Dark circles can be caused by various factors. As we age, we lose fat and collagen under the eyes, leading to thinner skin and more visible exposure of the dark blood cells lying just below your skin. It can also be tied to environmental factors, including insufficient sleep, unprotected sun exposure, stress and genetics.

Poor circulation in the lower eyelid, which can be caused by allergies or nasal congestion will also prompt the veins under the eye to dilate and become darker. If you spend too much time staring at the screens, you’re also likely to experience eye strain and even irritation, resulting in excessive rubbing and darkening of the eye area. 

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The best way to treat dark, undereye circles is through a combination of approaches including healthy lifestyle habits, good skincare products and aesthetic treatments.  

Cosmetic treatments 

Cosmetic treatments performed by the right hands can also be helpful; small amounts of well-administered filler can create a cushioning between the skin and blood vessels that temporarily hide any darkness and boost density.

Another great undereye treatment option is micro-needling, which delivers controlled micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate collagen production and allows skincare products to be absorbed into the skin better. 

Natural remedies

There are a few natural remedies that do have some truth behind them. Using tea bags under the eyes is particularly well-known and some evidence has shown that using them as a cold compress can dilate the blood vessels under the eyes, eliminate the appearance of under-eye circles. 

Applying cucumber slices over the eyes is another easy, effective at-home remedy. Cold cucumber has a cooling effect that can reduce puffiness and provide a dose of much-needed hydration to the skin around the eyes. It’s also rich in vitamin K, which has been proven to boost blood circulation. 

Eating healthy and practising an anti-inflammatory diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats can also bring about visible skin improvements. Consuming less alcohol and caffeine will help, too.

Since dehydrated skin can lead to more prominent dark circles and sallow skin, getting enough sleep and rest is also imperative to maintain the skin’s reparative process and avoid a pale complexion that exacerbates the appearance of dark circles. 

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In your skincare, be sure to include a superb eye cream in your daily routine that contains ingredients such as panthenol and glycerine to lock in moisture and soothe the skin. Yeast extract will also help brighten and de-puff the delicate area.

And don’t forget about sunscreen. To diminish the appearance of dark circles and avoid hyperpigmentation, a daily sunscreen is essential. Choose a product that will offer you both UVA and UVB protection.  

This article was originally published on February 26, 2021 and was updated on March 16, 2022.

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