How to Get Rid of Dark Circles: Expert Tips for Brighter Eyes

Discover the dermatologists’ advice and proven solutions to minimize and prevent stubborn dark circles under your eyes.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Discover the dermatologists’ advice and proven solutions to minimize and prevent stubborn dark circles under your eyes.

Waking up with dark circles under your eyes can make you look more tired and older than you feel. Despite a good night’s rest and diligent skincare, these persistent marks often stick around, leaving many searching for effective solutions. Board-certified dermatologists and professional makeup artists weigh in on the causes, treatments, and best strategies for both minimizing and concealing dark circles, so your reflection always radiates energy—even on your busiest days.

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

The roots of dark circles are complex and can vary from person to person. According to expert dermatologists, the following are common causes:

Lack of sleep: Missing out on proper rest can exaggerate shadows and make existing circles more prominent.
Allergies: Allergic reactions trigger congestion, leading to blood pooling under the eyes—known as “allergic shiners.”
Genetic factors: Often, hereditary traits dictate how visible your under-eye circles will be.
Dehydration: Insufficient hydration can cause the skin to look dull, enhancing darkness.
Trauma and eye rubbing: Constant rubbing or physical irritation worsens pigmentation and puffiness.
Sun exposure: UV rays increase melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation around the delicate eye area.
Aging: As we age, we lose collagen and elastin, thinning the skin and making underlying blood vessels more visible.
Overuse of alcohol: Excess drinking can dehydrate skin and promote vascular dilation, making darkness more apparent.
Structural changes: Loss of fat and volume as you age can create hollowness and shadows under the eyes.

It’s important to understand your unique triggers when deciding the best way to treat your dark circles.

How Do Dermatologists Treat Dark Circles?

Approaches vary depending on what’s driving the darkness under your eyes. Here are the most recommended methods by experts:

1. Eye Creams

Eye creams are a popular first step. While they do not eliminate dark circles completely, strategic use can support healthier skin and create a brighter appearance:

Best for: Fine lines, dullness, minor pigmentation, or dryness.
Look for: Hydrating and repairing ingredients including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, and caffeine.
How they help: Improve texture, evenness, and overall brightness; caffeine helps reduce puffiness.
Limitations: Can’t fix structural hollowness or fully mask visible blood vessels and significant volume loss.

Experts recommend eye creams with targeted actives, especially those formulated for brightening and hydration. While an eye cream won’t cure all causes of dark circles, it can enhance the health of the area and reduce some visual effects.

2. Retinoids

Topical retinoids (prescription or over-the-counter retinol eye creams) are considered one of the most effective topical treatments for dark circles due to their dual benefits:

Stimulate cell turnover, bringing new skin cells to the surface.
Reduce excess pigmentation and gradually brighten skin.
Improve skin texture and build resilience over time.

Note: Always choose products specifically formulated for the sensitive eye area to avoid irritation. Start with a low concentration and follow instructions carefully. Some people may benefit from prescription-grade retinoids, but consult a dermatologist before use.

3. Addressing Allergies and Eye Irritation

If allergies are the primary cause, managing them is critical. This includes:

Using antihistamines and nasal sprays as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Avoiding allergens where possible and practicing gentle, non-irritating eye care habits.
Avoiding excessive eye rubbing, which can worsen discoloration.

When dark circles are due to underlying “allergic shiners,” relief of nasal congestion will often reduce puffiness and darkness.

4. In-Office Dermatological Treatments

Professional procedures can offer more dramatic and longer-lasting results, especially when topical remedies aren’t enough:

Chemical peels: Help resurface the skin and address pigmentation issues.
Laser therapy: Targets both pigmentation and vascular concerns, helping to reduce dark areas and even skin tone.
Fillers and injectables: For hollow or sunken eyes, hyaluronic acid fillers can add volume and reduce shadows.
Microneedling: Promotes collagen growth, improving skin thickness and resilience.

Professional intervention is best considered if your dark circles are pronounced or resistant to at-home care. Discuss potential side effects and expected results with your dermatologist.

5. Lifestyle and Daily Prevention Strategies

Simple habits make a big difference in preventing and minimizing dark circles:

Sleep sufficiently: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night.
Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to maintain healthy skin.
Apply cold compresses: Placing cold, wet cloths or chilled spoons on the under-eye area can contract blood vessels and reduce puffiness.
Use pillows to elevate your head during sleep: Helps prevent fluid accumulation and swelling under the eyes.
Wear sunscreen daily: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects delicate under-eye skin from UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
Limit alcohol consumption: Reduces dehydration and vascular dilation.
Quit smoking: Maintains healthier skin and prevents premature aging.
Treat underlying skin conditions: Managing eczema, dermatitis, or melasma can reduce darkness.

6. Concealers and Cosmetic Camouflage

Sometimes the best approach is a little cosmetic help. Concealers create an instantly refreshed appearance, even if you’re working on longer-term solutions.

Choose the right shade: Go for a concealer with a peach or orange undertone to counteract blue or purple shadows.
Layer properly: Apply eye cream for hydration, use a color corrector (if needed), then pat concealer gently for a brightening effect.
Blend seamlessly: Use a damp sponge or your fingertip to melt the product into the skin for a natural finish.
Set with powder: A light dusting of translucent powder helps the concealer stay put all day.

Consult a makeup artist or experiment with different products to find the right combination for your needs.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Eye Creams

Ingredient	Benefit
Hyaluronic Acid	Deep hydration, plumps the skin
Ceramides	Repair protective barrier, improve resilience
Peptides	Boost collagen, firm skin
Vitamin C	Brightens, reduces pigmentation
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, repairs skin
Caffeine	Reduces puffiness, brightens under-eye area
Retinol/Retinoids	Increases cell turnover, improves texture, brightens
Kojic Acid	Lightens pigmentation, brightens under-eye skin

When to See a Dermatologist

If your dark circles persist despite diligent at-home care, are accompanied by swelling or other skin changes, or have developed suddenly, consult a board-certified dermatologist. They can help determine if an underlying health concern or specialized treatment is needed.

Professional advice is especially important if you want to explore in-office procedures or prescription treatments, or if allergies and skin conditions are contributing factors. Dermatologists can tailor care based on your unique skin type, health history, and concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are dark circles under the eyes only caused by lack of sleep?

No. While insufficient sleep can accentuate undereye shadows, other causes include allergies, genetics, aging, dehydration, and lifestyle factors like sun exposure and alcohol use.

Can dark circles be permanently removed?

Most cases can be improved but not fully erased. Persistent circles caused by genetics or bone structure may not respond completely to topical treatments, but procedures, skincare, and lifestyle modifications can considerably reduce their appearance.

What is the best ingredient for under-eye dark circles?

No single ingredient works for everyone, but dermatologists recommend a combination of hyaluronic acid (for hydration), vitamin C (for brightening), peptides (for firmness), and retinoids (for texture and cell turnover). Choose based on your skin’s needs and suitability.

Can concealers make dark circles look worse?

If the wrong formula or shade is used, concealers may accentuate texture or appear cakey. Prepping the skin with eye cream and selecting a lightweight, color-correcting formula—applied in thin layers—achieves the best finish.

Are natural remedies effective for dark circles?

Soothing compresses, proper hydration, and gentle skin care can help, but there’s limited scientific evidence for home remedies making a dramatic difference. Back up natural approaches with evidence-based skincare for best results.

Summary: Steps to Brighter Under-Eyes

Follow a consistent sleep routine and stay hydrated.
Incorporate targeted eye creams and, if suitable, retinoid treatments.
Protect the area from sun damage with daily sunscreen.
Address allergies and avoid eye rubbing.
Consider professional treatments for stubborn circles.
Use color-correcting concealers for instant brightness.

With a better understanding of what causes dark circles and a personalized approach to treatment, you can achieve a brighter, more refreshed gaze. Consult healthcare professionals to create a plan tailored to your unique needs, and remember—the quest for brighter eyes is a journey worth taking with expertise on your side!

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete