Dark under-eye circles are one of the most common skin concerns. For proof of that, just look at the eye cream market, which was valued at more than $5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach more than $8 billion by 2031, according to Verified Market Research.
For those who want to reduce their appearance, dark under-eye circles can be stubborn to treat—but not impossible. If they are being caused by lifestyle or diet factors, there are some things you can do to tackle them. And not all of them involve splashing out at the beauty counter.
What causes dark under-eye circles?
There are many different reasons why dark circles appear. For some, it’s genetics, while for others, it’s due to stress or a lack of sleep. Many health conditions can lead to under-eye circles, as can a lack of nutrition, like deficiencies in vitamin B12 and iron, for example.
“Dark circles under your eyes, and skin health in general, definitely have a dietary component, though they’re also influenced by things like stress levels, genetics, and sleep patterns,” Jordan Anthony, MS, RDN of nutrition platform Ahara told VegNews.
Often, under-eye circles don’t require any treatment at all. Some people are just more likely to have them than others. For example, individuals with thinner skin under the eyes are more likely to have dark circles. People of Middle Eastern, Asian, and African descent are also often more prone to hyperpigmentation due to their higher production of melanin, and this can make dark under-eye circles more pronounced.
If you want to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles, one option is to head to the store to stock up on creams, serums, and ointments. But note that they are not a magic solution to erasing them straightaway.
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“Eye cream is not necessary,” Marisa Garshick MD, FAAD, told Byrdie. “But individuals who have concerns related to the skin around the eye, including dark circles, puffiness, Crow’s feet, fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss, eye creams may be a helpful addition to improve the appearance of the under-eye skin.”
How to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles (without expensive creams)
If you believe your under-eye circles are a result of lifestyle factors, there are plenty of things you can do to try and reduce their appearance without reaching for pricey products.
Getting enough sleep, for example, can make a big difference, as sleep deprivation is one of the most common causes of dark circles. Gentle massage may also be beneficial, as this can help to reduce fluid retention around the eyes and improve circulation.Experts suggest gently tapping your ring finger around the under-eye area for a minute or two each day to promote blood flow, for example. Reducing alcohol consumption can also help, as drinking too much alcohol can impact sleep quality, increase inflammation, and lead to dehydration.
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Dehydration is another big cause of under-eye circles—after all, staying hydrated is key to maintaining healthy, plump skin. “Hydration is also essential to good skin health. When our bodies are well-hydrated, our skin is softer, more elastic, and less wrinkled,” explains Anthony.
As well as drinking plenty of water, certain foods can help with hydration. And food can, of course, also provide us with skin-supporting nutrients, too. “Antioxidants have an essential role to play in skin health because they help to counteract the biological impacts of stress on the body,” notes Anthony.
5 foods that may help to reduce dark circles
To tackle dark circles, it’s important to not only address hydration but also the nutrients that support skin health. Below, we’ve compiled five foods that may help reduce the appearance of dark circles, providing both hydration and skin-supporting nutrients.
1 Cucumber
Cucumber is 96 percent water, which makes it an incredibly hydrating vegetable. It’s also a good source of vitamin K, which helps with blood circulation, and, in turn, may help to reduce dark circles. Cucumber slices are often used topically, but eating them can provide similar benefits (plus they’re tasty, too).
Try it in a recipe: Healthy Vegan Cucumber Sushi Rolls With Spicy Mayo
2 Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, two potent antioxidants that help to support skin health, including the delicate skin under the eyes. They help to boost collagen production, for example, which can help to firm up under-eye skin. They’re also anti-inflammatory; inflammation can worsen the appearance of dark circles, as it can lead to puffiness and exacerbate discoloration.
Try it in a recipe: Vegan Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes With Seasonal Vegetables
3 Avocados
Avocados help to nourish the skin for a few reasons. First, they’re rich in healthy fats, which are important for helping maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and reducing inflammation. They’re also packed with vitamin E—another potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It’s also incredibly moisturizing, too.
Try it in a recipe: Spicy Vegan Avocado Coconut Curry Noodles
4 Berries
Berries are another good source of vitamin C, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. And they’re also rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. On top of this, they’re a good source of hydration, too, thanks to their high water content.
Try it in a recipe: Vegan Chia Berry Breakfast Pudding
5 Watermelon
Watermelon is around 90 percent water, which helps with hydration. But it’s also a source of lycopene, too, as well as vitamin C and two more potent antioxidants: beta-carotene and cucurbitacin E. Both of these compounds are anti-inflammatory, which means they help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes, making the under-eye area look less tired and more refreshed.
Try it in a recipe: Vegan Seared Watermelon Niçoise Salad
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