Question:

What is the best way to deal with the dark circles under my eyes?

Answer:

Dark under-eye circles can be triggered by two main causes: the sun and your genes. If you have spent time outside without sunscreen and that area has darkened, use an eye cream with alpha hydroxy acid, which will gently slough away the unwanted pigment.

If the circles are very dark, see a dermatologist, who can prescribe a cream with hydroquinone, a lightening agent, recommends Francesca Fusco, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City.

If the under-eye circles have a bluish tint and always look the same, even when you’ve had a good night's rest, then the cause might be hereditary. "Some people have very thin skin there, and the blood vessels underneath don’t get as much blood flow," says Fusco. Use a product with vitamin K, which strengthens the blood vessels, so that the blood doesn't pool there and cause dark circles. (RS pick: Vita K Solution for Dark Under Eye Circles, $12, Rite Aid.) Try putting the product in the refrigerator before use. "The coldness of the gel also helps reduce puffy eyes," says Fusco.

Bora Chang
Beauty Department