Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark areas in response to trauma or injury) is common and can be tough. It occurs anywhere there has been inflammation, and it is often on the face of darker (types III through VI) skinned folks where blemishes were the culprit. It is tougher on the hands and the legs because the skin is slower to turn over on these areas than on the face. Therefore it is necessary to use something that will breakdown the stratum corneum (the top layer of dead keratin cells) and allow the penetration of the lightening product. In addition, a product that will increase cell turnover will enhance the efficacy of the treatment. That said, I often prescribe Tri-Luma for spot treatments because the tretinoin (generic Retin-A) turns the cells over faster and this causes the breakdown of the stratum corneum (because it literally is younger), while the hydroquinone (prescription bleaching agent) penetrates to decrease the production of melanin, thereby lightening the area. It also contains a mild steroid since both products can be somewhat irritating.

If you wanted something non-prescription, Lumixyl now has an additional product, GlycoPeel 20, that is applied prior to the application of Lumixyl. Since glycolic acid will also speed the cell turnover and decrease the stratum corneum resistence (though less efficiently than tretinoin) this combination greatly increases the efficacy of Lumixyl compared to using Lumixyl alone.

Kojic acid is an over-the-counter lightener that is frequently found in products, however it really is not strong enough to address what you describe.

Thanks for visiting and I hope this helps!

Dark circles under the eyes arise from a variety of issues. Sometimes it is hyperpigmentation (too much pigment) which may or may not be a heredity cause. In this case, Lumixyl may help. In other cases it can be due to transparency of the very thin skin under the eyes and therefore one may be able to see underlying tissues and blue vessels, all coming together to appear as dark circles. In other cases the lower lids may be indented somewhat and therefore decrease the ability of light to be reflected.

For an immediate help, Teamine Eye Complex from Revision Skin Care helps to decrease the darkness. For longer lasting changes, using a glycolic based cream, or the best…a retinoid (Retin-A, etc) will increase the thickness of the skin, and adding Lumixyl will help the pigment (if that is the issue) over time.

Any further questions? Please contact me at yearserased.com. Good Luck!

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Can Lumixyl be used for dark circles under eyes?