How to Reduce Dark Circles and Under-Eye Bags

Dark circles and under-eye bags have several causes, and the fix depends entirely on which one is yours. Here’s how to tell — and what helps.

The main causes

• Fatigue and poor sleep — the most common and most fixable.
• Fluid retention (salt, alcohol, allergies) causing puffiness.
• Thin skin showing blood vessels — often genetic.
• Pigmentation, more common in some skin tones.

What actually helps

• Sleep 7–8 hours and sleep slightly elevated to reduce fluid pooling.
• Cut evening salt and alcohol; manage allergies.
• A caffeine or vitamin-C eye product for a mild, gradual improvement.
• Daily sunscreen to prevent pigment from darkening.

Know the ceiling

If your circles are structural or deeply pigmented, skincare can only do so much — and that’s okay. Concealer, better sleep, and good lighting go a long way, and there’s nothing wrong with either.