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How to manage hyperpigmentation and dark circles?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have fungal acne or textured skin, dark circles, eyebags, and hyperpigmentation around the mouth. I have dry and sensitive skin. Please suggest a skincare routine for me.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From your brief history, I understand that you are experiencing pigmentary changes on your face, along with dark circles and a few areas of sensitive skin. However, I did not fully understand what you meant by fungal acne. I suggest you follow few steps:

  1. A good skincare routine includes thoroughly washing your face with a face wash (in your case, an anti-acne face wash) at least twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, and definitely after removing makeup. Face wash should always be followed by a good moisturizer. If your skin is oily, a gel-based moisturizer would be more suitable, as it helps seal in moisture without making your skin greasy.
  2. Before going out in the sun, it is essential to apply a gel-based sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 25. Sunscreen should be applied twice a day, once in the morning and again at noon. It should be applied at least two hours before sun exposure to allow it time to activate on the skin.
  3. At night, before going to bed, cleanse your face again and reapply moisturizer. While double cleansing, toners, and serums can enhance skincare, they are not essential. A basic routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is sufficient for maintaining healthy skin. However, if you have open, enlarged pores, using a toner after cleansing and before moisturizing may be beneficial.
  4. For under-eye bags and dark circles, getting at least eight hours of sleep is crucial. Using retinoid-based under-eye creams before bedtime can also help.
  5. Additionally, drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water daily, consuming at least one fruit, incorporating green tea into your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a regular exercise routine are all key factors in improving skin health.

Despite following these measures, some pigmentary issues can be stubborn and may not fade completely. Various cosmetic treatments can help, including laser treatments, chemical peels, dermabrasion, glutathione therapy, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy.

If you can provide a photograph of your face or arrange a video consultation, I will be able to guide you more effectively.

I hope this answers your query. Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.

Published At June 29, 2020
Reviewed AtFebruary 7, 2025

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