How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Dark Circles | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Summary

Dr. Shreen Idris, a cosmetic board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, addresses common concerns about under-eye darkness in a detailed video. She explains the main causes, including pigmentation, shadowing, puffiness, and fine lines. Dr. Idris debunks the myth of a one-size-fits-all eye cream and offers tailored solutions, such as sunscreen for pigmentation, caffeine for puffiness, and in-office procedures for more severe issues. She also shares her personal skincare insights and encourages viewers to embrace their natural beauty while providing practical tips to enhance their appearance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Shreen Idris is a cosmetic board-certified dermatologist based in New York City who shares skincare advice in her spare time.
• 🕒 She aims to release videos weekly on Saturdays at 10 a.m., addressing common skincare concerns raised by her audience.
• 👀 A frequently asked question is about dealing with under-eye darkness, and Dr. Idris discusses various causes and solutions for this issue.
• 🔍 She differentiates between pigmentation and shadowing as causes for under-eye darkness, advising viewers to lie flat to test which type they have.
• ☀️ Sunscreen is emphasized as crucial for preventing pigmentation under the eyes, with tinted sunscreens offering additional benefits.
• 🧴 For existing pigmentation, Dr. Idris recommends exfoliation with AHAs like mandelic or lactic acid, and ingredients like butin, licorice root extract, and niacinamide.
• 🚫 She advises against using salicylic acid near the eyes due to its potential for irritation and cautions against miracle eye creams that claim to solve all under-eye issues.
• 💧 Retinols are suggested for improving under-eye issues, contrary to a common myth, but should be used carefully, especially by those new to retinol use.
• ☕ Caffeine in eye creams can help with shadowing and vasculature, offering a temporary solution to under-eye darkness.
• 🍵 Caffeinated tea bags or cold metal spoons can be used as a home remedy to reduce puffiness and constrict blood vessels around the eyes.
• 🚫 Dr. Idris warns against using Preparation H for under-eye issues due to the risk of harmful effects from the steroid content.
• 💉 In-office procedures and surgical options like fillers or blepharoplasty can address more severe under-eye issues like herniated fat pads, but should be approached with caution and professional advice.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Shreen Idris?

Dr. Shreen Idris is a cosmetic board-certified dermatologist based in New York City who creates videos in her spare time to address various skin care topics.

What is the frequency of Dr. Idris's video releases?

Dr. Idris aims to release videos once a week, every Saturday at 10 a.m.

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is dealing with under-eye darkness and addressing the various causes and solutions for this common concern.

What are the four big categories of under-eye issues mentioned by Dr. Idris?

The four big categories of under-eye issues mentioned are pigmentation and physical darkness, shadowing and vasculature, puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles.

How can one differentiate between pigmentation and shadowing as causes of under-eye darkness?

One can differentiate between pigmentation and shadowing by lying completely flat under an overhead light; if the darkness disappears, it's due to shadowing and vasculature, and if it remains, it's due to pigmentation.

What is the role of sunscreen in addressing under-eye pigmentation?

Sunscreen plays a crucial role in preventing further pigmentation under the eyes by protecting the skin from sun damage, and tinted sunscreens can also provide immediate brightness.

What are some ingredients that can help with under-eye pigmentation according to Dr. Idris?

Some ingredients that can help with under-eye pigmentation include mandelic acid, lactic acid, hydroquinone, butin, licorice root extract, niacinamide, and retinols.

Why does Dr. Idris recommend avoiding salicylic acid for under-eye treatment?

Dr. Idris recommends avoiding salicylic acid for under-eye treatment because it can be extremely irritating to the sensitive skin in that area.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce under-eye puffiness?

Lifestyle changes that can help reduce under-eye puffiness include reducing salt and alcohol intake, especially at night, avoiding smoking, and managing allergies with antihistamines.

What are some in-office procedures that can address under-eye issues like herniated fat pads?

In-office procedures that can address under-eye issues like herniated fat pads include the use of certain fillers with hyaluronic acids, and in some cases, surgical options like blepharoplasty where fat is removed from under the eyes.

Why does Dr. Idris advise against using Preparation H for under-eye issues?

Dr. Idris advises against using Preparation H for under-eye issues because it contains steroids that can have detrimental effects on the eyes, including the risk of causing glaucoma.

What is the role of vitamin K in addressing under-eye shadowing due to vasculature?

Vitamin K, when applied topically, can help with under-eye shadowing due to vasculature by breaking down hemosiderin, which is the red blood cell deposition that causes residual darkness under the eyes.

How does Dr. Idris feel about fat transfers and implants for under-eye treatments?

Dr. Idris is not a fan of fat transfers and implants for under-eye treatments due to the risks and potential complications, such as lumpiness and the need for careful selection of a skilled provider for fat transfers, and the rigidity and aging issues associated with implants.