To get rid of dark circles under the eyes, you can try a combination of lifestyle changes, home remedies, skincare products, and medical treatments depending on the cause and severity:
Self-Care and Home Remedies
- Get enough sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly to reduce paleness and visible blood vessels under the eyes
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Use extra pillows to prevent fluid pooling that causes puffiness and shadows
- Cold compresses: Apply cold spoons, chilled cucumber slices, or cold tea bags to constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness and dark circles
- Use moisturizers with active ingredients: Eye creams containing caffeine, vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or vitamin K can brighten and hydrate the under-eye area
- Protect from sun exposure: Use sunscreen and limit direct sunlight to prevent pigmentation worsening dark circles
Skincare Products
- Eye creams or serums with ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by improving circulation, brightening skin, and boosting hydration
- Some people find natural oils like almond oil mixed with vitamin E beneficial when applied nightly
Medical and Cosmetic Treatments
- Chemical peels: Light peels with glycolic acid or retinoic acid can reduce pigmentation under the eyes but should be done carefully to avoid skin damage
- Laser therapy: Targets pigmentation and stimulates collagen to lighten dark circles
- Dermal fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can fill hollowness under the eyes that cause shadows, improving the appearance of dark circles without surgery
- Blepharoplasty: Surgical removal of excess skin or fat can reduce shadows caused by hooded eyelids
- Skin-lightening creams: Prescription creams with ingredients like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or kojic acid may lighten hyperpigmentation but should be used under medical supervision
Additional Tips
- Professional facials and gentle under-eye massages can improve circulation and reduce puffiness
- Makeup concealers remain a practical option for immediate coverage
Because dark circles can have multiple causes—genetics, aging, allergies, pigmentation, or volume loss—it's often helpful to consult a dermatologist to identify the underlying cause and tailor treatment accordingly
. In summary, start with good sleep, sun protection, and gentle skincare, then consider medical treatments like fillers or laser therapy for persistent or severe dark circles
