription to help lighten them in addition to what you are already using. I would strongly recommend getting them checked out by a Board-Certified Dermatologist to make sure they are benign first and don’t delay.
Diva faves: EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50. ????
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
EltaMD Tinted UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50.
-Melissa R, Feeling Blue.
Dear Feeling Blue,
Yes, such frustration! Let’s talk undereye circles in general. There can be several causes of under-eye discoloration that may be happening synergistically: sleep deprivation, dehydration, genetics, allergies (hay-fever), aging, dry skin. That being said, all can contribute and accentuate the problem. With under-eye “blueness” tells me it is more vascular, which may be a genetic component. Aging makes it worse. As we age, the skin thins even more due to the loss of collagen, and the discoloration is more prominent. Aging also causes a loss of fat and bone, which can also contribute. An option for you you may be a topical that has caffeine. Lasers can help improve the elasticity of the skin and may target the hemoglobin contributing to the discoloration, and finally, fillers or fat transfers in an option which can be expensive and have increased side effects but worth the results if done correctly. All three would be optimal for the best results.
Diva Tip: I always recommend starting with a good eye cream. Though it will not be a miracle treatment, it is still important to have whether you do additional therapies or not. A Diva Fave is Teamine by Revision. ????
