Eyes often show signs of tiredness. “They’ll be more bloodshot and less white – this is because your eyes are trying to get the maximum amount of nutrients and oxygen to the cornea and your body does this by dilating blood vessels in the whites of the eye,” explains Nicola Alexander-Cross, optometrist and founder of Peep Club. “It’s one of the reasons why it’s not a good idea to use whitening drops to cover redness – often the redness is a sign that your eyes need extra nutrients, and these kinds of drops mean you might not realise you’re not getting enough. Instead, use gentle, preservative-free drops or a spray which will get rid of the redness, but simultaneously replenish nutrients and balance the eye.”  

The skin around the eyes is extremely thin, making it particularly prone to fluid retention and puffiness. “A cooling skincare product containing caffeine or escin can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling,” advises aesthetic doctor Dr David Jack. “My new Stellar Eye Cream combines both of these, along with peptides, to firm and brighten, and it’s also fitted with a cooling metal applicator. Longer term, treatments such as polynucleotides may improve lymphatic supply in this area and reduce puffiness, but ultimately surgery (lower lid blepharoplasty) is what I’d recommend for more permanent results.” 

One of the key culprits of dull skin is a build-up of dead cells on the surface. “Exfoliation removes this layer, allowing newer, healthier cells to come through and restore the natural brightness we associate with well-rested skin,” explains David. “Chemical exfoliants including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs like glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs such as salicylic acid) are preferable to harsh physical scrubs because they dissolve bonds between dead cells rather than abrading the surface.”  

LED light therapy is everywhere right now and for good reason. At-home masks are more efficacious than ever before and there are multiple potential benefits. “It works by using specific wavelengths of light to trigger different biological processes within the skin, including mitochondrial repair,” according to David. “For example, red light boosts collagen production and microcirculation, helping to reduce fine lines and improve skin tone, while near-infrared light supports healing and reduces inflammation. Blue light, in contrast, can reduce acne-triggering bacteria and other inflammatory skin conditions. The key with LED masks is consistency of use. Always cleanse first so the light can penetrate properly and avoid overuse, as more isn’t necessarily better.”  

Fine lines can appear more prominent when you’re dehydrated, so the trick is to hydrate in a way that also minimises future moisture loss. “Start with a water-based serum containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin then follow up with a ceramide-rich emollient barrier cream to seal everything in,” advises David. “During the day, finish with a moisturiser containing SPF, ideally one that also includes antioxidants like vitamin E to protect against environmental stress. Serums should always go first on clean skin to maximise exposure to the key ingredients.”  

You may think of nighttime as when your body can finally switch off, but it’s actually when your skin enters an active biological repair phase, doing some of its most important work. “During deep sleep, circulation increases, oxygen and nutrients reach the cells more efficiently and microdamage caused by daily stress is repaired,” explains Emilie Delanoue, naturopath and director of product at Diome. “It’s also the time when collagen synthesis peaks, inflammation subsides and the skin’s barrier is restored. When sleep is disrupted, these mechanisms are impaired. The body produces more cortisol, slowing tissue repair and increasing inflammation. Even one poor night can leave you dull and puffy.” If you’re struggling to get enough quality rest, a sleep supplement might help. Diome’s own Rested is powered by vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts, and designed to support the normal functioning of your nervous system, leaving you fresher and energised come morning.