9 ways to reduce dark circles under eyes permanently

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In some cases, it may be possible to permanently remove dark circles under the eyes. However, this depends on the cause.

Dark circles can be multifactorial, meaning numerous factors contribute to them at the same time. Some of these factors may be temporary, while others may be permanent.

Dark circles that are only temporary may go away if people make a few lifestyle changes. In other cases, they may be more persistent.

Either way, dark circles are neither harmful nor necessarily a sign a person is tired or unwell. People who want to reduce them for cosmetic reasons may benefit from the following tips:

People often associate dark circles under the eyes with a lack of sleep.

However, a 2021 study suggests this may be because people experiencing sleep deprivation notice their dark circles more rather than because their color has objectively changed.

Still, if a person often does not get enough sleep, they may find it helpful to change their routine. Feeling well-rested may benefit overall well-being and a person’s perception of their skin.

It is best for people who have a sleep disorder or other medical condition that is preventing them from getting enough sleep to speak with a doctor.

Learn how to get enough sleep.

One potential cause of dark circles under the eyes is having wider or more visible blood vessels beneath the skin. If that is the case, cold compresses or cooling massage tools may help temporarily constrict the blood vessels, reducing their appearance.

Cold compresses may also reduce puffiness around the eyes. Puffiness can sometimes add to dark circles by creating shadows.

Learn how cold compresses help the eyes.

Similarly to cold temperatures, caffeine can also constrict the blood vessels. Some companies add caffeine to eye creams that claim to reduce dark circles.

A small 2024 study tested a 3% caffeine eye cream in 18 participants over 12 weeks. The authors found that those using the cream had lower melanin scores around the eyes. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color, so the results suggest that the eye cream reduced dark circles.

However, this was a small study with few participants. More large-scale trials are necessary to determine how well caffeine products work for this purpose.

Hyperpigmentation, which occurs when patches of the skin become darker than the rest, is a potential cause of dark circles under the eyes. This can occur due to exposure to UV light, which comes from sunlight and tanning beds.

Protecting the eye area and the skin in general from UV light is important for skin care. It can reduce the risk of worsening dark circles due to UV exposure and prevent visible signs of aging.

People can use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect the skin from sun damage.

Allergies have an association with dark circles under the eyes. Scientists believe this could be because allergies cause inflammation.

If a person often rubs their eyes due to itchiness, it may result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can darken the skin.

Treating any underlying allergies may help people stop rubbing their eyes or prevent skin rashes from forming, allowing the skin to heal.

A 2009 clinical trial tested a 10% vitamin C product for 6 months to treat dark circles under the eyes. The authors found that the treatment increased the thickness of the skin beneath the eye, reducing the visibility of dark circles.

They suggest this could be because vitamin C stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a protein that makes the skin elastic and bouncy.

However, the trial only included 14 participants, so more research is necessary to draw firm conclusions about the benefits of vitamin C for dark circles. It is also unknown if long-term vitamin C use around the eyes is safe.

According to a 2021 review, topical vitamin K can reduce the appearance of dilated blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and some forms of vitamin K may improve skin hydration and elasticity.

This may mean vitamin K can potentially treat dark circles under the eyes. However, no recent, high quality studies have tested this theory.

Learn more about the potential benefits of vitamin K.

If dark circles under the eyes occur due to pigmentation, skin-lightening products available via prescription may help.

Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin are compounds that disrupt the production of melanin in the skin. According to a 2016 review, low concentrations of these compounds may effectively reduce dark circles under the eyes.

However, there is not much research on this idea. Usually, doctors use these substances to treat melasma, so most of the evidence is anecdotal.

Additionally, high doses of arbutin can cause hyperpigmentation, and any of these ingredients could cause side effects.

In the United States, hydroquinone is only available on prescription. Many over-the-counter skin lightening creams contain dangerous ingredients, such as mercury, which can cause serious side effects over time.

It is important for people who are considering trying hydroquinone, kojic acid, or arbutin to consult a doctor or dermatologist to learn how to do so safely.

While not a permanent solution, many people find that concealer or makeup can effectively hide dark circles under the eyes.

Many cosmetic brands sell formulas created specifically for the under-eye area.

People should not use retinoids, such as retinol, in the eye area. Over time, oral retinoids may contribute to dry eye disease, a chronic condition that can be uncomfortable to live with.

This complication of retinoid use is not reversible. Even though some companies include retinoids in eye products, it is best for people to avoid them until scientists better understand their safety.

Learn more about retinol and dry eyes.

A 2018 review states that dark circles can occur due to the natural structure of the skin or bones in the face. A person may have:

• thinner skin, through which people may see structures underneath, such as bone or muscle
• deep tear troughs, which could create a shadow
• more pigment in the skin

A 2021 study also suggests that people with darker circles under the eyes may have wider or more numerous blood vessels beneath the skin.

Other factors that have associations with dark circles include:

• fatigue
• allergies
• eczema
• rubbing the eyes
• eyestrain
• certain medications

If any of these could be contributing, there may be ways to address them.

Dark circles under the eyes are not detrimental to a person’s health, but some people may choose to consult a doctor or dermatologist about them for cosmetic purposes.

A doctor or dermatologist may help identify the cause of dark eye circles and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes if needed. Doctors can also help people manage their expectations around the effectiveness of each treatment.

If topical treatments do not work, certain noninvasive skin procedures, such as laser therapy, may help reduce the appearance of dark eye circles. Some people also try using invasive procedures, such as soft tissue fillers.

People can discuss these options with a qualified dermatologist if they wish to pursue more intensive treatment.

Dark eye circles are a common feature of the skin. Although it is not always possible to remove dark circles permanently, some treatments may lessen their appearance, and lifestyle changes may help.

People may see results from using cold compresses, caffeine eye products, or makeup to temporarily reduce dark eye circles. Protecting the skin from UV damage and getting enough sleep may also help prevent them from becoming more noticeable.

Other treatments, such as vitamin C or K, do not have strong research behind them, and some methods have risks. For this reason, it is important to speak with a dermatologist about the best approach.