Dark circles under your eyes can make you look tired even after a full night’s sleep. Lack of rest isn’t always to blame, according to doctors. Things like sun exposure, genetics, dehydration, and simply aging can also make your under-eye area look dark. We tapped experts to share tips for dealing with dark circles under the eyes.

The good news is that dark circles under your eyes are usually not a symptom of a medical problem, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But if you don’t want to see dark under-eye circles in the mirror, there are a few things you can do. Dermatologists say several home remedies can reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. There are also plenty of topical products designed to target this concern, like eye creams. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution, experts also say that certain in-office treatments can help address this skin issue.

How did your uninvited dark circles barge in in the first place? The answer is different for everyone. “There are several reasons for dark circles, including lack of sleep, allergies, genetics, dehydration, trauma from eye rubbing, sun exposure, and aging,” explains Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology. Overuse of alcohol may also cause darkness under the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Deanne Mraz, M.D., F.A.A.D., a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut adds that when dark circles are allergy-related—she calls them “allergic shiners”—nasal and sinus congestion leads blood to pool in the small veins under your eyes. The veins dilate, resulting in a dark, swollen appearance.

Then, there are genetic and age-related factors. “As we age, we lose collagen and elastin, which are the structural proteins that support our skin,” explains Dr. Mraz. This causes thinning skin, which can then reveal the vascular structures below, casting a shadow that can make the under eyes appear hollow, she adds.

There are a few things you can do to lessen the appearance of dark circles, depending on what’s causing them.

Eye cream

Because the root cause of most dark circles is below the skin’s surface, eye cream can only do so much. It all depends on said root cause, though. If you have allergies or eyelid dermatitis, which is skin irritation that may cause discoloration, “topical, over-the-counter eye creams can add a little improvement but will not address the underlying causes for the darkness,” explains Dr. Zubritsky.

Eye creams can also support the health of the skin, improving its texture, tone, and brightness, which can give the whole eye area more of an even glow. They “won’t reverse volume loss or thicken skin to mask visible vascular structures” though, Dr. Mraz stresses. “Look for sources of hydration and support—specifically hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants vitamin C and E,” she recommends. “Caffeine is another popular ingredient in eye products because it has anti-inflammatory properties to de-puff and brighten.”

Retinoids

“One of the most effective topical treatments for dark circles is using a prescription retinoid,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “This helps to reduce the pigment changes in the skin and increase cell turnover, leading to brighter, new cells.”

Dr. Mraz adds that retinoids address skin texture, too. “Look for one that is specifically formulated for the delicate eye area,” she says. “I like Skinbetter AlphaRet EyeMax Overnight Cream, which combines the exfoliating properties of a retinoid and AHA alongside antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to rejuvenate the eye area.” Over-the-counter retinol eye creams are also a thing, though they may not be as effective as prescription-grade topicals.

In-office injectables and treatments

The most immediate and significant way to treat dark circles is with in-office procedures conducted by a dermatologist. “I often treat this area with injectable filler to restore lost volume,” says Dr. Mraz. “Using the filler on the outer, upper cheek area can also softly lift the skin in this area for a rested and refreshed appearance.”

Another option that can be used in tandem with filler or on its own is a fractional laser treatment, she says, which “uses the laser’s energy to create microscopic columns of injury in the deep layers of the skin, promoting the body’s natural reaction to produce new collagen and elastin.”

All of this being said, if you wake up one morning with particularly gnarly circles and have an important meeting, there are a few things you can do at home to make them less prominent, if only temporarily.

Green tea bag compressions

“One of my favorite ways to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes is to use green tea bags,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “I recommend steeping the tea, then putting the bags in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and when combined with the cooling effect from the refrigerator, it helps to quickly reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles.” The caffeine also helps to restrict blood flow, she adds, which prevents veins from dilating and leading to a darker appearance.

Facial massage

“Facial massage with an ice roller, gua sha, or simply your fingers, can help to move stagnant lymph fluid and increase healthy blood flow to the area,” says Dr. Mraz.

Air purifier and humidifier

If you experience allergy-related dark circles and puffiness, Dr. Mraz says keeping air purifiers and humidifiers throughout your home to keep the air moist and clean may help reduce allergy symptoms and therefore dark circles.

Because dark circles are so often a result of genetics, aging, or both, it can be difficult to prevent them. However, your best bet is to avoid irritating topical ingredients like harsh exfoliants, get adequate hydration inside and out, avoid alcohol, prioritize sleep, avoid rubbing your eyes, Dr. Zubritsky says, “and of course, wear sunscreen every single day.”

Sometimes, applying concealer over puffy, dark under-eyes makes them look worse. That’s why skin prep and using a color corrector are key, explains celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero. “A salmon-toned color corrector helps with neutralizing the under eye area, preventing your concealer from turning gray or emphasizing the darkness,” he says.

Before doing that, Rivero recommends applying hydrating skincare—be it eye cream, moisturizer, serum, or all three, an hour pre-makeup if you can. This will ensure the area is smooth and hydrated, “giving you the after-facial-like glow,” so the concealer and everything look seamless and like a second skin when blended out.

Dark circles usually aren’t cause for medical concern. But if you have a dark circle or unusual swelling under just one eye, it’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Additionally, if you’ve tried at-home remedies or OTC products with little success, you may want to bring the issue to your dermatologist. They can help you explore options like prescription retinoids or under-eye filler.