Expert Advice From The Marie Claire Beauty Team

Q: My skin is starting to show signs of pigmentation. What can I use that won't cause irritation?
A: Sun exposure, pregnancy, and ageing can cause dark spots and brown patches to crop up on your complexion. The good news? It can be managed, says Karen Varker, director of innovation and marketing for NeoStrata in Australia. “Uneven pigmentation and sun damaged skin can affect our confidence socially, which in turn impacts our daily quality of life," Varker explains. "In the past, AHA's have provided an option for managing pigmentation, but now there are newer technologies that correct dark spots without the irritation that some AHA's can provide—particularly to sensitive skin."

Tackle the signs of pigmentation with products that are clinically proven with new technologies derived from natural ingredients to help with pigmentation spots, skin tone and texture.

Q: My eyes are developing crow’s feet but I’m not ready to brave Botox! How can I smooth them out?
A: “One of the first signs of ageing is fine lines around the eyes,” warns dermatologist Dr Joely Kaufman of the Elizabeth Arden Prevage advisory board. Dr Neal Hamilton of Concept Cosmetic Medicine in NSW agrees, adding that other signs include hollowing, as well as the skin thinning, both of which lead to more pronounced lines and wrinkles.

Boosting circulation underneath the eyes can help brighten the area and reduce puffiness. Try an eye cream with a metal applicator, such as L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Eyes, $44.95 to help this process. To tighten and lift the area, Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream, $29.99, contains retinol to smooth lines.