Makeup Guru

Dark under eye circles
There are several reasons that cause dark under eye circles: lack of sleep, dehydration, nasal/seasonal allergies and genetics. Dark circles can appear to be worse when these multiple factors are combined. When you are suffering from lack of sleep, dehydration, or seasonal allergies, these are generally temporary and most easily fixed, since they are generally caused by poor circulation around the eyes. Using cold compresses in the morning will help with the darkness caused by lack of sleep. If seasonal allergies are the issue, then using anit-allergy medication will help. If the dark under eye circles are caused by heredity, then the issue is generally darker skin around the eyes. The best way to correct this is by using skin products that can improve the tone and texture of skin. Some examples are products containing Vitamin K or glycolic acids. Make-up and concealer can also be applied under the eye area to cover up. Adding a bit of moisturiser to the make-up or concealer will give a smoother application and will not settle into lines. If the skin is very dark, talk to your dermatologist about brightening creams or injectable fillers.

Dark acne spots
Generally, with Indian skins, after a pimple heals the skin can turn into a brown spot. Left untreated these spots can take months to heal. Often the brown spots look just as bad as the original breakouts. When these spots appear, they can be treated with a topical skin-lightening product. Some skin-lightening agents are available over-the-counter and stronger forms can be obtained from a dermatologist. The best way to deal with this is by using creams to help improve skin texture, look for ingredients such as glycolic, or retinols. In addition, doctors can prescribe creams with retinol, or hydroquinone to lighten dark spots. Acne treatments designed to dry the skin should be used with caution, because they can also cause dark spots. Acne medications that can have a drying effect on the skin, such as benzoyl may irritate the skin and prolong post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in some cases. Benzoyl peroxide can also lighten skin. For better results retinol, Retin-a is better for Indian skin.

Blackheads
Blackheads are generally formed when dirt, sebum and dead skin clog a pore. The outward appearance can have the look of tiny pore-sized dark spots. The best way to treat blackheads is to prevent them with a good skin care regimen consisting of an oil-absorbing cleanser and astringent containing salicylic acid. And using products with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, AHAs or retinol will help prevent oil and sebum accumulation.

Whiteheads
These are different from blackheads. Whiteheads are defined as tiny, white, raised spots wherein skin cells clog and close a hair follicle. Whiteheads are not pimples even though they both look alike. But whiteheads should never be attempted to be removed alone at home. If you try to squeeze the whitehead you may easily break the skin. To prevent whiteheads from forming, begin with proper skin care. Just like with blackheads, wash with a facial cleanser twice daily and use products with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, AHAs or retinol.
Step 1: Cleanse the face thoroughly with a good cleanser meant for oily skin, preferably using ingredients with glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Stay away from creamy or oil based cleansers.
Step 2: Apply an astringent. Especially one that contains salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid. It helps reduce oiliness.
Step 3: Apply a good quality cream or gel containing retinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This helps prevent oil build up and also helps with exfoliation. You can get creams or gels of benzoyl peroxide. If benzoyl peroxide leaves your skin dry, you can avoid this step.

Blackheads and whiteheads are treated over time with proper skin care. Never attempt to pick them at home, because this can cause scarring and result in dark spots.