Dark Circles Kit

Dr. V Dark Circles Kit for peri-orbital hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Includes EyeMax Cream (15ml) and DC Repair Cream (30ml). Approx. 3 months usage per kit.

Please read all directions, restrictions & warnings below before using.

1. EyeMax Cream

Key Ingredients: Tyrosinase Inhibitors - Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Octadecenoic Acid, Uva Ursi Leaf Extract. Caffeine (vasoconstrictor), Tocopheryl Acetate (anti-oxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (humectant), Shea Butter (emollient).

Full Ingredients: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Octadecenedioic Acid, Dimethicone, Caffeine , Glyceryl Stearate , Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Steareth-21, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyacrylamide, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Cetyl Palmitate, Methylparaben, Phenyl Trimethicone , C13-14 Isoparaffin, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol, Trisodium NTA

2. DC Repair Cream

Key Ingredients: 

• Retinyl Palmitate (Anti oxidant and anti-melanogenic agents)
• Salicylic Acid (improves penetration of actives)
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (water soluble Vitamin C - skin brightner and anti oxidant / anti-melanogenic agents)
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (fat soluble Vit C - restores collagen)
• Tocopheyl Acetate, (Vitamin E - stabilises Vit C)
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract (tyrosinase inhibitor)
• Sodium Hyaluronate (humectant)
• Allantoin (anti-inflammatory)
• Glycerin (moisturiser)
• Cetearyl Alcohol (emollient)
• Jojoba Seed Oil (emollient)
• Shea Butter (emollient) 

Full Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Steareth-21, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheyl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceteareth-12, Tocopherol, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract, Polyacrylamide, Retinyl Palmitate, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Dimethicone, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Cetyl Palmitate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Phenyl Trimethicone , Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Laureth-7, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trisodium NTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. 

STEP 1: Dr.V EyeMax™

High strength tyrosinase inhibiting cream to slow down the rate of melanin production.

Directions: Cleanse the skin around the eyes and apply a very thin layer of EyeMax (about '1 grain of rice' worth per eye) followed by an unscented thick moisturiser on top.

STEP 2: Dr.V DC Repair™

Periorbital skin restoring cream

Directions: Apply alternate nights to EyeMax followed by a non-scented moisturiser. Do not apply within 2mm from the edges of the upper & lower eye lids (lash lines). Only use on unbroken, non irritated skin. Discontinue in the rare event of a skin reaction.

Please apply a simple SPF50 suncream throughout the day as UV rays will re-trigger hyperpigmentation. Keep the skin well hydrated at all times with a simple thick, non-fragranced moisturiser. Not to be used in conjunction with other treatment products, anti-ageing creams, toners, vitamin A&C creams, exfoliating scrubs etc on the same area of skin (you may apply these products on other non-target areas).

We also recommend anti melasma sunglasses: Dr. V Sunglasses Shop

If you experience mild skin sensitivity/irritation: please wash off the product immediately with cold water. Please stop for 3-5 days and try again with a smaller quantity of product. If symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue treatment.

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WARNING - Not to be used if you: are pregnant, are allergic to any of the ingredients or their derivatives (inc. aspirin), have any active skin conditions around the eyes (e.g. eczema), have very sensitive or very dry skin, have had any professional eye treatments within 3 months. Only use on normal skin, not if irritated or injured. If using isotretinoin/Roaccutane, avoid usage of DC Kit until 6+ months after completion. Discontinue and seek medical advice from your GP in the rare event of a skin reaction. 

Results: vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. If dark circles have been present for many years, you are likely to require tyrosinase inhibitors for at least 6 cell cycles (6+ months). 1 kit lasts approx. 3 months, so 2+ kits are recommended. Results depend on the resistance to treatment of your melanocytes.

An Independent clinical study of 26 candidates showed 88% saw a significant reduction in pigmentation around the eyes after 12 weeks (click here to download).

Side Effects: (rare) may include but not limited to mild & temporary: dry skin, irritation, swelling, redness or darkening. Localised skin reactions are a rare but potential side-effect of DC kit creams. Reduce dosage or discontinue if symptoms are persistent or severe. In the event of a severe skin reaction, seek urgent medical assistance from your doctor.

1. Why do we get dark circles?

Skin of colour contains larger melanocytes that are easily triggered after puberty from 16-25 years old.

A study on 200 candidates in the Indian Journal of Dermatology showed 47.5% had Periorbital Hyperpigmentation. 63% of them had family history of dark circles which was classed as hereditary hyperpigmentation.

Wood lamp examination showed 60% of those with dark circles had dermal pigmentation. Therefore, most dark circles creams on the market do not work. You need a combination of 8 different tyrosinase inhibitors, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and humectants to potentially make a difference.

2. What is happening at a cellular level?

Melanocytes are large and cluster around the eye. They are easily triggered from UV, irritation, rubbing or dermatitis. Dark circles look worse with age as collagen is lost and skin appears thinner.

3. Can hereditary dark circles be treated?

They tend to be more resistant and take longer to treat, we recommend minimum 2 kits in this case.

4. How does the Dark Circles Kit Work?

Very high strength Tyrosinase Inhibitors will slow the rate of melanin production. Results are not immediate or guaranteed and often require 3-6 full cell cycles to start to see a difference

5. How many kits do we Recommend?

If you have had Dark circles for many years, you are likely to require at least 2 kits to see a potential reduction.

6. Is there a guarantee?

Results will vary from person to person. You cannot know how your specific skin cells will respond until you go through treatment.

7. I have sensitive skin, is the kit suitable for me?

The kit is designed with sensitive skin in mind, using the ingredients least likely to cause irritation overall, so it is suitable for most people with mild/moderate sensitive skin. However, if you have VERY sensitive skin i.e. easily reacts to other treatment products in the past, it would be best to avoid this kit.

Please note, although rare, side effects may occur in any individual, with normal or sensitive skin. Therefore, you are advised to please patch test this product in a discreet area 2-3 times before using on the main target area. 

8. I have pigmentation from previous Eczema, is the kit suitable for my skin?

It would be suitable for you to try the product, if there is NO ACTIVE eczema and the skin is otherwise healthy for at least 1 MONTH. You would need to discontinue other treatment products (if applicable) for 1 month before usage as well. 

However, if you prone to RECURRING Eczema which is easily triggered by treatment products, it would not be advisable to try this kit. Also, if you have a DAMAGED skin barrier from a long history of eczema or other reasons, we would advise you to not use the kit either. 

9. Will the kit block my pores and cause Acne?

The kit is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not block pores on its own. However, in acne-prone individuals, already blocked pores can come to the surface quicker & at the same time, when you first start using the kit. This may cause pimples or ‘purging’ as we call it. 

Furthermore, if you are on Acne medication and stop using this to use our kit, the Acne may recur as it is no longer being controlled. 

10. I am taking Antibiotics for Acne or other conditions, can I use this kit?

Yes it is ok to use in conjunction (as long as it is not prohibited by your doctor / the manufacturer). However, avoid application directly on the Acne or broken skin. It may be preferrable to wait until the skin condition subsides for better results and lower risk of side effects. 

11. What cosmetic products/treatments can be used at the same time as the kit? 

The kit creams cannot be used with any other form of skin treatment, so please wait until 1 month after completion of those products before commencing the kit, or 3 months after a professional treatment such as a chemical peel / laser.

Prohibited products/treatments include facials, exfoliating washes, vitamin serums, essential oils, toners etc. In general, only a basic moisturiser, sunblock & cleanser can be used in conjunction. Please see the more detailed 'directions' tab also. 

12. Why is there Retinol in this product, I thought Dr. V doesn't like it? 

Please note, Dr. V recommends Retinol (or Retinyl Palmitate in this case) at less than 1% concentration, which is the amount in this kit.

It is also combined with many other ingredients, including 6 other anti-oxidants, which keep the formula stable in a jar. 

13. Why are there Parabens in this product? Will you have a Paraben-free range?

We consider parabens the best form of preservative, which can cause the least amount of contact dermatitis, hence we do not plan to eliminate them from our formulations. 

14. Can I use Niacinamide with this kit?

Yes you can use a niacinamide-only product on top (sparingly), or a basic moisturiser with niacinamide (like CeraVe) would be a safer option in case you have sensitive skin.

15. Is it normal for the product colour to change over time?

The whole product turning a slightly darker colour can happen after a few months of usage due to the plant extracts and high strength anti-oxidants used. This does not affect the safety or efficacy of the product. 

16. I have recently started using the kit and noticed my skin getting darker, is this normal?

If you are following all usage guidelines & restrictions correctly, then yes it can be normal for pigmented skin to appear darker in the first few weeks of usage, before gradually fading after 10-12 weeks.

However, please do check you are only applying a very THIN layer of product, only on the pigmented areas (not surrounding skin), only applying at NIGHT - 2 hours before bed (not during daylight hours), applying SPF50 sunblock every 4-6 hours (1-2 hours in direct sunlight), applying moisturiser every 4-6 hours (if dry skin), and not using PROHIBITED products such as exfoliants and drying alcohol toners.

If you find you are doing any of the above incorrectly, please stop usage of the kit for 5-7 days, rectify the problem, and then restart the kit if the skin is otherwise normal. 

17. Is it normal for the skin to sting, become slightly red, peel?

Stinging/redness is rare but normal if for a few minutes. However, please reduce the amount you are using (to a ‘grain of rice’ amount per lip) just in case. It may also sting more if the lips are dry, so please apply your normal SPF moisturising lip balm more during the day also. You may also wish to reduce the intensity/duration of LipX Scrub application if too hard or too long. 

Skin peeling / flaking is normal due to the exfoliating properties of this kit. This is why we do not recommend using additional exfoliating scrubs, washes etc as well.

18. I'm finding this kit drying and/or irritating on the skin, what should I do?

If symptoms are mild, it may be due to too much product being applied on the skin or inadequate moisturisation or moisturiser. 

Please discontinue the kit for 5-7 days and switch to a recommended moisturiser (e.g. Cetraben) or similar emollient cream and apply EVERY 4-6 hours.

Once the condition of the skin has improved / normalised, you can try using the kit again but please use less quantity than before per area and only target the dark pigmentation (not normal surrounding skin).

19. What should I do if I have a reaction? (rare)

Please discontinue usage, wash the product off with cold water and apply an occlusive such as Vaseline or moisturiser. Please contact sales@skincarebydrv.com for advice if symptoms are mild/moderate, or contact your doctor if severe (all reaction types are very rare). 

20. It has been 3 months and I have not seen any results yet?

We say it may take minimum 6 months (or 2+ kits) of usage and timings/results vary by person. It could mean that you need to use the kit (or a new one) for a few more months in most of these cases. However, a small percentage of users may not respond to treatment.