There are many causes for dark undereye circles, from genetics to lifestyle choices. “The cause of dark circles is always multifactorial,” board-certified dermatologist Bradley Glodny, MD, tells Allure. “Patients often think it’s one factor, but usually if you address just one, you’re not going to get the best results. The skin around our eyes is already some of the thinnest skin on our bodies, which is why it’s so prone to showing underlying blood vessels and musculature.” Getting rid of dark circles doesn’t mean you have to shell out hundreds of dollars or have invasive treatments—here are some very effective at-home hacks, according to experts.
RELATED: This Makeup Hack Will Vanish Dark Eye Circles.
Green Tea Bag Compressions
ShutterstockGreen tea is wonderful for skin health both as a drink and as a beauty treatment. “One of my favorite ways to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes is to use green tea bags,” board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, tells Prevention. “I recommend steeping the tea, then putting the bags in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and when combined with the cooling effect from the refrigerator, it helps to quickly reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles.”
Retinol Creams
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A gentle retinol can work wonders on dark circles. "With repeated use, retinol can stimulate the production of collagen, making the skin less thin,” board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, tells Allure. Be careful, as some retinol creams can cause the skin to dry out.
Hyaluronic Acid
ShutterstockHollowness under the eyes can also exacerbate dark circles. "Here, the issue is a lack of volume, so look for a hydrating product that contains an ingredient like hyaluronic acid," dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner tells InStyle. "Hyaluronic acid can also help plump the skin to hide any blood vessels that may be giving a bluish appearance to the under-eye area."
RELATED: 13 Best Under-Eye Patches for Wrinkles.
Facial Massage
ShutterstockFacial massage can help lessen the look of dark circles. “Facial massage with an ice roller, gua sha, or simply your fingers, can help to move stagnant lymph fluid and increase healthy blood flow to the area,” board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, tells Prevention.
Decent Concealer
ShutterstockApply concealer after cleansing, toning,using serum, and moisturizing. Make sure you choose the right shade to avoid a discolored undereye area. “A salmon-toned color corrector helps with neutralizing the under eye area, preventing your concealer from turning gray or emphasizing the darkness,” celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero tells Prevention.
Caffeine Cream
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Caffeine is a highly effective ingredient for brightening skin. “Dark circles result from under-eye puffiness, volume loss, hyperpigmentation and visibility of the blood vessels in the under-eye area,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick tells NBC Select. “Those with dark circles that result from thin skin around the eyes making underlying blood vessels more visible should look for a caffeine-containing eye cream, which may also help with under-eye puffiness.”
Peptides In Eye Creams
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Using skincare products with peptides can help nourish the skin. “Because the skin around the eye is thin, eye creams containing peptides can help strengthen and thicken the skin around the eye,” Dr. Garshick says. Vitamin C and polyphenols are also excellent under-eye cream ingredients.
