Under-Eye Care: What Helps Puffiness and Dark Circles

Dark circles have many causes — genetics, pigmentation, thin skin, allergies, lack of sleep. Creams help with some of these, slowly; concealer hides the rest on the day.

• Puffiness: caffeine and cool gels help; so does less salt and more sleep.
• Pigmented dark circles: vitamin C, niacinamide and daily sunscreen around the eyes help over months.
• Fine lines: hydrating creams and, later, gentle retinol eye creams.
• Don't rub your eyes; it darkens the skin over time.

Concealing on the day

1. 1Cancel the darkness with a peach or orange corrector (not pink, on Indian skin).
2. 2Pat on a concealer half a shade lighter than your foundation.
3. 3Set with a little powder so it doesn't crease.

This is general care advice, not medical advice. For persistent acne, rashes, pigmentation or hair loss, see a dermatologist.