Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles

You already know that lack of sleep can result in rings under your eyes, but what you might not be aware of is that dark circles can also come from drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, excess pigmentation in your skin (which is genetic), and allergies. Here, expert tips for erasing them:

Put a Potato to Work

Fade your rings temporarily by cutting a potato (which has a skin-lightening enzyme called catecholase) into two thin slices, says makeup pro Shalini Vadhera. Leave them on your eyes for 10 minutes, allowing the juice to seep into your skin. Do this twice a week.

Take an Antihistamine

If your circles appear during allergy season, consult your doc, says Dr. Robert Mirsky, an ophthalmologist in New Jersey. “Airborne allergens cause blood to pool in the vessels under your skin. Plus, rubbing your eyes can bruise those same vessels, causing a dark appearance under the eyes.” Your doctor may want you to try an antihistamine or allergy-relief eyedrops.

Double Up on Eye Cream

Vitamin K has long been the gold standard for lightening the color of the under-eye area. A recent study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that it’s even more effective when combined with a topical vitamin A derivative (such as retinol). But since retinol is always used solo, you’ll need two creams, says Dr. Audrey Kunin. She recommends MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Anti-Aging Eye Complex every other night and MD Skincare Lift & Lighten for the other nights.

Protect Your Peepers

Cumulative sun damage can cause darkening under your eyes. You can prevent this with a broad-spectrum SPF that won’t sting when you wear it around your eyes. Try Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion.