As with many other skin concerns, treating dark circles is a complex process. "Currently, there is no single, universally effective treatment for dark circles under the eyes," explained double-board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp. Achieving real results requires a specific strategy. Below are a few tips for reducing dark circles under the eyes at home —all small habits that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
Priority: Daily Hydration
The first habit to develop to reduce dark circles under the eyes without makeup is to stay well-hydrated. Simply put, you need to drink plenty of fluids, because dehydrated skin under the eyes—which is thinner—can appear dull, dark, and sunken.
Bonus: Adequate water intake is beneficial for the entire body.
Enjoy a nutritious diet
Nutrition is also important – be sure to include foods rich in iron, vitamins K, C, and B12. Think: leafy green vegetables (spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, etc.), nuts, citrus fruits, and lentils, as well as eggs and fish.
Iron helps reduce dark circles under the eyes caused by anemia.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and helps thicken the skin in this area.
Vitamin B12 is essential for oxygenating the blood, and a deficiency can cause or worsen dark circles.
Vitamin K improves microcirculation and strengthens capillaries around the eyes.
Get enough sleep...
The quantity and quality of your sleep are also important if you want to reduce dark circles under your eyes. Ideally, you should aim for eight hours of sleep per night, avoid using screens (computers, smartphones, tablets) at least an hour before bed, and try to sleep in a dark, cool room. Sleeping position is also important; for example, for those who can, sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is great for your skin and helps prevent fluid accumulation under the eyes. This small adjustment can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can have benefits that are visible on your face. This fabric not only protects your hair but is also beneficial for your skin: it improves skin texture, minimizes pores, prevents wrinkles, and keeps the skin hydrated, firm, and smooth—and, as a result, doesn't accentuate dark circles but actually helps reduce them.
Choose your eye cream carefully
To truly reduce dark circles, pay close attention to the ingredients in your favorite skincare products. You don't need to completely change your habits; simply choose the right ingredients to help this area stay healthy.
It's best to choose an eye cream based on the appearance of your dark circles:
If they are dark or pigmented, brightening creams containing vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids work very well.
For dark circles with a blue tint or caused by fatigue, products with stimulating active ingredients like caffeine work well, as do cold compresses applied to the area.
Under-eye massage
Applying a moisturizer and refreshing eye patches—made of cloth, silicone, or hydrogel—can also be a great way to reduce dark circles. Leave the patches on for 15-20 minutes before leaving the house or as a relaxing part of your evening skincare routine. For enhanced results, use them in combination with a jade roller, which helps the active ingredients in the patches penetrate the skin more effectively and also utilizes the roller's drainage action. And, of course, choose eye patches based on their ingredients—for example, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine, as well as aloe vera or cucumber for extra freshness and hydration.
Use sunscreen on the under-eye area
Finally, an important step in your skincare routine that helps minimize dark circles under your eyes is using sunscreen. To protect this area, choose an eye cream with a built-in SPF—at least SPF 30—or a specialized product suitable for this sensitive area of the face. Finally, wearing sunglasses with UV protection significantly helps keep this part of the face healthy and protected.
