Skin care

Ditch Dark Circles and Puffiness for Good

Use these expert tips to treat and camouflage your annoying eye issues the right way

by Kristen Oldham Giordani

2 of 10

Treat dark circles caused by pigmentation If your dark circles are caused by pigmentation, you can treat the area with topical retinoids, hydroquinone or laser treatments, Waldorf says. Both retinoids and hydroquinone can be prescribed by your dermatologist or you can buy slightly less potent versions over the counter (try Avene Retrinal H.A.F Gel, $40, which contains retinaldehyde, and pH Advantage Pigmentation Fader, $55, which contains hydroquinone). If you want a quicker fix (or if topical products alone don't do the trick), laser is the way to go. Waldorf recommends the Fraxel Restore laser. Know that you'll likely have to treat your entire face for best results though, and that treatments average $1,000 to $2,000 each and you'll likely need one or two of them.

Next: How to treat dark circles caused by blood vessels

SEE NEXT PAGE: Treat dark circles caused by visible blood vessels

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

products mentioned

Avene Retrinal H.A.F.

9.3

pH Advantage Pigmentation Fader

9.0

Replenix Serum CF

9.0

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

5.0

Clinique Concealer Brush

9.0

La Mer The Radiant Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 25

10.0

Dior Skinflash

8.5

Spenco 2nd Skin Dressing Kit Blister Care

0.0

Revaleskin Replenishing Eye Therapy

0.0

Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer

8.9

As low as $0.00

BUY ON AMAZON

leave a comment

Older comments

Very good article. I might try some of these right away.

by nicky22 Monday, April 1, 2013 at 09:03AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks

by Monique3 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate

Nice information

by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:23PM Report as inappropriate

Very thorough article. Just wish there were more suggestions for my dark circles which are caused by blood collection.

by hiddenexpose Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 03:54PM Report as inappropriate

I read something the other day that talked about the importance of using that peach color for concealer to cover if you have "blueish" dark circles. It made a big difference in the naturalness of the finished product. I also heard a tip that said not to use too much moisturizer/eye cream at night since that could increase puffiness. This is an area I am working on. Thanks for the additional info.

by alictasia Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 03:35PM Report as inappropriate

I like clinique's eye serum. It feels best after it has been in the refrigerator for a while so it is nice and cool and rolls on so smoothly.

by beautybody Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 10:19AM Report as inappropriate

Unfortunately, I have both dark circles and puffiness around my eyes. Thank you for breaking down the causes, and giving multiple options for treatment!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 12:25PM Report as inappropriate

Great article!! Thank you.

by agnesN Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 08:36PM Report as inappropriate

I have the genetic kind as well. I remember as a kid having them, but I have also never had the best sleeping habits, even as a kid. So it's kind of hard either way. to get rid of them.

by yestfl Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:19AM Report as inappropriate

Great...I have the genetic kind. The purplish ones you have even after a good night's sleep and people still think you got punched in the face.

by m.rose Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 11:21PM Report as inappropriate