How to get rid of dark circles under your eyes?

Dark circles come from several different causes, and the treatment depends on which one you’re dealing with. The most common culprits are lack of sleep, allergies, dehydration, and genetics. Mayo Clinic notes that as you age, the skin under your eyes gets thinner and loses collagen, making blood vessels underneath more visible and creating a darker appearance.

For temporary circles from a bad night’s sleep or seasonal allergies, the fix is straightforward: sleep more (7–9 hours), apply a cold compress for 10 minutes to constrict blood vessels, and take an antihistamine if allergies are the trigger. A targeted eye cream with caffeine or vitamin C can help constrict vessels and brighten the area short-term.

For genetic or age-related dark circles, over-the-counter creams have limited results. Cleveland Clinic notes that topical products with retinol, vitamin C, or kojic acid can gradually improve appearance over several months, but they won’t eliminate them completely. Cosmetic treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or hyaluronic acid filler injections are options for persistent circles, but those require a dermatologist. In all cases, protecting the under-eye area with sunscreen prevents further darkening.