In the quest for a smoother, brighter complexion, learning how to get rid of dark circles and eye bags is key. You might be wondering if it’s actually possible to smooth and depuff eye bags for good, or whether alleviating them requires a trip to a dermatologist.
The short answer is, yes, there are ways to get rid of eye bags fast. With certain lifestyle changes, the right products and the right treatments, it is possible to minimise eye bags.
What are the causes of dark circles and under-eye bags?
“For many individuals, undereye bags appear due to the loss of natural volume under the eyes as we age, resulting in puffy eye pockets under the lower eyelid,” explains dermatologist Dr Michele Green. “This volume reduction is caused by decreased collagen and elastin production as we age, which helps keep skin firm and smooth.” Per Dr Natasha Sandy, reduced collagen and elastin levels can begin as early as age 25. Experts also cite lack of sleep, genetics, lifestyle, eczema or allergic reactions as other causes.
Oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr Chaneve Jeanniton explains that “below the skin surface, there are layers consisting of muscle, connective tissue, ligaments and fat that all contribute to the changes we see externally”. And although it’s tempting to start generously applying the latest undereye cream (and that is one solution!), Dr Jeanniton adds that “we have to approach the problem with a holistic perspective”.
Is it possible to get rid of dark circles and undereye bags?
Like many skin conditions, the answer varies – and oftentimes it is dependent on how deep your undereye bags are. Generally speaking, Dr Green says: “There are many nonsurgical treatments that can help reduce the appearance of undereye bags and dark circles, although they are not permanent solutions.”
She says that these nonsurgical approaches can be long-lasting, and are an extremely effective option for those who are not ready for surgery. However, if topical treatments do not work, experts say a surgery called blepharoplasty is one way to get rid of eye bags for good.
In any case, always consult your trusted skin expert (plastic surgeon Dr Anil Shah advises consulting with both surgical and nonsurgical specialists) to determine the right treatment for you. In the meantime, we’ve tapped eight of the industry’s leading doctors to detail the best ways to alleviate undereye bags.
Key takeaways
- Dark circles are caused by reduced collagen and elastin levels but also lack of sleep, certain health conditions like eczema, or allergies and genetics.
- There are many ways to treat undereye bags including using skincare products, improving your diet, getting enough sleep and using cold compresses.
How to get rid of dark circles naturally at home
There are a lot of holistic and habitual things you can look at to treat your undereye bags.
“Only intermittent eye bags are going to respond to these at-home therapies,” Dr Shah explains, citing that embracing a healthier, whole food-rich diet is a great first step, though it may not cure chronic dark circles.
Salty foods are “common culprits of water retention”, Dr Jeanniton says, and water retention is one factor that can affect the appearance of eye bags. “If you have a lot of salt in your body then the water is going to move toward the area where there is more salt, to decrease the concentration of that.”
Collagen supplements, any foods with vitamin A, like carrots and peppers, as well as foods rich in vitamin C are helpful in counteracting this, as they are anti-inflammatory and water-soluble. Pineapples contain bromelain to “prevent swelling and puffiness”, Dr Sandy adds. “You can take these things throughout the day in vitamin form, in juices or as whole foods.”
Beauty Pie
Collagen Super Powder With Biotin & Vitamin C
- Best collagen for: added vitamin C
- Type: Powder of type 1 hydrolysed collagen peptides
- Key ingredients: This supplement utilises a low molecular weight collagen sourced from easily digestible wild fish, alongside 250mg of vitamin C for good collagen formation, and 100 mcg of biotin for healthy skin and hair.
- Why Vogue loves it: With a naturally occurring flavour from berries in its blend, this is a brilliant collagen powder if you’re looking for something that packs a punch – it will add a little sparkle to a bog-standard glass of water. One scoop offers 11.3g of collagen, plus the addition of vitamin C and biotin mean that you’re also boosting hair and nails while you’re at it.
- What experts say: All of our experts agree that the inclusion of ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in a collagen powder yields better results than taking collagen alone. Infused with both of the above, plus biotin and tremella mushroom, this supplement is a sound choice for supercharging your body’s own collagen synthesis.
Vida Glow
Collagen Liquid Advance
- Best collagen for: nails
- Type: liquid sachets
- Key ingredients: 5g of hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, ascorbic acid to enhance their absorption and Vida Glow’s proprietary B-Blend4 antioxidant complex.
- Why Vogue loves it: A “leading authority” on collagen supplements – according to Vogue’s Jessica Diner – Vida Glow formulates collagen worth taking. “Their liquid collagen shots are so good, I’m constantly running out.” Their appeal? A fast-absorbing, portable cocktail of collagen peptides and vitamin C, full of flavour and benefits for hair, nails and skin. Finished with goji berries, pomegranate, acerola cherries and manuka honey, it’s rich in antioxidants too, and gets you 5000mg of collagen peptides in a single serve. Its low molecular weight ensures that it is readily absorbed throughout the body, supporting healthier nails, hair and skin from the inside out. The combination of apple and tropical flavours makes them easy to slot into your routine too.
- What experts say: Dr Wolkowski approves of pairing collagen with vitamin C for accelerated results. “As I’ve seen in clinic, collagen peptides significantly enhance collagen synthesis in the body when they are combined with vitamin C,” she explains.
“Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your body, weakening elasticity under the eyes,” Dr Green explains. “If you suffer with this you definitely want to decrease your alcohol intake,” Dr Sandy adds. If you are going to drink, accompany any alcohol with copious amounts of water.
“Fluid retention is usually more to blame for undereye puffiness, but dehydration can also play a role,” Dr Jeanniton says. “Dehydration can make eye bags look worse by amplifying the effects of excess salt, high alcohol or poor sleep. Maintaining proper hydration enhances circulation, which helps remove excess fluid from the eye area.”
Keep a water bottle on your desk or by your bed, and set a goal to refill it multiple times throughout the day.
Get rest
“Develop good sleep hygiene to get a good night’s sleep, because it’s one of the best prescriptions to combat eye bags,” says dermatologist Dr Azadeh Shirazi. “Light at night – particularly blue light – is one of the reasons people don’t get enough sleep, as it suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that influences circadian rhythms.” To help, she recommends using dim red light at night (red light is less likely to shift circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin).
“I also suggest sleeping on a couple of pillows if you are prone to eye bags, to minimise pooling fluid in the eye area.” Furthermore, Dr Sandy says that rest can decrease stress levels and therefore your cortisol levels, which ultimately prevents eye bags.
The sumptuous silk eye mask from Drowsy has benefits beyond the sensorial feel. In fact, the reason that it is so beloved by our editors is that it takes the idea of beauty sleep and runs with it, protecting the skin from pillow friction, which can cause fine lines, creases or irritation, while also encouraging a deep sleep with total blackout. Created with beauty enthusiasts in mind, the Eyelash Protecting Mask has contoured eyecaps to feel comfortable even when you have long lashes.
Stress levels affect cortisol levels which in turn increase the appearance and intensity of puffiness and bags under the eyes. “That is also why those with high stress levels experience acne,” Dr Sandy notes. Meditation is one approach to reducing stress, exercise is another.
“Cold compresses are another popular home remedy that works to alleviate the appearance of dark circles and puffiness by shrinking blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the area, to lessen inflammation,” says Dr Green.
“An ice pack, a frozen bag of vegetables and refrigerated spoons are all practical tools that can be applied over the eyes for a few minutes to reduce swelling.” Or, you could pick up a cooling roller to practice a refreshing massage in the morning or whenever you’re experiencing puffiness.
Shark
CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling and LED Anti-Ageing and Blemish Repair Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Shark’s CryoGlow LED face mask is all over social media right now for good reason. With 480 LED lights and four targeted treatment modes (including Better Ageing, Blemish Repair, Skin Sustain and Under-Eye Cooling), it’s a multitasking wonder that has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost luminosity and improve blemishes and skin roughness. All that while also helping to cool and depuff the eye area, which is an absolute dream the morning after the night before.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm) and blue (415nm) light, and near infrared (830nm)
- Mask Type: Rigid
- Treatment Time: Up to 8 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
Pacifica
Chill Baby Cooling Cryo Globes
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If your skin looks tired, puffy and lacking in glow, these cooling globes are designed to bring it back to life. Available in two sizes, the 100 per cent glass globes can be kept in the fridge and used to glide across skin without the need for any skincare to provide slip. As well as taking the heat out of skin, the gentle massage action boosts circulation to encourage better blood flow.
- Type: Glass globes
Dermatologist Dr Suneel Chilukuri recommends applying cold cucumbers over the eyes for five minutes. The cucumber juice and the cold temperature act as anti-inflammatory compresses.
Dr Green adds that tea bags are an effective way to reduce the appearance of dark circles and undereye bags, as they are rich in antioxidants and caffeine and have anti-inflammatory properties that promote blood flow to the skin. Black or green tea works.
According to Dr Shirazi, you could even apply chilled cucumbers soaked in tea to help reduce the appearance of eye bags first thing. “Cucumbers have a high water content and act like a natural ice pack, while the caffeine in black tea helps draw out the excess fluid,” she says. “The tea’s caffeine boosts circulation, soothes the area and tightens the blood vessels in the undereyes, therefore reducing puffiness and inflammation.”
“Promoting lymphatic drainage is a technique that I teach my patients who are prone to fluid retention in the area,” Dr Jeanniton says. She recommends a gua sha stone massage to the lower lid, focusing on an upward and outward motion to encourage lymphatic movement.
“It’s such a beauty favourite these days and for good cause: it’s especially beneficial combined with an eye serum or eye cream to the area, to minimise unintentional friction to delicate eyelid skin.”
Another option is the ever-popular jade roller to help improve lymphatic drainage, though dermatologist Dr Macrene Alexiades warns against using it if you don’t know how to do it the right way. “The correct way to do it is to gently roll toward the nose, not away from it,” she says. Consider putting the roller in the fridge first. A lot like putting ice on a bruise to help swelling to go down, a cold compress helps with tightening up eye bags. “Eye gels are perfect for this,” Dr Sandy adds. “You can put it in the freezer and then put it on your eyes to decrease the bags.”
Sometimes make-up gets stuck in the corners of our eyes, causing puffiness. That’s why it’s important to “gently exfoliate the eyelids after removing your makeup every night”, Dr Sandy suggests. “Very lightly sweep a soft moist washcloth over the surfaces of your eyelids and through the roots of your lashes. This will lightly remove loose surface cells and prevent buildup on your lash line.”
Skincare to help reduce eye bags
Your daily skincare routine will help reduce (and prevent) the appearance of eye bags; you just need the right ingredients.
“Skincare products do a better job of preventing undereye bags than treating them once they have already formed,” says dermatologist Dr Blair Murphy-Rose. “Hyperpigmentation and vascular congestion are the causes of eye bags that are the most likely to be improved by skincare products.” Retinol is the first ingredient our experts encourage you to look out for. “Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that works to exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover to reveal healthy new skin cells,” Dr Green explains. “[It] also inhibits melanin and encourages collagen production to soften dark undereye circles and improve fine lines and wrinkles.” Dr Murphy-Rose is a fan of First Aid Beauty’s Elixir, which treats the undereye through a blend of retinol, hyaluronic acid, oatmeal and aloe.
Murad
Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 30ml
Murad's Retinol Youth Serum is clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles in just two weeks. It's a blend of three types of retinol – a fast-acting retinoid, delayed-release retinol and a retinol booster – which deliver quick results without being harsh on the skin. In fact, it's so gentle you can use it on the daily – and it includes a dose of hyaluronic acid for some extra hydration, too.
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, liquorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides
- Why we love it: CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is brilliant for those suffering with blemishes or acne, as well as enlarged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With encapsulated retinol, it’s gentler on the skin barrier, so won’t cause further irritation to the skin.
“Additionally, products containing vitamin C can help protect the skin from excessive sun exposure, reduce signs of premature ageing and stimulate collagen to restore skin firmness,” says Dr Green.
Dr Murphy-Rose recommends storing products containing vitamin C in the fridge, “to prolong potency”. Her favourites? Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, and Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme.
Trinny London
Naked Ambition Azelaic Exosome and Vitamin C Serum
- Why we love it: This combination of slow-release vitamin C in a gentle form (ascorbyl glucoside) and skin-calming azelaic acid makes for a one-step solution for an uneven complexion. Dullness, redness, and dark spots – whether caused by sun damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – fade with regular use while sitting smoothly under SPF and makeup. “It’s a smart, multitasking serum that targets both clarity and radiance,” Dr Yadav confirms.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), azelaic acid, red algae
- Best for: Uneven texture and tone, dullness, discolouration, redness, sun damage, mature skin
Olehenriksen
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Although not strictly speaking a colour corrector, this orange-tinged cream helps to effectively counteract the blue undertone of dark circles, making them appear less noticeable. In addition to that, it contains an antioxidant-rich triple vitamin C complex designed to brighten, fade dark spots and tackle damaging free radicals.
- Key ingredients: triple vitamin C complex
- Formula: cream
- Size: 15ml
Experts say your daily caffeine isn’t just for energy: “Topical caffeine is a game-changer since it can constrict blood vessels and help expedite swelling,” says Dr Shah. Consider Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum which Dr Shirazi notes “hydrates instantly making the skin appear smoother”.
“Phylloquinone (a.k.a. vitamin K) is an antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation, and acetyl tetrapeptide reduces undereye swelling while firming, hydrating and smoothing the skin’s surface,” notes Dr Murphy-Rose.
Remember when Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant FirmX gel went viral on TikTok in 2020? Well, Dr Shirazi still gives it her stamp of approval. “[It] uses sodium silicate, an inorganic salt that leaves a thin film on the skin,” she says. “When that film dries it pulls the loose skin tight temporarily. The effects last for several hours.” Just remember that these treatments only last a few hours and might be tricky under make-up.
Dr Alexiades stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, and encourages sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, which age the skin faster. “The eye area is also often neglected when people are putting on sunscreen,” Dr Sandy says, adding that one should use at least an SPF 30. “UVA and UVB rays can not only cause skin cancer but they can also cause wrinkles and ageing as the sun breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to eye bags and sagging puffy skin.”
Dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick says eye masks can help as long as you find the right ingredients. She suggests looking out for eye masks that contain caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide and antioxidants, to hydrate, brighten and boost collagen production.
Pro tip: she says to keep them in the refrigerator to keep them cool and enhance their depuffing effect. As mentioned above, if you’re looking for a DIY option she says you can use items like chilled cucumbers or cooled green tea bags as cold compresses.
Consider your medical history
Another thing to consider with the bags under your eyes is your medical history. “If someone notices sudden or persistent undereye swelling, especially with other symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider,” says Dr Garshick.
Believe it or not, many underlying health issues can cause eye bags, which is why it’s important to check with a health professional to ensure they aren’t related to a larger issue. “In particular making sure that the thyroid function is balanced and that sinus dysfunction is not to blame is important,” Dr Jeanniton says. “These conditions cause inflammation that can manifest as fullness under the eyes. Seeking treatment for the underlying condition is the first step to addressing the appearance of swollen eyes.”
Although your menstrual cycle is not a health “issue”, it is important to take into account that your period can play a huge part in undereye puffiness as well.
“A lot of people have allergies and don’t even realise it,” Dr Sandy says. “Even without having the itchiness that comes with allergies, or if you’re using contacts it can sometimes irritate the eyes and cause fluid to build up under the eyes, creating the appearance of puffiness.” After consulting a doctor, she suggests antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin for those who have seasonal allergies, to help decrease allergy-induced eye bags.
Antihistamine eyedrops are also helpful when it comes to bags and puffiness. Dr Green recommends that those struggling with allergies see an allergist for medical advice. She notes to use an OTC antihistamine like Zyrtec during the day, or Benadryl at bedtime.
Tweakments and treatments for dark circles and undereye bags
Dr Chilukuri uses aesthetic procedures such as Exilis Ultra and botox, to help stimulate collagen production and keep the skin firm and healthy.
Dr Alexiades likes to use a combination of the Vbeam Prima laser, which is a pulsed dye laser that constricts vessels and reduces both vascularity and puffiness, and Pico Genesis FX, which works to tighten the tissue, build collagen and reduce both pigment and vascularity. “It is a winner for the undereye,” she says.
Dr Sandy adds that you can do an erbium laser treatment around the eyes. which works to make the skin look more youthful.
You could also go the surgery route: “Blepharoplasty is the only great solution for undereye bags when they are caused by herniation of fat pads or significant excess skin,” Dr Murphy-Rose notes. “Blepharoplasty is a same-day surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons and dermatologic surgeons. The bags will be corrected in a quick surgical procedure. Once stitches are removed and swelling has subsided, the undereye bags should be gone.”
How to prevent dark circles and eye bags from coming back?
“Getting adequate sleep, keeping the head elevated to reduce fluid buildup, limiting salt intake and maintaining hydration can all help to prevent undereye bags,” says Dr Garshick. “Treating any allergies can help to reduce swelling and using cooling tools or chilled eye masks can also help to reduce puffiness.”
And the same ingredients and in-office treatments used to decrease the appearance of puffiness can also help prevent eye bags from occurring in the first place. She says to look for ingredients like caffeine and peptides to help improve the appearance of undereye skin, and to use sunscreen daily to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In-clinic treatments like laser resurfacing and microneedling can help boost collagen production and firm up the skin.
Meet the Experts
- Dr Macrene Alexiades is a double board-certified dermatologist in the European Union and US, clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine, and founder of her Park Avenue private practice.
- Dr Suneel Chilukuri is a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as nonsurgical facelifts.
- Dr Michele Green is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist whose practice offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr Chaneve Jeanniton is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon based in Brooklyn and founder of Epi.logic Skincare.
- Dr Blair Murphy-Rose is a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques and noninvasive body contouring.
- Dr Natasha Sandy is a board-certified physician with specialist training in dermatology who looks to help patients glow from the inside out.
- Dr Anil Shah is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in all things face and is cofounder of Aesthetic Skin Chicago.
- Dr Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr Marisa Garshick is a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology
