While genetics plays a role, you can treat sagging skin and discoloration at home with the help of these tips and tricks from a dermatologist.
Whether you’re stressed, pulling all-nighters at school or work, or you’re just a night owl, persistent sleep deprivation is common.
You’ve probably Googled how to get rid of eye bags and dark circles many times and are willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of them. Even after countless expensive treatments, symptoms often return.
Here’s the truth: Your dark circles and puffiness may be hereditary. “The eye area is one of the thinner areas of skin and it’s easy to be neglected when it comes to skin care,”
says Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “Dark circles have a large genetic component, and we can’t influence it.” Yes, a big part of your dark circles is due to your parents’ thin skin (thanks, Mom).
You may also get dark circles under your eyes because of increased pigmentation in that area. But don’t rush to the doctor and request expensive laser or needling treatments.
Here are some tips to get rid of dark circles without spending a lot of money. These affordable tips go beyond putting cucumbers on your eyes.
If your dark circles are caused by thin skin, use a retinoid.
“Repeated use of retinol can stimulate collagen production, thin the skin, and improve dark circles. Retinol products are readily available at the drugstore,”
says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Dr. Patricia Ceballos, a dermatologist in New Rochelle, New York, adds,
“Retinoids help rebuild dermal collagen, which provides vascular support to the area and restores volume and firmness to the skin.”
Sleep on your back and use an extra pillow.
“If you wake up with dark, puffy eye bags in the morning, consider sleeping with an extra pillow to prevent fluid from building up during the night.
If you have allergies, protecting your pillow from allergens (dust and dust mites) with a pillowcase can also help,” advises Dr. Rebecca Tung, a board-certified dermatologist in Florida. There’s no pillowcase more luxurious than Slip’s soft, cooling silk pillowcase.
If dark circles are due to increased pigmentation, use a brightener and sunscreen.
“Sometimes dark circles are caused by increased pigmentation, either from friction or sun damage,” says Dr. Nazarian. The best treatment is to use a topical brightener, such as vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice extract.
These ingredients help reduce skin pigmentation over time, thereby fading dark circles. Sun protection is a must. “Invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” advises Dr. Tung.
Take an antihistamine.
“Most people have dark circles due to allergies and don’t realize it. Antihistamines can help; I like to take Zyrtec at night,” says Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York.
Be gentle when using makeup remover.
“Even if your skin isn’t sensitive, consider the area around your eyes as sensitive. It’s one of the thinnest areas on your body, so any trauma or irritation can cause inflammation,”
says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. If you use cleansing wipes, try unscented ones, such as Neutrogena Unscented Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes. Gently wipe in one direction, rather than back and forth.
If you don’t want to use disposable products, we recommend using cleansing oils, which gently remove makeup without excessive rubbing or pulling.
Get more sleep, or at least more restful sleep.
“The most effective way to get rid of eye bags is to get seven to eight hours of regular sleep a day. Avoid drinking alcohol a few hours before bed,” advises Dr. Chiu.
Try tea bags.
“Caffeinated tea contains natural tannins that act as a mild diuretic and have long been used by grandmothers and models to reduce under-eye puffiness,” says Dr. Karen Hammerman, a dermatologist in Long Island, New York.
Soak two tea bags in warm water and place in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Then place the tea bags over each eye for five minutes. Your eyes will feel refreshed and glowy.
If all else fails, you can still use makeup.
Concealer, foundation, and even primer can be used to combat dark circles and puffiness while reducing them. Explore our favorite concealers for dark circles.
Best Products for Eliminating Eye Bags and Dark Circles
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Decongestant Eye Concour Cream
Revision D.E.J Eye Cream
According to Los Angeles board-certified dermatologist Dr. James Y. Wang, SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Concour Cream is a must-have for soothing tired eye skin, thanks to its hydrating properties and exfoliating properties with blueberry extract.
This ingredient is also rich in antioxidants, which fight skin-damaging free radicals, provide moisture, and stimulate collagen production.
Dr. Wang is also a fan of Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Decongestant Eye Concour Cream, which is rich in antioxidants from natural extracts.
“It also contains caffeine, which helps shrink the underlying blood vessels that cause the blue color under the eyes,” Dr. Wang says.
Tired, dehydrated eye areas can also be soothed with Revision D.E.J Eye Cream, another of Dr. Wang’s favorites, rest assured. It contains prebiotics, which according to Dr. Wang, can help relieve general inflammation.
With the applicator, the eye cream can be gently applied to the eye area without pulling or tugging on the skin.
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream
Neocutis Lumière Brightening Eye Cream
While retinol may irritate sensitive skin, according to Dr. Wang, this iconic eye cream firms sagging skin, fights discoloration, and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The cream contains a low-concentration of retinol to boost collagen production in affected skin areas without causing irritation. It also contains an antioxidant-rich mineral complex of zinc, copper, and magnesium for additional skin care.
Dr. Wang recommends La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for sensitive skin. This cream contains anti-inflammatory caffeine and niacinamide, an ingredient known for its brightening and soothing properties.
This works to reduce skin sagging and dark circles under the eyes at the same time. The formula is also enriched with mica-based pearlescent pigments for a more radiant look immediately after use.
Remove dark circles and give your eyes a new look with Neocutis Lumière Brightening Eye Cream. This eye cream contains a number of key skincare ingredients, including firming peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and free radical-fighting antioxidants to care for your delicate eye area.
Its brightening benefits are so impressive that New York dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick previously told Allure that the luxurious cream is part of her morning skincare routine.
Supergoop Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector
Ole Henriksen Banana Brightening Eye Cream
Sun protection is an essential part of your skincare routine. New York dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach told Allure that Supergoop’s Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 is especially suitable for sensitive skin.
“It contains only mineral sunscreen ingredients, which is gentler and less irritating for the thin skin around the eyes. It also contains caffeine to lighten dark circles,” she explained.
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector won a 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Award for its gentle, effective, fragrance-free formula. This powerful formula contains 5% pure, stabilized vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) and antioxidant-rich green tea to even out skin tone and reduce dark circles.
Allure readers and editors love the brightening benefits of Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème—after all, it was a 2022 Allure Readers’ Choice Award winner. Enriched with vitamin C, this creamy moisturizer evens and brightens skin tone for a refreshed, radiant complexion (even if you’re sleep-deprived).