You try a new concealer every month, but you still just can’t seem to hide the dark circles under your eyes. We have all been there at one point. Whether it’s genetic, due to aging, or from a chronic lack of sleep, we are looking for that perfect home remedy to wipe away those dark and puffy eye bags and look more refreshed.

Lucky for you, as an optometrist and beauty connoisseur, dealing with eye bags is a specialty of mine! While there are many different trends out there targeting eye bags, not all eye bags are made the same, so I want to share the absolute best home remedies that I stand by as a doctor.

If your eye bags are from lack of sleep

Bags under the eyes are sometimes not due to genetics or age, and rather due to a lack of sleep. These bags can be easier to target and correct because they are more of a temporary result of sleep deprivation. If this is you, here are some of the best remedies:

• Cold compress: Apply a cold or ice compress to your closed eyes, keeping it on the skin under your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Then, let your skin rest. This will reduce swelling and eye bags caused by a lack of sleep.
• Cold cucumbers: Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, so they can give your eyes the rejuvenation they need in just a short amount of time. High in Vitamin C and silica, cucumbers also reduce any puffiness and improve the elasticity of your skin.
• Tea bags: Apply a wet, caffeinated tea bag to each eye to reduce the bags under your eyes. Caffeine will stimulate blood circulation, which can reduce puffiness around your eyes.
• Of course, get more sleep! Try drinking tea before bed and turning off electronics to get to sleep on time.

If your eye bags are genetic, or due to aging

For those who get enough sleep, but still battle daily with eye bags, some more intensive remedies may be more beneficial. In addition to the above home remedies, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the appearance of your dark circles. This includes:

• Make sure to wash your makeup off every night. Wearing makeup while you sleep can further irritate and exacerbate the appearance of your dark circles.
• When you sleep, keep your head slightly elevated in a comfortable position. This will help fluid drain instead of build up under your eyes, resulting in a more refreshed appearance.
• Ensure a healthy diet with less processed foods and sodium. Salt can cause your body to retain more fluid, worsening the appearance of your dark circles.

For anyone with dark circles or eye bags

There are vitamin-rich eye treatments that anyone with dark circles can benefit from. One study has found that caffeine and vitamin K are highly effective for reducing dark bags under the eyes. Another study has found that herbal moisturizers can reduce the appearance and size of bags under the eyes as well. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to try out some high-quality creams that might make a difference.

Another option for stubborn dark circles is to consider cosmetic procedures. Common cosmetic procedures for dark under eyes include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and fillers, but these are more temporary. For a more permanent result, lower blepharoplasty has become a popular and safe procedure for dark circles in recent years.

Any questions about your dark circles and the best course of action for you? Feel free to email me at contact@drbrasfield.com!