The appearance of dark under-eye circles is a common skin concern. Whether you’re sleep deprived, sniffling from seasonal allergies, or simply experiencing signs of aging, dark circles might show up for any number of reasons. But no matter what causes them, they can make you appear tired — especially if they’re accompanied by under-eye bags.
Pesky dark circles aren’t invincible, though. Getting a full night’s sleep and drinking enough water can help reduce their appearance over time. For more stubborn cases, sometimes caused by genetics or skin aging, an eye cream can soften their appearance.
Benefits of eye cream for dark circles
The skin under your eyes is extremely thin and often shows the first visible signs of skin aging. Because this skin is so delicate, you’ll want to use a dedicated product made for the under-eye area.
Eye cream products can target:
- dark circles
- puffiness
- fine lines
- wrinkles
- hyperpigmentation
“Treating the delicate eye contour area is all about prevention, so the earlier you start using an eye contour product, the better,” says Dr. Luigi L. Polla, the founder of Forever Institut and Alchimie Forever.
Keep in mind that skin aging isn’t the only cause of dark circles. Ilyas says many of her clients noticed dark circles as early as their teen years.
How we chose
Stop by any drugstore or beauty retailer and you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of eye creams on the market. But we’re here to help.
To create this list of recommendations, we:
- interviewed dermatologists around the globe for their personal favorites and top recommendations for patients
- opted to only recommend bestselling products that have a customer rating of at least 4 stars
- chose products that include ingredients dermatologists recommend for targeting dark circles
Picks of the best eye creams for dark circles
Best for skin care fans who want to try a beauty community favorite
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
- Size: 0.5 ounces (oz)
- Key ingredients: vitamin C complex, 8-peptide blend, cucumber, superoxide dismutase, hesperidin methyl chalcone, ubiquinone, and vitamin E
- Helps: fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dark circles, and loss of firmness
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
Beauty gurus and skin care aficionados flock to Drunk Elephant’s line of trendy products. While the pretty packaging and hype stand out, the formulas do the heavy lifting needed to target skin conditions.
The C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream includes a complex of five forms of vitamin C to brighten the under-eye area. Rich in hydrating peptides and soothing active ingredients, like cucumber extract, the formula refreshes the under-eye area and brightens the appearance of dark circles.
The formula is also fragrance-free and doesn’t include any scented essential oils. While many reviewers saw dramatic results, some did complain of sensitivity and redness after use.
- Pros
- made with five forms of vitamin C to brighten under-eye skin
- peptides and active ingredients included to hydrate and refresh
- no essential oils added
- Cons
- some reviewers report sensitivity after use
- some reviewers report a tacky feel
Best for anyone who loves face masks
Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches
- Size: 30 pairs
- Key ingredients: caffeine and niacinamide
- Helps: tired, puffy eyes and dark circles
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
While this product isn’t exactly an eye cream, eye gel patches and under-eye masks have concentrated ingredients that work much faster than the under-eye cream you apply each day or night, according to dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak.
“If you feel like you always have dark circles, no matter how many hours of sleep you get, find eye masks or patches with ingredients, such as tea extracts, vitamins C and K (to brighten or reduce the appearance of dark circles), water from extra-pure locations, and hyaluronic acid,” he says.
There are many eye gels on the market, but we love the perk that Good Molecule’s caffeine-infused eye gels give after a sleepless night. The soothing, cool-to-the-touch patches can also help reduce puffy and swollen eyes.
- Pros
- fragrance-free
- feels soothing on skin
- concentrated ingredients
- Cons
- product may be too slippery and slide off, according to some reviewers
- not actually an eye cream
Best for those on a budget
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate
- Helps: dry skin and dark circles
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
You don’t need to spend big to get results. Certain drugstore brands, like Neutrogena, offer products that target dark circles and fine lines for a fraction of the price. Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, CEO and founder of AmberNoon, recommends Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel-Cream due to its moisturizing hyaluronate.
“With hyaluronate, this product packs in extra hydration around the delicate eyelid skin,” Ilyas says, calling it an effective cream to improve the turgor, or elasticity, of thin eyelid skin.
The product earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with a majority of happy shoppers. Many reviewers say the product left their skin feeling plumper, smoother, and more awake.
- Pros
- low price point
- feels extra hydrating
- well reviewed
- Cons
- some reviewers saw little change in the appearance of dark circles
- some reviewers experienced allergic reactions after use
Best for sensitive skin
Alchimie Forever Rejuvenating Eye Balm
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: European blueberries (anthocyanins, quercetin, resveratrol), alfalfa (vitamin K), grape seeds (anthocyanins, catechin, quercetin, resveratrol), cocoa butter, and jojoba
- Helps: dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles on all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
Alchimie Forever has a dedicated fan base who love the brand’s no-nonsense, science-based approach to skin care. The family-owned brand, founded by Polla, formulated this antioxidant-rich balm to fend off dark circles and visible signs of early aging.
“[Our] Rejuvenating Eye Balm features one of our signature ingredients, the European blueberry, which has powerful vaso-constricting and vaso-protective properties, so it is wonderful to help minimize dark circles,” Polla explains.
“The eye area is often dry, as there are fewer sebaceous glands than in the rest of our facial skin, so I chose jojoba and cocoa butter to help nourish the skin,” he adds.
- Pros
- provides ample hydration
- can help defend against signs of aging
- absorbs quickly, with no greasiness
- Cons
- may cause mild stinging, according to a few reviewers
Best cooling applicator
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: caffeine, glycerin, dimethicone, niacinamide, silica, iron oxides, phe-resorcinol, titanium dioxide, and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
- Helps: dull, darkened under-eye area
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
Skin sensitivity is a common concern when shopping for products and testing new items.
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream is a caffeine-infused product that’s gentle for those who experience skin irritation with harsh ingredients.
The metal applicator is a nice bonus to the dark circle warrior. It provides a cooling feeling under the eye that can help depuff tired eyes and soothe swollen skin.
Pro tip: Try putting your product in the refrigerator before use for an extra-chilly and soothing treatment.
- Pros
- cooling metal applicator helps depuff and soothe skin
- designed for sensitive skin
- good price point
- Cons
- some reviewers report the product didn’t look good under makeup
- some reviewers didn’t notice an improvement
Best for noticeable results on a budget
Sweet Chef Turmeric + Vitamin C Booster Eye Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: vitamin C, turmeric extract, and niacinamide
- Helps: dullness, dark circles, and signs of aging
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
Graf recommends the Sweet Chef Turmeric + Vitamin C Booster Eye Cream as a “gentle, everyday eye cream” to treat dehydrated and sallow under-eye areas.
“It’s a cooling and hydrating eye cream that also brightens with a blend of turmeric, vitamin C, ginger, niacinamide, and probiotics,” Graf says, adding that the cream is very lightweight and wears well under makeup.
The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric give this product an extra dash of flair. Some reviewers swear by the budget-friendly buy and say they got noticeable results.
- Pros
- clean cruelty-free formula
- feels very lightweight
- ingredients are rich in antioxidants
- Cons
- some reviewers report an allergic reaction after use
- some reviewers didn’t notice an improvement
Best for reducing the appearance of fine lines
SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: human fibroblast conditioned media (HFCM), palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl oligopeptide, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, N-hydroxysuccinimide, chrysin, and boron nitride
- Helps: dark circles, discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines
- Fragrance-free: no
- Paraben-free: yes
Mamelak says he often recommends this cream, as it’s formulated to improve fine lines, wrinkles, tone and texture, along with dark circles.
While the product may be a splurge, it targets dark circles and fine lines with a powerful lineup of ingredients, and many reviewers find it a great option to address dark circles and signs of aging.
- Pros
- smooths under-eye skin
- can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- formula feels very hydrating
- Cons
- high price point
- not fragrance-free
Best for a lightweight, nongreasy cream
Neocutis Lumière Illuminating Eye Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid
- Helps treat: damage from free radicals and puffiness
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
Another favorite of Mamelak’s is the Neocutis Lumière Illuminating Eye Cream.
Reviewers love the lightweight formula and find that it quickly absorbs into the skin. One review says, “Very little is needed for each application, and it is very effective in maintaining the health of the delicate skin underneath the eyes without clogging pores or leaving a greasy effect.”
The formula’s hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help keep the skin hydrated throughout the day and ward off damage from free radicals.
- Pros
- reviewers say cream is lightweight and absorbent
- many reviewers say cream helped address puffiness and tighten skin in addition to brightening dark circles
- a little goes a long way
- Cons
- some reviewers say they didn’t see any improvement
- high price point
Best for those in need of a hydration boost
Origins Eye Doctor
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: cucumber, rosemary, and ginseng
- Helps treat: dry, crepey under-eye skin and fine lines
- Fragrance-free: no
- Paraben-free: yes
“This eye cream combines ingredients, such as cucumber, ginseng, wheat germ, and algae extracts, to reduce puffiness around the eyes. It also has green tea extract that has an antioxidant effect to fight the signs of aging around the eyes,” Ilyas explains.
Many reviewers praise this cream, saying they noticed results quickly and that it moisturizes well without a greasy feel.
- Pros
- cream feels cooling
- helps smooth fine lines
- ingredients designed to reduce puffiness
- Cons
- several reviewers report irritation after use
- not fragrance-free
Best depuffing eye cream with caffeine
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: caffeine, Brazilian ginseng root extract, horse chestnut extract, watermelon rind extract, and lutein
- Helps treat: puffy eyes and dark circles
- Fragrance-free: no
- Paraben-free: yes
Sunday Riley’s chic packaging and clever product names have contributed to the skin care brand’s wild popularity. The Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream leaves Sunday Riley devotees with alert and awake eyes, sans dark circles.
With staple ingredients like caffeine and ginseng, this eye cream creates a lifted look that complements your morning coffee habit.
- Pros
- helps depuff and leaves eyes looking more awake
- lightening and brightening
- Cons
- some reviewers dislike the container
- not fragrance-free
Best for dry, normal, and mature skin
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
Size: 0.5 oz
Key ingredients: flavonoids, peptides, blueberry extract, caffeine, and proxylane (a hydrating SkinCeuticals solution)
Helps treat: dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet
Fragrance-free: yes
Paraben-free: no
Mraz Robinson is a big fan of the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex.
The anti-wrinkle eye cream helps improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet associated with aging.
According to the brand, advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.) contribute to the aging process. This peptide and caffeine-packed eye cream targets dark circles, puffy eyes, and wrinkles caused by aging.
- Pros
- helps reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dry skin around eyes
- very well reviewed
- free of alcohol and dyes
- Cons
- high price point
- not paraben-free
Best for anyone looking for a safe retinol eye cream
skinbetter science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: retinoid, alpha hydroxy acid, and antioxidants
- Helps treat: dryness, crepey skin, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and darkness
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
Another staple in Mraz Robinson’s toolkit is the skinbetter science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream. The eye cream combines retinoid and alpha hydroxy acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes that often come with age.
In contrast to your regular prescribed retinoid, this eye cream is gentle enough to support the thinning skin under and around the eye. The formula’s hydrating properties and peptides also fight off environmental aggressors and dryness.
Anyone with mature-looking skin can benefit from a small dab of this overnight cream.
- Pros
- retinol helps address signs of skin aging
- formula feels very hydrating
- made with a more gentle retinoid than prescription versions
- Cons
- high price point
- for nighttime use only
Best vegan, cruelty-free cream for fine lines
Thrive Causemetics Defying Gravity Eye Lifting Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: green tea, caffeine, red algae extract, allantoin, and rooibos leaf extract
- Helps treat: puffiness, fine lines, dryness, saggy skin, and darkness
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
This lightweight eye cream is made with ingredients designed to hydrate skin, calm puffiness, and brighten dark circles. Caffeine and antioxidants constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness and minimize the appearance of dark circles.
It’s a vegan, cruelty-free formula that’s made with no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic ingredients.
- Pros
- great reviews and price point
- vegan and cruelty-free
- reduces puffiness and lightens dark circles
- Cons
- some reviewers didn’t experience much improvement
Best all-in-one eye cream
Eight Saints All In Eye Cream
- Key ingredients: squalane, MSM, cocoa butter, cucumber hydrosol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C
- Helps treat: dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, and dryness
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
This eye cream has an ultra-lightweight feel, but its gentle formula packs a punch. Vitamin C and caffeine help brighten and tighten delicate under-eye skin, while olive oil-based squalane is hydrating and provides a plumping effect. Ingredients like aloe and green tea help soothe your skin.
This cruelty-free formula is also well reviewed.
- Pros
- great price point
- designed for a multipurpose effect
- great reviews
- Cons
- some reviewers note it doesn’t work well under makeup
Best eye serum
QMS Medicosmetics Intensive Eye Care Day & Night Eye Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine
- Helps treat: puffiness, darkness, fine lines, and dryness
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
This protective eye serum is a little different than a standard eye cream. It’s made with peptides for a more youthful look. “Peptide technology is a newer entrant into the eye serum market, and can be helpful in a variety of ways, including signaling changes in the skin that can lead to an improved appearance,” says Dr. James Wang of Metropolis Derm.
In this formula, peptides are combined with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to boost hydration, repair the skin barrier, and shrink blood vessels that can give the appearance of a blueish hue. Plus, the ceramic tip applicator is naturally cooling.
“It has the essential components of a gentle, light eye cream that does not irritate. The results should be subtle, but durable,” Wang says.
- Pros
- made with key ingredients for a youthful look
- ceramic tip applicator is naturally cooling
- effects are subtle but long-lasting
- Cons
- high price point
- not a traditional eye cream
Best retinol alternative eye cream
Orvos Satin Eye Gel Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key ingredients: green tea extract, coffee seed extract, bakuchiol, kakadu plum extract, and fig extract
- Helps treat: redness, discoloration, dark circles, and fine lines
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Paraben-free: yes
This gel eye cream is made with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic ingredients, including the retinol alternative bakuchiol.
“Bakuchiol is derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant and is often used as a retinol alternative as it has similar benefits to retinol without the potential irritation retinol can cause, like dryness and redness,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. According to Hartman, bakuchiol helps regulate cell turnover to reveal new, brighter skin with a more even texture.
This gel cream is rich in antioxidants. Plus, the cooling massage applicator helps calm puffy skin.
- Pros
- uses bakuchiol as a retinol alternative for less irritation
- massage applicator tip has a cooling, calming effect
- made with USDA-certified organic ingredients
- Cons
- high price point
What causes dark circles and under-eye puffiness?
Ultimately, dark circles are a vascular issue, according to Dr. Polla.
“The skin in that area is fair and very thin, and thus the deeper blood vessels are more visible to the naked eye,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Blood vessels in the under-eye area can become more noticeable due to fatigue, eyestrain, and other reasons — but the resulting dark circles can be difficult to treat unless you know their root cause.
Below, dermatologists share some of the most common causes of dark circles.
Genetics
Genetics can make you predisposed to dark under-eye circles that can appear as early as childhood.
Whether your facial anatomy makes dark circles more noticeable or you have a family history of dark circles (also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation), genetic factors can contribute to the appearance of your skin.
Allergies
If you live with allergies, you may notice your sniffles come with a side of dark circles. You can think of these dark circles as allergic shiners brought on by seasonal allergies, according to Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, chief medical officer of Ideal Image and co-founder of Modern Dermatology.
“Inflamed sinuses lead to swollen blood vessels, which dilate and darken the veins in the under-eye area,” she explains.
If you experience itchiness from allergies, rubbing your under-eye area can worsen the appearance of dark circles and damage delicate under-eye skin.
Lack of sleep
Missed sleep, whether a result of an occasional all-nighter or persistent insomnia, is a common cause of dark circles seen in Graf’s office.
According to Graf, not getting enough sleep causes blood vessels to dilate around your eyes, which makes dark circles look more prominent.
Try these tips to improve your rest.
Eyestrain
Watching hours of TikTok or streaming an entire season of your favorite TV show may come at a price.
Staring at your screen for an extended period of time can cause eyestrain, which enlarges the blood vessels around your eye. The enlarged blood vessels can darken the appearance of your under-eye skin.
Aging
You might first notice visible signs of aging in your under-eye area.
“As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin break down, which makes our skin thinner and more translucent to the vascular structures below,” Mraz Robinson explains.
Mraz Robinson goes on to say that the under-eye area is where fat loss often stands out, which can create a hollow appearance that casts a shadow.
Best ways to apply eye creams
Before applying your eye cream, it helps to understand the anatomy of the lymphatics around your eyes, Ilyas says.
“The lymphatics are a drainage system for fluid that accumulates in the soft tissue,” Ilyas says. “We do know that fluid tends to accumulate in the soft tissue of the face and around the eyes. It can worsen with allergies, rosacea, high blood pressure, and hormonal changes.”
According to Ilyas, the longer the fluid sits there, the more likely it may change the texture of skin on your face.
“Many people will note that their skin starts to look like the peel of an orange or the bags under their eyes seem more prominent,” Ilyas says.
With that in mind, these tips can help you get the most out of your eye cream application.
Gentle massage
To get facial fluid moving in the right direction, Ilyas recommends gentle massage to gently work it back into the lymphatic system and help control the effects of swelling.
“I’ll often tell patients to simply massage the skin around their eyes in an arc-like fashion. Working from the center of the face outwards around the eyes can help to reduce the look of bags under the eyes,” Ilyas says.
Pro tip: Applying your eye cream before your gentle eye massage is a great way to multitask your skin care routine.
Use your ring finger
Dr. Alberto de la Fuente Garcia, a board certified dermatologist at VIDA Wellness and Beauty, suggests taking a pea-sized amount of your eye cream and using your ring fingers to gently pat the product around your eyes. This might make a good plan for days you don’t have time for a gentle eye massage.
“The ring finger is the weakest finger and is best for eye cream application, as it puts less pressure on delicate skin,” de la Fuente Garcia says.
If you prefer, you can also use a cotton swab to apply the product delicately around your eyes, de la Fuente Garcia says. “Be sure to avoid tugging or stretching the skin, as the area around the eyes is very delicate and can be easily damaged,” he adds.
Use jade or ice rollers
Some eye creams, like the La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream mentioned above, come with a cooling applicator. If your cream doesn’t include this tool, you can opt to use a jade roller or gua sha stone gently around the eyes, similar to the way you would massage with your fingers.
Ilyas says using jade or ice rollers to apply eye creams lets you take advantage of their coolness, which can promote vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood cells). It may also prevent your skin from drawing in more fluid.
You don’t need to use a facial tool every time you apply your eye cream. But you might opt for them every now and then for a soothing, relaxing experience that may improve the look of puffiness.
Refrigerate your eye cream before use
You can also toss your eye product in the refrigerator so it’s nice and cool when you’re ready to apply it, according to Ilyas.
Just check your product label carefully before doing so, in case your cream of choice needs a certain storage temperature for best use.
Other application tips
Again, de la Fuente Garcia stresses the importance of applying eye cream gently and using just enough product to cover the target area.
“Be sure to take your time, and don’t forget to add it to your skin care routine on a daily basis,” he says.
What to look for in an eye cream for dark circles
Eye creams come in many different formulas and consistencies, with a variety of ingredients designed to target a range of skin care goals.
“The key to choosing the right product for under the eyes is understanding what is causing those dark under-eye circles in the first place,” Ilyas explains.
The best product for you may depend on the root cause of your eye concerns. Some key ingredients to consider include:
Hyaluronic acid
Want plump, hydrated skin? Hyaluronic acid may be your new BFF.
This naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan is found throughout your body’s connective tissue. It helps your skin hold onto water so it stays hydrated.
Mraz Robinson recommends creams with hyaluronic acid, as well as peptides and ceramides, to keep the skin under your eyes skin supported and hydrated.
Caffeine
Caffeine can do more than help you make it through a workday slump. It can also have benefits for your eyes.
“Caffeine is a well-known and beloved ingredient you’ll often find in under-eye products, as it works to constrict the blood vessels under the eyes,” Polla says.
This ingredient can also help brighten the under-eye area and leave tired eyes looking more awake.
Vitamin C
Dull skin under the eyes is a common companion of dark circles, but choosing an eye cream rich in vitamin C may help perk up your under-eye area.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the under-eye area, strengthen thinning skin, and boost production of collagen — a protein that keeps your skin plump and supple.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a popular ingredient in eye creams due to its healing properties.
“Vitamin K promotes cellular metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties, with known effects to help with blood clotting,” Graf says.
This ability to aid blood clotting makes it a formidable ingredient when it comes to banishing dark circles.
Retinoid
As you age, the skin under your eyes may become thinner and eventually take on a crepe-like appearance. Fine lines, often called crow’s feet, can begin to form over time.
“If thinning skin is a culprit, find an eye cream with a gentle retinoid that can help thicken the skin over time,” Graf notes.
Retinoids help slow the body’s natural reduction of collagen production by helping with skin cell turnover.
One caveat is that retinoids are incredibly potent, so proceed with caution — and opt for a formula specially made for the under-eye area. When applying a retinoid cream, a little goes a long way.
Other tips for under-eye care
Treatment for dark eye circles depends on the underlying cause, but a few home remedies could make a difference. Some of the more common methods include:
- applying a cold compress
- elevating your head
- soaking with tea bags
- concealing with makeup
Better sleep for under-eye circles
According to de la Fuente Garcia, one of the most effective ways to manage dark circles is to ensure you’re getting enough sleep each night.
“Aim for 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and add in some power naps during the day if needed,” he says.
Getting the right amount of sleep is often easier said than done, but de la Fuente Garcia says these moves may help you get there:
- Establish a bedtime routine.
- Avoid screens before bed.
- Create a calming environment to get the restful sleep your body needs. For instance, you might try a white noise machine, weighted blanket, cooling sheets — or all of the above.
Lifestyle changes for under-eye circles
Along with getting better sleep and choosing an eye cream that works for you, de la Fuente Garcia adds that staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is key for healthy skin all over your body — including around the eyes.
“Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day and make an effort to eat balanced meals full of vitamins and minerals. Always remember that what you put into your body is just as important for skin health as the products you put on it,” he says.
Medical treatments for under-eye circles
Some medical treatments that may help treat under-eye circles include:
- chemical peels to reduce pigmentation
- laser surgery to resurface the skin and enhance skin tightening
- medical tattoos to inject pigment into thinning skin areas
- tissue fillers to conceal blood vessels and melanin that are causing skin discoloration beneath your eyes
- excess fat and skin removal to reveal a smoother and more even surface
- surgical implants of fat or synthetic products
Before deciding on any cosmetic procedure, it’s best to discuss your options with a dermatologist as a first step.
Frequently asked questions about dark circles
Can a cream get rid of dark circles permanently?
No. An eye cream may help momentarily lighten and brighten the skin under the eyes, but it won’t cure dark circles. Dark circles primarily develop from allergies, genetics, or lifestyle factors, such as not getting enough sleep.
Do creams for dark circles really work?
Yes and no. Certain ingredients in eye creams, such as caffeine and vitamin C, can help brighten and depuff the under-eye area. But if you have bags under your eyes, these might be hereditary. This means no amount of eye cream will minimize their appearance. Under-eye fillers may be of more help in that case.
You can try making small lifestyle changes, like reducing salt intake, but there’s no guarantee these methods will work.
How often should I apply eye cream?
You can apply eye cream at various times of the day. However, you’ll need a different eye cream for different times.
You can apply eye cream:
- In the morning: Use a lightweight formula, as it will feel more comfortable under makeup, if you wear any. Opt for products with SPF to help prevent sun damage.
- In the evening: When you apply eye cream in the evening, the ingredients can absorb into your skin overnight. Choose a richer cream with hydrating ingredients and no SPF.
- In the morning and evening: To enjoy all of the above benefits, use eye cream at both times. You’ll need two different formulas, so keep this in mind when shopping for products.
The ideal time depends on your preferences and goals. No matter when you use eye cream, only apply it once every 12 hours. There’s no need to reapply the same product throughout the day or night.
When is the best time to start applying eye cream?
According to de la Fuente Garcia, experts generally recommend you start applying eye cream as early as your mid-20s, even if you have yet to notice visible signs of skin aging.
“This is because the skin around your eyes is delicate and can benefit from some extra TLC,” he says.
However, he notes that if you do have signs of aging, like fine lines or wrinkles, you may want to start using an eye cream right away.
