Can dark circles and bags under the eyes really be removed?

When we're trying to refresh our tired complexions, the first thing we turn to is our tried-and-true under-eye concealer. Maybe we stayed out too late the night before and are dealing with a hangover, or maybe the bags and dark circles under our eyes always seem to be there no matter how much sleep we get. 

Regardless, eye-specific skin care concerns can be troublesome—especially because the causes aren't always clear. Read on for expert tips on how to treat pesky dark circles and bags under your eyes (no masking required). What is the difference between a circle and a pocket? 

We tend to use the terms dark circles and eye bags interchangeably, but these eye problems are not exactly the same. Dark circles are the color of shadows that appear under the eyes and are caused by thin tissue that makes blood vessels more prominent. 

“Oxygen-deprived blood from capillaries and veins sits close to the surface of the skin,” explains esthetician Stephanie Ivonne. "Because the skin around and under the eyes is so thin, it's easier to spot poor circulation that causes dark circles." 

While eye bags can occur along with dark circles, these are more likely to be related to puffiness and puffiness. Sagging skin occurs when excess fluid or fatty tissue accumulates under the eye area. What causes dark circles and eye bags? 

Dark circles and eye bags can occur for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, getting better rest isn't always easy. Here are some reasons why you might experience one or both of these situations: 

Genetics. Both pockets and circles can be inherited. "One of the most common causes is genetics, as we may see more dark circles in people with darker or olive skin tones," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Forde. 

Skin aging. "As we age, the skin under our eyes becomes thinner, and we lose some fatty tissue," Forde adds. The muscles around the eyelids begin to weaken, dark circles appear, and fatty tissue relaxes. Look for skin-firming peptides in your skincare routine (they can also help relieve another common eye problem: crow's feet). Zero Gravity uses a blend of peptides and brightening mica to give eyes an overall bright, rested effect. 

Dehydration. If you notice an increase in dark circles and bags under your eyes after a night of drinking (or — no judgment — after that plate of chips), it’s probably because you’re dehydrated. Dehydration causes the body to retain water, which can lead to a dull complexion and make dark circles under the eyes more prominent. 

To brighten the under-eye area, try dabbing (gently) a small dab of Vacation Eyes from the inner corner of your eye to your temple to help drain and wash away excess fluid. Its source of vitamin C "brightens and balances the skin, plus it acts as a collagen booster to thicken the eye area and hide dark discoloration," explains Stephanie. lack of sleep When the body is tired, it accelerates cortisol production to compensate for the loss of energy.

This causes blood vessels to dilate (leading to dark circles) and the body to retain more water (leading to puffy eyes). If you know you're sleep-deprived, apply Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm before bed, which has been shown to reduce eye puffiness. inflammation You may have eye sensitivity, seasonal allergies, or an inflammatory skin condition like eczema. 

All of these can cause congestion in your eye area and lead to dark circles and puffiness. One tip is to place skin care products or tools, like our Freeze Cooling Sticks, in the refrigerator or freezer, or apply a cold compress to the skin. 

The cold temperature improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation, providing immediate relief from eye bags and dark circles. Can dark circles be permanently eliminated? While we can reduce dark circles and eye bags through some lifestyle adjustments (such as increased dark circles), we have less control over factors such as genetics and aging. First, make sure your skin is hydrated and you're getting enough sleep. 

Always apply product with a gentle touch - avoid pulling or pulling on the skin, especially around the eyes, which is very thin and sensitive. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen every day, year-round. People who are more susceptible to sun damage and hyperpigmentation may experience more dark circles than usual. If you don't see the improvements you want, remember that everyone's body is unique and some may need more intensive treatment than others. Another option is to try in-office treatment, says Dr. Foam, such as hyaluronic acid fillers or laser.