Expert: Brittany - 5/6/2006

Question
Hi, I am currently seventeen and am having problems with wrinkles forming under my eyes, as well as dark circles.
I know that I shouldn't be getting wrinkles at this age, but I think it is most likely due to my previous bouts of vigorous eye rubbing during my middle school and elementary years. I have bad spring allergies and used to rub my itchy eyes all the time. (I rubbed my right eye alot more than my left)

Now, I've noticed for about a year that wrinkles have started forming under my eye area. And these aren't just fine lines, but deep wrinkles. Far more wrinkles are present on my right eye area than my left (probably due to my excessive right eye rubbing, and recently, I've noticed the appearance of dark eye circles under both my eyes. The circles under my left eye have disappeared, but the right eye circles are still there.

I am asian, with a typical complexion of the race, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise(Swim team);

I would appreciate any information you could give me about getting rid of the wrinkles and dark eye circles (all most prominent under my right eye), or at least information about stopping the formation of new wrinkles.

Thank you very much
-Alice  

Answer
Hi Alice,

First of all, I wouldn't worry about the fine-lines too much, because far more people are getting them at a younger age, so you're not alone. :-) BUT, luckily there are many ways to halt the problem (and even reverse it!).

You can start with applying a GREAT (and relatively inexpensive) product called "Olay Total Effects Night Firming Cream for Face & Neck," at night. It's under $20 and works even for full-fledged wrinkles, so I'm sure it'll be fantastic on fine-lines, too. It works so well because in addition to helping with wrinkles and fine-lines, it won't clog pores, so if you have any problems with breakouts or the like, it shouldn't bother your skin. It also evens skin color and it's not greasy! (You can use this anywhere you notice the wrinkles.)

For the dark circles, there is a product that works very, very well, but it's also pretty expensive (almost $100): Hylexin. I doubt you'll ever see another dark circle again if you use this, but there are also other alternatives to try first. All of the drug store brands are pretty comparable, so it all depends on you and which one you want to try. An idea of this would be "Neutrogena Visibly Firm Eye Treatment Concealer with Active Copper." That product also supposedly reduces under-eye puffiness and wrinkles too. The "foundation-like" quality about it will cover the dark circles right away, so that may be an advantage as well.

Also, you want to be sure that you're taking care of your general health -- try not to spend too much time in the sun, and if you do, wear a facial SPF of at least 15. Drink plenty of water as well, and eat plenty of vegetables (the minerals can help with healthy skin). Try taking biotin as well (it's just a B vitamin... I suggest 300-600 mg/day), because this helps with healthy skin, hair, and nails. Make sure that you don't apply too much makeup (i.e. foundation) directly on the lines/wrinkles, as this will make them look so much worse than they actually are. Instead of foundation (if you even use it), perhaps try just some powder.

Good luck Alice, and I hope that this helps!  And I hope you feel well too (I know that allergy season is approaching!).  If you need anything else, please feel free to write back.  Take care!