Skin Care

Here's How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes — and Never Look Tired Again

We called in an expert for a solution to the wintertime beauty woe that affects the most of our readers

by Emily Woodruff | COMMENT

PHOTO 4/7

What is the Crème de la Eye Crème? How do you get rid of dark under eye circles? You find the best beauty potion out there, that's how. According to Jaliman, sunscreen is your best defense against dark circles -- or their getting worse. She recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 30, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient (Many dermatologists recommend EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+). Sun exposure breaks down collagen and brings dark pigment to the surface of the skin (aka dark circles under your eyes), so try to avoid it.

As for an under-eye cream or serum, Jaliman says to think high-octane: "Choose those with caffeine, [because it will] constrict the blood vessels under the eyes, decreasing blood flow and darkness." Other ingredients that will make or break your under eye cream:

• Peptides, which stimulate collagen production and thicken the thin skin under the eye.

• Retinol is another ingredient that encourages cell turnover and collagen production. It should be used at night, because sunlight makes retinol ineffective.

• If you're choosing a retinol product, Jaliman recommends it contain hyaluronic acid so your skin retains moisture.

Skin-lightening products are another choice for those with perpetually dark circles.

• Arbutin is a skin-lightening ingredient that is found naturally in bearberry fruit that inhibits melanin.

• Kojic acid, licorice extract, and vitamin C also have skin-lightening properties and are safe for use on the skin.

See our roundup of the best eye creams now.

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products mentioned

Elta MD UV Facial SPF 30+

9.5

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

9.2