For years, I’ve been searching for ways to treat dark circles. After countless doctor visits, testing top eye creams, and mastering concealer tricks for quick fixes, I’ve learned there’s no magic solution for fading under-eye darkness.

**Vogue’s Top Dark Circle Treatments**
– **LED Mask:** Currentbody LED Eye Perfector ($250)
– **SPF:** SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($42)
– **Eye Serum:** Clinique All About Eyes Brightening Serum Concentrate ($42)
– **Eye Cream:** CeraVe Eye Repair Cream ($20)
– **LED Patch:** Omnilux Eye Brightener ($95)
– **Drugstore Pick:** RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream ($30)
– **Retinol Formula:** Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 ($53)
– **Brightening Serum:** iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ ($165)

Dark circles are tricky—they can stem from genetics, aging, or lifestyle habits. While there’s no universal cure, dermatologists like Dr. Brendan Camp confirm you still have options. Below, Dr. Camp, dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin, and aesthetic injector Natia Rufolo break down how to tackle them, from at-home serums to in-office treatments.

### **How to Treat Dark Circles at Home**
**1. Use an Eye Cream**
Dermatologists and Vogue editors swear by targeted eye creams. Dr. Amin recommends formulas with:
– **Retinol** (boosts collagen, reduces fine lines)
– **Vitamin C** (brightens skin)
– **Caffeine** (reduces puffiness by constricting blood vessels)
Peptides and hyaluronic acid also help hydrate and plump. For best results, apply morning and night.

**Top Picks:**
– SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream ($116)
– CeraVe Eye Repair Cream ($20)
– Clinique All About Eyes Brightening Serum ($42)

**2. Try Retinol**
“Retinol thickens skin, making blood vessels less visible,” says Dr. Amin. Rufolo suggests starting slow: use a gentle retinol eye cream 2-3 nights weekly to build tolerance.

**Top Picks:**
– RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($30)
– Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream ($53)
– La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol ($50)

**3. LED Light Therapy**
LED masks (red or infrared light) boost collagen, circulation, and reduce inflammation—helping with both darkness and puffiness. Dr. Camp notes they’re also great for crepey skin. Use daily for best results.

**Top Picks:**
– Omnilux Eye Brightener ($95)
– Currentbody LED Eye Perfector ($250)

### **Professional Treatments**
For stubborn cases, in-office options like lasers, fillers, or peels may be more effective. Consult a dermatologist to find the right approach for you.

Dark circles won’t vanish overnight, but with the right routine—or professional help—you can minimize their appearance.Dr. Dennis Gross
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**Always Wear SPF**
Following this skincare essential also helps reduce dark circles. “Sunscreen prevents dark circles from worsening, especially if pigmentation is the cause,” says Rufolo. “Sun exposure can darken under-eye skin, making circles more visible. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen or an SPF eye cream daily—even on cloudy days—for long-term protection.”

**Recommended SPF Products:**
– SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($42 at Bluemercury, Dermstore, SkinCeuticals)
– EltaMD UV AOX Eye SPF 30 ($50 at Bluemercury)
– Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($140 at Nordstrom, Augustinus Bader)
– Supergoop! Protect (Tint) Daily SPF Tint ($44 at Nordstrom, Supergoop)

**Brightening Ingredients**
Vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract help even out pigmentation. “These ingredients reduce discoloration and brighten the under-eye area,” says Rufolo. Vitamin C is especially effective—it combats free radicals that contribute to dark spots, notes Dr. Camp.

**Recommended Brightening Products:**
– SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182 at Bluemercury, Dermstore, SkinCeuticals)
– BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector ($52 at Amazon)
– Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($85 at Amazon)
– CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum ($29 at Amazon)

**Address Allergies**
“Allergies can cause puffiness, worsening dark circles,” says Dr. Camp. “Antihistamines, cold compresses, and propping up with extra pillows can help reduce swelling.”

**Try Cryotherapy**
Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, reducing the bluish tint of dark circles while easing puffiness. Use chilled spoons, tea bags, or cryotherapy tools like Therabody or Angela Caglia’s devices. “Apply for 10–15 minutes each morning for best results,” advises Rufolo.

**Recommended Cryotherapy Tools:**
– Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand ($149 at Nordstrom)
– Angela Caglia Gold Cryo Facial Set ($125 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-a-Porter, Violet Grey)
– Skin Gym Ice Roller ($30 at Amazon)
– BeautyBio Cryo Dual Roller ($85 at Nordstrom)

**Professional Treatments for Dark Circles**
Since dark circles have multiple causes, a combination of in-office treatments and at-home care often works best for lasting results.

**Laser Therapy**
“For hollow under-eyes due to aging, resurfacing lasers like CO2 or Fraxel can help,” says Dr. Amin. “Eye protection is crucial during these treatments.”

**Exosome Therapy**
This advanced treatment uses stem cell-derived exosomes (cellular messengers) injected under the eyes to boost collagen production and rejuvenate skin. “Great for deep wrinkles and thinning skin,” says Rufolo.

**Microneedling**
This procedure stimulates collagen to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark circles.**Microneedling** is another in-office treatment that boosts collagen production and enhances skin quality and appearance, which can help with dark circles and skin crepiness, notes Dr. Camp.

**PRP Therapy**
Another option for dark circles is platelet-rich plasma (PRP), often called the “vampire facial.” Rufolo explains that PRP involves drawing your blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting it under the eyes. The growth factors in the plasma can stimulate collagen, improve skin texture, and reduce pigmentation. This treatment works best for those with thinning skin or hollowing under the eyes. Results may take a few weeks to appear, and multiple sessions might be needed for the best outcome.

**Fillers**
Fillers have become a popular under-eye treatment in recent years. Dr. Camp explains that they can reduce hollowing between the lower eyelid and upper cheek, minimizing shadows that contribute to dark circles. While not permanent, fillers can last several months to a year. Rufolo adds that fillers restore volume and brighten the under-eye area instantly, with results varying based on the type used. They’re often combined with treatments like laser therapy for optimal results.

### **Everything You Need to Know**

**What causes dark circles?**
According to Dr. Amin, dark circles can stem from genetics, aging, fatigue, sun exposure, and more. Genetics may lead to thinner skin or increased pigmentation under the eyes. As we age, collagen loss makes blood vessels more visible, creating hollowness and shadows. Lack of sleep can make skin appear pale, emphasizing blood vessels, while UV rays thin the skin and increase melanin production, worsening dark circles.

**What’s the difference between dark circles and under-eye bags?**
Amin explains that dark circles refer to darker skin under the eyes, while under-eye bags involve puffiness. Puffiness can result from allergies, genetics, aging, skin laxity, or fat accumulation.

**How can you get rid of dark circles at home?**
Dr. Camp suggests using over-the-counter eye creams, reducing salt intake, sleeping on two pillows to minimize puffiness, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, and wearing sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against UV damage.

**Is it possible to permanently get rid of dark circles?**
Rufolo says it depends. While their appearance can be reduced, completely eliminating them may be difficult. Retinol, vitamin C, and caffeine-based products can help lighten and tighten the area. Treatments like chemical peels, PRP, PRF, and fillers—if suitable—can provide the most noticeable improvements.

### **Meet the Experts**
– **Dr. Mina Amin, MD**, is a dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists in Los Angeles.
– **Dr. Brendan Camp, MD**, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist practicing in New York and Long Island.
– **Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C**, is a board-certified aesthetic injector, PDO thread specialist, and founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics.