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If your skin is anything like mine, it might be difficult for you to narrow down exactly when your dark circles developed. It seems as if one day, they decided to take residence underneath our eyes uninvited, and never left.
Thankfully, while several causes may contribute to the appearance of lingering darkness, professionals say there are also many treatments to choose from that address their root causes, including subtle lifestyle changes, effective skincare staples, and more.
Ahead, we speak with dermatologists Carmen Castilla and Corey L. Hartman , and celebrity makeup artist Tonya Riner , to find out more about why dark under-eyes can occur, along with some of the best methods for getting rid of them for good.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the cause of dark under-eyes. “Dark circles can be caused by numerous factors, the most common being aging, your genetics, and your lifestyle,” explains Hartman. But let's dive into the specifics:
Just like there’s no single reason for dark circles to develop in the first place, there are also several treatment options available to address them, depending on their catalyst. “The best treatment depends on the underlying cause of the dark circle. There is no single standalone approach given the multitude of potential causes,” explains Castilla.
However, getting a full night’s sleep—at least seven hours—and drinking plenty of water can play a key role in helping you look and feel your best. “Dehydrated skin is more likely to show dark circles versus hydrated skin,” says Hartman. And speaking of dehydration, if you’re an avid drinker or smoker, it could be contributing to your dark under-eyes. “Smoking contains numerous toxins that damage collagen, which leads to premature skin aging,” adds Castilla. “Alcohol leads to dehydration, which can worsen the appearance of dark circles.”
Of course, adding an eye cream to your skincare routine can also help keep dark circles at bay. “I like Orvos Satin Eye Gel Cream . One of its active ingredients is bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that targets dullness, uneven skin texture, and fine lines,” says Hartman. “It’s ideal for patients who cannot tolerate retinol. The formula also uses tea extract that calms irritation and soothes redness, and caffeine helps naturally de-puff the skin.”
There are also several in-office treatments to consider, especially for chronic dark circles. “Hollowing or loss of volume due to the aging process typically responds best to a hyaluronic acid filler,” adds Castilla. And although some pigmentation may be treated with a prescription medication, “genetic pigmentation typically responds well to in-office chemical peels or gentle lasers such as the Clear and Brilliant laser,” she adds. Another option for hyperpigmentation is the PicoSure laser , which can “help to break up pigment that causes hyperpigmentation of the skin in the area,” according to Hartman.
Again, sleep and hydration are essential to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles. “Drink eight glasses of water a day. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night,” says Hartman. And as always, wearing sunscreen is a must to prevent further pigmentation.
The professionals also explain th…