Dark circles can have several causes, including genetics, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, dehydration, allergies and the natural structure of the area beneath the eyes. This means an eye cream that works well for one person may not produce the same result for someone else.

The ingredients in an eye cream matter. Caffeine can temporarily help reduce the appearance of puffiness, while niacinamide and vitamin C are commonly used in products targeting uneven skin tone. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides can help with dryness, while retinol is often included in products aimed at fine lines and other signs of ageing.

If you are looking for an eye product available in South Africa, these five are worth considering.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

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CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It is designed to hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes while supporting the skin barrier.

The formula is particularly worth considering if dryness is making the under-eye area look dull or making fine lines more noticeable.

African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Rejuvenating Eye Cream

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African Extracts offers a South African skincare option with its Rooibos Advantage Rejuvenating Eye Cream. The formula contains rooibos extract, sea fennel peptides, buckwheat seed extract and allantoin.

The product is designed for concerns including dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and dehydration, making it an option for several common under-eye concerns.

Vichy Minéral 89 Eye Fortifier

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For those who prefer a lightweight formula, Vichy’s Minéral 89 Eye Fortifier is a gel designed to hydrate and refresh the eye area. It contains hyaluronic acid and caffeine, along with Vichy’s mineralising thermal water.

Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, while caffeine is commonly used in eye products aimed at the appearance of puffiness.

Olay Ultimate Eye Cream

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Olay Ultimate Eye Cream combines skincare ingredients with colour-correcting pigments. Its formula includes niacinamide and a peptide, while mineral pigments help reduce the appearance of dark circles immediately after application.

This makes it useful if you want an eye cream that provides both skincare benefits and a cosmetic brightening effect.

Neutrogena Retinol Boost Eye Cream

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If fine lines are your main concern, Neutrogena Retinol Boost Eye Cream offers a retinol-based option. Retinol is a form of vitamin A commonly used in anti-ageing skincare because it can support collagen production and increase skin-cell turnover.

The eye area is sensitive, so retinol products should be introduced gradually and used according to the instructions on the packaging.

Choose according to your concern

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There is no single eye cream that can remove every type of dark circle. If pigmentation is the main issue, a formula containing brightening ingredients may be more appropriate. Caffeine can be useful when puffiness is the concern, while moisturising ingredients can help when dryness makes the area look dull.

It is also worth remembering that genetics, facial structure and hollowness beneath the eyes can contribute to dark circles. In these cases, an eye cream may improve the appearance of the skin but cannot completely change the underlying cause.

Whichever product you choose, apply only a small amount around the eye area and avoid getting the product into the eyes. If you experience persistent irritation, stop using it and consider speaking to a dermatologist.

Healthy-looking skin does not require a bathroom shelf full of products. A consistent routine that cleanses, moisturises, addresses specific concerns and protects against the sun can provide a stronger foundation for the complexion. The key is choosing products that suit your skin and using them consistently.

Cleanse without overdoing it

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Cleansing removes sweat, excess oil, sunscreen and makeup from the skin. A suitable cleanser should do this without leaving the face feeling tight or uncomfortable.

A simple routine is often easier to maintain than one built around multiple products. Start with a cleanser suited to your skin type, particularly if your skin is sensitive or prone to dryness.

At night, cleanse your skin thoroughly if you have worn makeup or sunscreen. In the morning, your routine can depend on how your skin feels. If it is dry or sensitive, a gentle cleanser may be preferable to a stronger formula.

Keep your skin moisturised

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Hydration is important for all skin types, including oily skin. When the skin barrier is disrupted, it can become dry, flaky, tight or more sensitive.

Moisturisers containing ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid or squalane can help support the skin’s moisture levels. The right texture also matters. Oily or acne-prone skin may be more comfortable with a lightweight lotion or gel, while dry skin may benefit from a richer cream.

Moisturising is particularly important when using active ingredients that can cause dryness or irritation. Supporting the skin barrier can make a treatment routine easier to tolerate.

Choose a treatment for your main concern

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This is where your routine should reflect what you want to improve.

For uneven pigmentation, ingredients such as vitamin C can be considered. Salicylic acid is commonly used for acne and clogged pores, while retinoids can help with acne, uneven texture and signs of skin ageing.

Avoid introducing several strong active ingredients at the same time. Doing so can increase the risk of irritation and make it difficult to identify which product is causing a reaction. Introduce treatments gradually and give your skin time to adjust.

Most importantly, choose a treatment based on your skin concern instead of adding products simply because they are popular.

Wear sunscreen every morning

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Sun protection should be part of your morning routine, even when the weather is overcast. UV exposure contributes to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and other forms of skin damage.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to exposed skin. If you are spending extended periods outdoors, reapply as directed, particularly after sweating or swimming.

For people dealing with pigmentation, a tinted sunscreen may also be worth considering. Some tinted formulas contain iron oxides, which can provide additional protection against visible light that may worsen hyperpigmentation.

Glowing skin is not about making the face look shiny. It is more useful to think about maintaining skin that is hydrated, protected and comfortable while addressing specific concerns with appropriate products.

A routine does not have to contain numerous steps to be effective. Start with the basics, introduce treatments according to your needs and give the routine enough time to work before deciding that you need something else.

Dry brushing is a simple body-care technique that involves moving a firm-bristled brush over dry skin, usually before a shower. It has become popular among people looking for ways to smooth rough skin without adding another product to their routine.

Its clearest cosmetic benefit is exfoliation. The bristles help loosen dead skin cells from the surface, which can leave areas such as the legs, knees and elbows feeling smoother. It can be particularly useful when the skin feels rough or flaky, provided it is done gently.

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The technique is also quick. A few minutes before showering can be enough, after which you can wash away the loosened skin cells and apply a body moisturiser. However, dry brushing should not replace moisturising, especially if your skin tends to become dry.

Some people also enjoy the sensation of brushing the skin. The friction can temporarily increase blood flow near the skin’s surface, which may leave the area looking slightly red or feeling warm. This effect is short-lived and should not be confused with treatment for circulation problems.

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The claims surrounding dry brushing are less convincing. It is frequently promoted as a way to detox the body, reduce cellulite or improve lymphatic drainage. There is not enough evidence to support these claims. Dry brushing may temporarily make the skin look smoother, but it does not remove cellulite or toxins from the body.

How you brush matters. Applying excessive pressure can irritate the skin and damage its protective barrier. Use light, controlled strokes and stop if the skin becomes painful, scratched or persistently red. There is no benefit to brushing harder in an attempt to get better results.

Dry brushing should also be avoided over sunburn, cuts, wounds, rashes or irritated skin. Anyone with a skin condition that causes inflammation or sensitivity should check with a healthcare professional before adding physical exfoliation to their routine.

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Daily brushing is not necessary. Start with occasional sessions and adjust according to how your skin responds. If your skin becomes dry, sore or irritated, reduce the frequency or stop altogether.

For those who tolerate physical exfoliation well, dry brushing can be a straightforward addition to body care. Its value lies in what it can realistically offer: removing surface dead skin and helping rough areas feel smoother, without the exaggerated detox and cellulite claims often attached to the practice.