How to Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles, According to An Expert

Dark circles make it nearly impossible to master a fresh-faced, bright-eyed look. The bad news? The sunken shadows can be difficult to get rid of. The good news? Reducing the look of them isn’t impossible. To help us navigate the tricky world of under-eye circles, we tapped Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert. Read on for her tips, plus product recommendations to help make the discoloration, puffiness and bags under your eyes less noticeable.

What Causes Dark Under-Eye Circles?

“Dark circles are the result of pooled blood underneath the skin,” explains Dr. Engelman. “Because skin around the eye is very thin and almost transparent, blood pooled below this area can be visible and very noticeable. Dark circles can also be the result of fatigue or a side effect of aging.” She also notes that dark circles can be a form of hyperpigmentation, often called periorbital hyperpigmentation, caused by chronic eye-rubbing, sun exposure or genetics.

Can You Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles?

“While there isn’t a way to get rid of dark circles caused by thinning skin or aging, you can temporarily reduce the appearance of them with the application of products formulated with ingredients that are vasoconstrictors or hydrators,” says Dr. Engelman. Examples of vasoconstrictors are caffeine and green tea, while hydrators are ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

“You can also try thickening the surface of skin with a prescription retinoid,” adds Dr. Engelman. “If you have puffy eyes, cut out salt and alcohol, which can lead to water retention and exacerbate swelling. Sleep on an extra pillow to drain the fluid that can accumulate around the eyes when you’re lying down, and if you still notice puffiness in the morning, try a cold compress.”

The Best Products for Treating Dark Under-Eye Circles

To reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles, we took Dr. Engelman’s advice and rounded up four products that will have you well on your way to brighter-looking eyes.

Best Gel Eye Cream

Lancôme Advanced Genifique Yeux Youth Activating Eye Cream

This fresh, gel-like eye cream is powered by bifidus extract to help improve dark circles and hydrate the eye area. After applying it to the under-eye area, it quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving behind a soft, velvety finish without feeling oily or heavy.