Racoon Eyes

Updated on September 05, 2009
J.A. asks from Broomfield, CO
12 answers

My 11 month baby boy has brought me so much joy, but my pregnancy with him left me with major racoon eyes (a.k.a. the mask of pregnancy). Has anyone found a great over the counter cream/treatment that worked to diminish the pigmentation?

*edit*

These are definitely not under eye circles : ) It actually starts high on my cheekbones...so I guess it's the opposite of racoon eyes. One of my friends mentioned that without makeup it looks like I spent a lot of time in the sun with my sunglasses on because right under my eyes it is light.

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S.M.

answers from St. Louis on

There is a wonderful cream to cover-up from Mary Kay Cosmetics it comes in a tube you simply twist and the cream comes out in a little brush. It is called Facial Highlighting Pen. I use one all the time and it takes the circles and dark shadows out,I usually blend it with a little water on my finger when I apply it just to soften the look.

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S.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I have the same thing. I went to the dermatologist and bought a cream called TriLuma. It's pretty expensive but it does fade the melasma. Good luck.

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N.L.

answers from Kansas City on

I used to work in a medical spa in Florida where one of the common things we treated is what you are describing....it is called melasma....often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy". It is over production of pigment by cells in your skin....these cells can become stimulated by changes in hormones. A lot of women will get this and it will resolve over time on its own, but for many it does not. In Florida I often saw it persist b/c sun exposure also has a big influence. There are many over the counter products you can try....but usually the changes are slow....products with retinol, kojic acid, 2% hydroquinone, glycolic, AHAs may help. It is key to wear a good facial sunscreen everyday!!! I don't think I have gone a day without sun block on my face in 5 years!! More aggressive treatments for melasma are done at physician's offices or medical spas....it includes lasers, IPL (be careful....sometimes IPL can make it worse), microdermabrasion, chemical peels, prescription skin care products (Rentin-A, hydroquinone 4%) BUT even after these treatments melasma can return, so maintenance is key if you have a severe case. Future pregnancies and birth control pills can also make melasma worse. Common patterns of melasma include pigmentation on the cheeks bones, side burn area, upper lip, high on the forehead, and chin...I must say I saw all types when I was in practice in Florida!!
Please send me a personal message if I can help any further :)

N.

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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

Its called Good Nites Sleep let Husband get up with baby for a few nites and you'll see results!!!!I have them to I have 2 kids and another one on the way.I use a Ponds under eye cream it is a small pump jar I use it before makeup and after showers I also tried an Ice cold mask the kind that are filled with some gel inside to help reduce the color and swelling of puffy eyes works great.

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S.H.

answers from Wichita on

You may want to take an over the counter Iron pill. I recommend the slow release ones so you dont get nauseated from it. Pregnancy often times leaves a woman anemic (even without pregnancy our periods rob us every month of much needed iron and many women have low iron or are anemic)and dark circles around they eyes is a good sign that you may be lacking iron! Feel free to talk to your doctor about it or get a blood test to confirm. If you dont get tested first, since the stuff is over the counter, I dont think it would be harmful, especially to a woman who loses iron monthly. Hope this helps!!

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T.B.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi my name is T. Billington and I am a rep for BeautiControl. I have a mobile spa business. I have the same spa treatments and anti-aging products that you can get at your local spas for 1/3 of the cost. I know that you do not know me and you get bombarded with all of the other direct sales companies but I want to show you that I am different! I could help you a few ways one is I GUARANTEE ALL of my products if it does not work the way I tell you it should you get your money back from me no questions just good business, second I will send you free samples so you can try it before you would ever buy anything, third I promise that you will get the best service possible I own this business and this is how I support my family. You have nothing to lose also we have skin care that is comparable to high end department store. I can also set up appointments to do consultations for skin care, anti-aging, spa, and makeovers.

The best things for darkness around the eyes is moisture I recommend out Platinum Eye Creme

I would love to help!

www.beautipage.com/tbillington2spa
T. Billington
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M.L.

answers from Wichita on

I used a mary kay product and try to remember sun screen. Mine is a mustache goutee combo that fades in the winter and then comes right back as soon as I'm outside one day in the spring.

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K.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I agree with the two ladies that suggested Arbonne's skin care and cosmetics!! The facial serum is great for hyperpigmentation and melasma and healing acne scars because of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid. The eye cream has kojic acid which a natural lightening agent. The products have so many more ingredients that are good like Elhibin and Stimutex which help re-build elasticity in skin to make it stronger, firmer and thicker!! It also is great for the clarity of your skin! I started on the products 6 years ago and experienced great results. This product can only be purchased through a consultant and it does have a 45 day money guarantee!! Please feel free to contact me at ###-###-#### or email ____@____.com or my website www.kathybumeter.myarbonne.com.
Hope this helps!! Congrats on your little boy!!
K.

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M.W.

answers from Wichita on

I also got the mask of pregnancy, but on my upper lip so I looked like I had a mustache! LOL

I found that the Arbonne anti-aging skincare system really did the trick. There are natural ingredients in it that lighten dark spots like the mask and also age spots. The results were not overnight, but really pretty quickly in my opinion. A couple of weeks after I started it there was a significant change.

Are you still pregnant? I found that nothing helped until I delivered and my hormones were "back to normal"!

Hope this helps and if you have any questions let me know. I have a business listing on mamasource about Arbonne because I am a consultant. There is a 45 day money back guarantee on all our products, as well as the opportunity to try before you buy so give me a shout! :)

M.
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M.F.

answers from Kansas City on

well congradulations... on the baby, not the coon eyes! my eldest son had me looking like a wild animal, too. i can't tell you what to use to make it go away, mine went away natually, after a year. so hopefully it'll be over soon! the thing that covers the best is mineral make up. not the drugstore stuff, but the good stuff, of course. you can find bare escentuals @ ulta or sephora. you can find sheer cover online. good luck.

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A.H.

answers from Springfield on

Hi J.-
I recently read your posting and to be honest, I feel like that was me trying to find a product that worked well when my little boy was 6 months old. My son is now 23 months old and my skin is back to normal and I feel great!

I started using Arbonne's Anti-Aging Eye Cream (NutriMinC) and noticed results within 3 days of using the product exclusively. It really reduced the appearance of my dark circles and puffiness!

I also started using Arbonne's Cream Concealer. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Blended with anti-aging elements, the concealer helps firm delicate skin around the eye area and help to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

And lastly, the Mineral Powder foundation is fantastic! The minerals and pigments that are blended into a light-reflecting powder that provides sun protection, a natural look and a flawless finish … all in one. I really felt and looked fantastic!

Arbonne offers a full range of pure, safe & beneficial products for the entire family. Skin care for baby, weight loss, anti-aging, color & cosmetics, and aromatherapy are just some of the high quality, safe and benefical products that Arbonne manufactures.

You are not required to host home parties, maintain sales or incentives in order to receive a 35-80% discount! To shop these products at a discount from your own virtual Arbonne mall at home, give me a call.

Because of Arbonne, I can honestly say that I have become a better wife, mother, daughter and friend. If this is something you think you may be interest in, I would love the opportunity to speak with you further!

PS: My son was born on August 22nd!!!

Sincerely,
Elissa Brown
Arbonne International
District Manager & Independant Consultant
ID: 16779456
www.arbonne.com
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A.D.

answers from Kansas City on

Wish I could help you! Just wanted to commiserate! LOL
My daughter was born in June 2008 and I thought my "splotches" had gone away, but as soon as I saw a day of sun this Spring, they were back. High on my cheekbones like you. My husband even said, "Wow, what are those splotches on your face?" Nice. I didn't even know I had the spots when I was pregnant because at the time I was working full time and never saw the sun! But now, it's pretty prominant. So far, I just use concealer and hope that time will help. Or at least until the next baby comes along. So, just wanted to let you know, you're not alone in the "mask" a year out.
I'm looking forward to reading other responses. Thanks for asking the question!

Oh...I forgot to mention, the doc I used to work for would prescribe Lustra (hydroquinine) for it, but even she said it was not often helpful and that it may return. I tried a month of birth control pills a few months back, and that's when it returned like crazy...so watch out if you go on OCPs!

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