These Are the Only Eye Creams I'll Use on My Puffy Under-Eyes

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Bad news first: Puffy eyes are notoriously hard to treat—so much so that even the best under-eye bag creams and treatments can only do so much. That's because the skin on your upper and lower-eyelids is the thinnest and most sensitive on your body, says dermatologist Kenneth Mark, MD, which means that aging, genetics, and even eating salty foods can make the eye area prone to swelling. As a result, there's no way to permanently get rid of under-eye bags unless you're willing to have surgery.

What causes under-eye bags?

Under-eye bags form due to a mix of health and behavioral factors, according to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. “Puffiness is often caused by poor lymphatic circulation or by dietary factors, like high sodium, which draws water into your skin’s tissue,” she says. While you can play around with your eating habits, you can only do so much when it comes to your lymphatic system—it may be holding on to excess lymph (aka fluid) because of hormones, new medications, or stress, which is why you should always check with your doctor if anything seems off.

Before you start worrying about your system or your love of salt, though, know that your bags may also just be something you were born with, meaning there’s nothing “wrong” with you, your lifestyle, or your health—your skin may simply be showing the natural muscle structure beneath it, giving you the appearance of puffiness.

The best treatments for under-eye bags

FYI: Under-eye bag treatments fall into two categories: (1) professional treatments done in the office by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for permanent or longer-lasting results; and (2) at-home treatments, which can potentially help decrease some surface-level puffiness, depending on the cause. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Professional under-eye bag treatments:

• Medications: These can include antihistamines for allergies, or diuretics for fluid retention

• Surgery, like lower blepharoplasty: In this procedure, excess fat and tissue are removed from under the eyes for a permanently smooth result

• Under-eye filler: This adds volume strategically to help blend your under-eye fat pads with your cheeks

• Laser treatments: These resurface skin to help tighten, smooth, and brighten skin, depending on the type of laser used)

• Microneedling: This creates a controlled injury in skin, which promotes collagen production to help firm skin and fade hyperpigmentation—which can offset the look of bags and dark circles

At-home under-eye bag treatments:

• Cryotherapy: This involves using chilled or frozen tools, eye masks, and devices to temporarily constrict blood vessels and deflate puffiness fast

• Retinoids: This class of vitamin A and its derivatives can boost collagen to help tighten and thicken skin around the eyes

• Skincare routine: Always removing makeup and washing your face can prevent skin irritation and eye puffiness

• Lifestyle changes: Reducing sodium intake can curb fluid retention in your skin, as can getting more sleep, reducing major life stressors, etc.

• Targeted eye creams: Caffeine-based formulas to temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling

See? You’ve got options. And don’t worry—I got the experts to explain your in-office and at-home treatments in even more detail below, including answers to all your Qs, like what causes under-eye bags, if it’s possible to get rid of them naturally, and more.

And, while eye cream alone might not magically deflate your puffiness once and for all, they can still reduce the size of under-eye bags, making them less noticeable. Other treatments, like balms and ice rollers, can also help—and you can bet that I tested them all in the name of tighter, brighter eyes. We also sought out dermatologists and plastic surgeons to give us the deets on how to reduce puffy eyes, both at home and at the derm.

Our top picks for under-eye bag treatments in 2024:

But for now, keep scrolling for the easiest under-eye bag treatments to try asap, including the best eye creams, skincare devices, and tools that’ll help depuff and smooth.

No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel

The number-one topical ingredient every single expert recommended for treating under-eye bags? Caffeine. According to dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens up blood vessels to reduce the appearance of veins and swelling. This cult-favorite eye cream not only contains caffeine to temporarily constrict blood vessels, but also has light-reflecting particles to offset dark circles and is even able to create a transparent film on your skin that “tightens” as it dries. The combo leaves your under-eyes looking smoother and brighter, especially after swiping on a layer of concealer.

Glowing customer review: “With an ice pack and this cream, bags were COMPLETELY gone. WOW. I could go to work and not look like I went on a bender the night before.”

Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum

This lightweight eye cream from The Ordinary contains a major dose of caffeine, plus a mix of EGCG (a soothing antioxidant found in green tea) and peptides (to help strengthen the elasticity around your eyes). Massage a few dabs of serum under your eyes every morning, then follow with your regular face moisturizer.

Glowing customer review:“Have used like 6 bottles of it now, day and night. The price is amazing, a bottle lasts forever, and it gets rid of all my puffiness and a lot of my darkness.”

The Return Eye Concentrate

Confession: I coat my entire face in this eye cream before bed, because the ingredients are just too good to only put under my eyes. We're talkin' exfoliating AHAs, firming peptides, moisturizing ceramides, soothing bisobolol, and antioxidant-rich sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a form of vitamin C that's said to be great for sensitive skin, acne, and fading dark spots). It's a pricey eye cream for sure, but it's been keeping my under-eyes and entire face smooth and supple so I'm sold.

Glowing customer review: "Absolutely LOVE this eye cream! I have sensitive skin and not easily wowed but this product is great quality and truly see a difference with using it!! Must buy!"

Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness

A whopping 25,000+ Amazon reviewers are legit obsessed with this affordable eye cream. And look, I get it too: It's got a nice creamy, moisturizing texture that makes my skin feel hydrated without leaving a heavy film under my eyes. I (along with many reviewers) love that it's filled with oils to help lock in moisture and smooth the ski around my eyes, plus brightening vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten up dark circles.

Glowing customer review: "I no longer have puffiness under my eyes, and the fine lines and wrinkles—that nothing before has helped—are no longer noticeable. To be completely honest, the dark circles under my eyes did diminish a little, but did not go away. This product is a total win for me. It has great ingredients, it has a great price, one bottle lasts me about four months, and it works better than even the most expensive eye creams I have tried."

Facial Ice Globes

It only took a gazillion years to come up with a more glamorous tool than the ol’ refrigerated-spoon trick, but glad we’re finally here. Cryo facial tools, like these glass cryo globes, help to reduce inflammation and swelling under the eyes by temporarily shrinking the blood vessels in your skin, says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD.

After cleansing and moisturizing your skin (moisture helps cryo tools glide easily across your face), massage your under-eyes with the globes, starting at the inner corner of your eyes, before gliding them up toward your temples. Or, for a full-scale chill, rub them around your face in tiny circles—there’s really no wrong way to use them. Just make sure to periodically wash them with soap and water to keep ‘em clean and gunk-free.

Glowing customer review: “Right away, I could feel a way more freshness on my skin in using the ice globes compared to my other beauty tools. They don’t tug at my skin or cause any discomfort, and they just feel so fresh.”

Hyaluronic +Peptide24 Hydrating Eye Gel

When my under-eyes are dry and lacking moisture, they often become irritated and puffy, accentuating under-eye bags to the max. For those times, I reach for this eye gel that's loaded with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help bring hydration back to my skin. "By increasing water content in the skin, hyaluronic acid can help plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles, too," dermatologist Julie Russak, MD, previously told Cosmo. And I love that the cooling, gel formula helps soothe my tired, puffy bb under-eyes.

Glowing customer review: "I love the way the cooling gel-like texture melts around my eye area with that 'aaahhh' feeling. My eyes look bright and refreshed! I love this Olay eye moisturizer! Definitely stocking up!"

Moisturizing Eye Bomb Cream

I always rely on this eye cream when allergies make my eyes itchy, irritated, and puffy. It's loaded with soothing ingredients—like cica, oat extract, panthenol, and calendula—and moisturizing squalane and ceramides. It totally helps calm down some of the allergy-induced inflammation around my eyes and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and supple. And I love that the texture is a lightweight gel that doesn't leave my under-eyes feeling heavy or sticky.

Glowing customer review: "The skin around my eyes is extremely sensitive and irritable. I was interested in this eye cream after using Belif’s Aqua Bomb True Cream, and I’m very happy I tried it. It’s a good amount of product for the price for a luxury brand, a little goes a long way, it’s very moisturizing, and never burns the skin around my eyes which commonly happens with eye creams."

Caffeine Eye Cream

The GOAT for under-eye bags? A caffeine eye cream, which "reduces puffiness and dark circles by temporarily by constricting blood vessels and improving circulation," dermatologist David Kim, MD, previously told Cosmo. This cream from the Inkey List is also the GOAT because it's super lightweight and easy to slather on in the morning to help reduce puffiness before layering on under-eye concealer.

Glowing customer review: "My eyes are super puffy and dark from lack of sleep. Once I started using this product, I noticed a difference under my eyes and the puffiness and redness had disappeared completely. The cream is also super moisturizing."

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler Serum

Listen up: if you’re not already using a retinol cream, your time has officially come. “While retinol may not get rid of under-eye bags themselves, it can help improve skin elasticity over time,” says Dr. Fahs. Retinol, reminder, speeds up your cellular turnover while stimulating collagen production. More collagen = more elasticity in the skin, which can mean firmer, smoother under-eyes over time.

Instead of spot-treating with a retinol eye cream, which can be needlessly irritating and limiting, massage a transparent layer of this retinol serum across your face (yup, even under your eyes) one to two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights a week for three weeks, before working your way up to every other night indefinitely. Because retinol can be a bit drying at first, end your night routine with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and mitigate any flaking or irritating side effects.

Glowing customer review: “I have dry and sensitive skin, but this doesn't break me out or irritate my skin at all. I love it and how it is helping get rid of my wrinkles.”

Universal Universal C Eye Perfector

JSYK, under-eye bags and dark circles aren’t the same thing, even though they’re often lumped together in the same complaint. If you’re dealing with both, try this vitamin C-spiked eye cream, which can help brighten skin over time. It “helps reduce the appearance of dark circles by fading hyperpigmentation, but because it’s an antioxidant, it also defends your skin from free-radical damage, which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles and premature aging," dermatologist Dendy Engleman, MD, previously shared with Cosmo.

While only professional treatments can completely get rid of under-eye bags, amping up the brightness around your eyes can make shadows less noticeable and bags look flatter. You can use this eye cream day or night, but because it’s so lightweight, I prefer to layer it under my concealer to help it blend better into my foundation.

Glowing customer review: “It went on super smoothly, and I had no hint of any burning sensation at all. And, maybe most importantly, my skin finally felt like it was getting some moisture! I can't even describe what a relief this was to me.”

Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration

FYI: Brightening up your skin with this tranexamic-acid treatment can actually make your under-eye bags look a bit less pronounced, says Dr. Mark. Essentially, evening out the darkness helps create the illusion that your under-eyes are a bit flatter. Just dab the serum just under your eyes two to three days a week, then follow with a moisturizing eye cream to help offset potential dryness from the formula’s brightening niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and azelaic acid (yup, this serum is a powerhouse).

Glowing customer review: “I struggle with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dark under-eye circles and uneven skin tone. The serum is creamy and smooth. I just gently rub it into my skin, and I will say, after about two uses, I began to notice that my dark spots were feeding quickly.”

Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides

Dewy, moist, glowy skin automatically looks healthier and plumper. So even if your skin is hyper-sensitive and you’re not looking to add a bunch of additional actives to your skincare routine, your under-eye bags can still benefit from a moisture-rich eye cream like this one from Shani Darden. The formula is filled with tightening peptides that help encourage the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, along with hydrating squalane, soothing niacinamide, and barrier-repairing ceramides to leave your fine lines a little softer, and your eye area look... way healthier.

nd don’t worry—the cream is moisturizing, yes, but not so heavy that it’ll cause concealer to slip around. Dab it on over moisturizer in the morning and at night, and if you’re feeling ~extra~, use cryo wands or a gua sha to massage it into the skin.

Glowing customer review: “I have very sensitive eyes, and this eye cream is non-irritating. It hydrates nicely and works well underneath makeup too. A little goes a long way, and I anticipate this lasting a long time.”

Tightening Eye Gel

When I'm having a particularly puffy day (read: I ordered Taco Bell at 2 a.m.), I reach for this tightening eye gel. It's actually made of a super-cool ingredient called pullulan, a thin, pliable polymer that dissolves in water and absorbs moisture to give a temporary skin-tightening effect (fun fact: pullulan is also used to make Listerine breath strips, fyi). And it's also filled with firming peptides and brightening antioxidants to help reduce under-eye bags over time.

Glowing product review: "This product is a gel, so it's very lightweight and absorbs quickly. I start under my eye and workaround in circular motions about my brow and lightly brush it over eye lids with zero fuss. The price is steep, but this is one of those products that just works so well, I don’t mind at all."

Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream

I'm willing to bet that if you've got under-eye bags, you prob also have some under-eye darkness too. Treat 'em both with this vitamin-C eye cream from Glow Recipe, which brightens and firms your skin to help flatten bags and reduce hyperpigmentation. Plus, it's also super lightweight, making it a great addition to both a morning and nighttime skincare routine.

Glowing customer review: "I used a whole bottle and bought a second one. It worked great for me to help with my dark circles and keep hydrated. I have sensitive eye/skin, and I did not react."

SuperHue Brightening Eye Cream

My hereditary under-eye bags are significantly more pronounced when I've got dark rings under my eyes. My fast fix? A quick dab of this tinted eye cream when I don't have the energy for a full-coverage concealer but want a lil color correction. The peachy shade helps counteract the purple/blue tone under my eyes, while the glowy finish gives me a wide-awake look.

Glowing customer review: "This eye cream is FANTASTIC. I put it on morning and evening. A little goes a long way. It brightens fairly quickly, and the cool metal tip feels so good."

Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

Not only is this eye cream filled with ingredients that'll help "deflate" my under-eye bags (see: firming peptides, brightening sea-fennel extract, and depuffing caffeine), but it's legit genius to wear under makeup, IMO. The formula has itsy-bitsy micro shimmers that give it a really glowy finish on my under-eyes that helps to distract from any puffiness, while the moisturizing texture helps my makeup go on smoother without getting creasy.

Glowing customer review: "I definitely see a difference when I use this product. I’ve noticed that my eyes look more 'awake' and vibrant. I especially love the applicator because it’s always cool to the touch."

Targeted Eye Depuffer

New York Fashion Week seems glamorous, but always ends with me being tired as all hell, hence some major under-eye baggage. This year, I packed this in my purse and it massively improved my situation. I'd just run the cool-tip applicator under my eyes to immediately help with depuffing, while the caffeine in the serum helps temporarily flatten my bags too. It's also got peptides help build collagen and firm skin over time.

Glowing customer review: "Absolutely love this! The cream is hydrating and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. The applicator stays cold so it feels great on the skin. I have sensitive skin and this doesn’t irritate it. I would recommend!"

Retinol 360° Eye Lift Patches

When my under-eyes are puffy, so are my upper eyelids (I'm allergic to everything in the outdoors, okay?!). When I got to test these recently, I legit immediately put a pair on my eyes because I was so intrigued by the circular shape—most eye patches only cover your under-eyes—and I can attest that they're as genius as they look.

When I pull them out of the package, they're covered in serum that's filled with firming retinol, plumping peptides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. But the best part is that they're immediately cooling and soothing, which helps make my under-eyes look a little flatter immediately too. I leave 'em on for about 15 minutes while I blow dry my bangs or use my microcurrent device, and I notice my entire eye area feels and looks a bit smoother afterward.

Glowing customer review: "I used to use under-eye patches before, and this is my first set of unique, around-the-eye patches. I love that they instantly hydrate the eye area 360 degrees, plus have retinol, HA, and peptides in one product. Fits any eye shape and doesn’t fall off or slide down like some others. Also, they’re biodegradable. Cute and very easy to use!"

Eye and Smile Reusable Lift Anti-Wrinkle Patches

Any beauty product that I can sleep in and still reap the benefits in the morning is good in my book (lazy gworl here). These silicone eye patches won’t dramatically reduce under-eye bags, but when you stick them on before bed as a ~precaution~, their gentle compression may help reduce some of the fluid retention that can contribute to puffiness, giving you the illusion of tighter, less-baggy under-eyes (especially when paired with a good concealer and color corrector). You can also keep them in the freezer and stick them on top of your eye cream in the morning to help boost the de-puffing effects.

Glowing customer review: “I was amazed how relaxed and bright my eyes looked the next day, and knew I was hooked. Nothing else has worked as well as the SIO patches. They will easily last 10-15 uses if you handle as instructed.”

Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow

Sue me, but there are nights when a basket of super-salty French fries overtakes my affinity for smooth, bright, under-eyes. Enter: this chilled eye pillow (yup, it’s a thing) that’s basically an eye mask, compression wrap, and ice pack, all in one. I keep it in my freezer, and whenever I need some under-eye TLC, I’ll slip on the mask and hang out (nap) until the pillow goes warm. It’s not as effective at de-puffing as straight ice, but the cold still helps constrict blood vessels, while the weight of the mask helps speed up fluid drainage.

Glowing customer review: “I store it in the freezer in a freezer bag and use it in the morning if my eyes are swollen or to help me fall asleep at night. The pressure is just right, and it keeps cool for a good amount of time.”

Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, recommends using this gel-infused roller to help de-puff your under-eye bags when you don’t have time for a full cryotherapy session. The cooling roller tip acts like a mini cryo wand as you massage and roll it across your eye area, helping fluid drain faster than if you had just tapped on a regular eye cream. And the gel itself is also excellent—formulated with vitamin C and caffeine to help brighten and firm the skin around your eyes with continued use.

Like 90 percent of my skincare products, I like to keep this roller in the fridge for added de-puffing powers. I just massage it under each eye for 30 seconds before tapping in the excess gel and finishing with moisturizer and sunscreen.

Glowing customer review: “I have very dark circles and puffy eyes and have tried many products. I started using this product at least a month ago and just last week my husband started saying I was looking different in my eyes for some reason. I couldn’t figure it out; then, we both realized that under my eyes were so much brighter and less puffy.”

Stainless Steel Gua Sha

Listen, I don’t have the patience to wait for my skin tools to get cold in the fridge after I inevitably forget to put them in there. So I got this stainless-steel gua sha that not only stays a bit cool on my vanity at all times, but can also quickly chill out in the freezer in a few minutes. Whenever I need a little de-puffing massage, I dab on an eye serum and gently glide the straight side of the gua sha from the inner to outer corners of my eyes 5-10 times each. No, gua sha won’t magically get rid of genetic eye bags, but it can help temporarily increase lymphatic drainage to decrease some puff.

Glowing customer review: “I love that it’s stainless steel, so non-porous, so I won’t have to worry as much about bacteria and germs,” writes one tester. “It feels cooling on the skin even without being in the fridge overnight, but that makes for an extra refresher.”

FIX Line-Smoothing Device

Using low-grade electrical currents to make your face look a bit more ~lifted~? Sounds fake, but trust me—I’m obsessed. Microcurrent devices, like the cult-favorite NuFace, use the technology of microcurrent facials to help stimulate blood flow and muscle contractions to leave your face looking a bit more glow-y and “tighter” over time.

The NuFace Fix (pictured here) is a smaller version of the original NuFace Trinity and designed to easily glide around the eyes and mouth to work on fine lines and puffiness. No, it won’t permanently get rid of under-eye bags (nothing but surgery can do that, sry), but in my experience of using it for daily for the last year, I’ve noticed that it temporarily leaves my under-eye bags looking a smidge smoother than any cream or massage ever has.

Glowing customer review: “So far, it’s become my favorite of the NuFace line, mostly because it’s so easy to use; small, light, and portable; and can be a quick or a longer treatment."

Reduce your salt intake

Salty foods (including alcohol) aren’t the sole reason why you might have under-eye bags, but they can be the reason why you wake up with more pronounced baggage after sipping margaritas and crunching on tortilla chips. “I know this sucks, but try to avoid salty foods and don’t drink a lot of alcohol if you’re trying to reduce bags,” says Dr. Gohara, since “both habits lend themselves to fluid retention,” resulting in a swollen-looking face.

Consider a laser treatment for under-eye bags

Dr. Mark says a fractional CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser procedure is the best under-eye bag treatment if you can afford it. Sometimes called the “Madonna eye-lift” (because Madonna herself had this treatment in the past), an under-eye fractional CO2 laser emits light that removes layers of skin to help smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles, and firm your skin, says Dr. Mark.

But you should know this procedure is pretty painful, even though your dermatologist will slather on some numbing cream beforehand, and it’s not cheap ($600 to $900 per treatment, and some derms recommend two treatments). There’s also a little downtime: Your skin will likely be inflamed, swollen, and irritated for three to five days afterward.

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Try a microneedling with radiofrequency treatment for under-eye bags

One of the most popular tightening and toning treatments is microneedling with radiofrequency (RF microneedling), like Vivace or Morpheus8, which uses a tool covered in tiny needles to puncture your skin to trigger the skin-healing process—i.e., a way of getting your body to create more collagen and elastin to heal itself, leading to smoother, firmer, and more even skin. RF microneedling can be used right up under your eyes to help flatten under-eye bags and brighten dark circles. But note that it’s a pretty pricey (and uncomfortable) option, with one treatment costing anywhere from $600 to $1,100, and most providers recommend three treatments to notice the best results.

My personal review: After one treatment of Vivace, my skin was noticeably brighter and smoother, especially under my eyes where I have hereditary under-eye bags. I now barely put concealer under my eyes and just de-puff with an ice roller when I feel a bit puffy in the mornings.

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Can eye bags be removed without surgery?

Eye bags can’t be completely “removed” without surgery if they’re a result of fat under your eyes versus just overall swelling. Retinoids or skin-tightening treatments will firm your skin and make your under-eye bags look less pronounced, but they won’t “deflate” your bags necessarily. Only a lower-lid blepharoplasty can truly get rid of the fat underneath your eyes.

Can allergies cause under-eye bags?

Yes, allergies can cause temporary under-eye bags, says Dr. Mark. “Allergies cause swelling by dilating the blood vessels and release a histamine,” says Dr. Mark, which is why over-the-counter antihistamines (like Zyrtec and Claritin), eye drops, and nasal sprays can help decrease irritation or fluid retention. Of course, if you think you’re struggling with allergies or have other widespread allergic issues, go to your primary care physician or an allergist for targeted help.

How do you permanently get rid of bags under your eyes?

It's important to note that creams and at-home remedies may only provide temporary improvement for under-eye bags. The only way to permanently get rid of genetic under-eye bags (aka bags caused by fat pads under the eyes, not by medications, lifestyle habits, or allergies) is through a surgery called lower-lid blepharoplasty.

According to plastic surgeon Alexis Parcells, MD, a blepharoplasty removes fat and excess skin under the eyes through a small incision, either directly below the eyelid or inside the eyelid, and can be an option for anyone whose under-eye bags are due to prominent fat pads. Of course, we’re talking about literal surgery here, and no surgery is without risks (even though the procedure takes less than an hour from start to finish, it can still result in dry eyes, pain, swelling, bruising, and blurred vision for up to two weeks).

Do fillers work for under-eye bags?

Filler might work for your under-eye bags if it’s placed closer to your cheekbone to even out the volume around your eyes. But tear-trough filler, which is placed just under your eyes, isn’t a great option for treating under-eye bags. First of all, if your concern is excess puffiness, adding filler will only make the puffiness bigger. Plus, because the skin under your eyes is so thin, it’s easy for face filler to accidentally migrate, making it “very unpredictable,” says Dr. Parcells. So before you commit to injectables, “you have to understand the variability and be okay with the fact that it may need to be dissolved later on if it does migrate,” she says.

Can laser treatment or microneedling get rid of bags under eyes?

Laser treatments and microneedling can help get rid of under-eye bags. Dr. Parcells and Dr. Mark both recommend CO2-laser treatments, which will increase collagen production and tighten and smooth your under-.eyes and brighten up darkness. Microneedling can help with under-eye bags as well, but it’ll require more treatments and won’t have as strong results (but there’s no downtime and it’s less painful, so it depends on your preference and what your derm recommends).

Still, neither of these treatments will be very effective if your under-eye bags are hereditary and due to prominent fat pads. And again, because your eye area is so delicate and the skin is so thin, not every patient may be a candidate for these more intense treatments, which is why it’s so important to consult with a dermatologist (or two!) to figure out exactly what’s causing your puffiness and decide the best course of treatment for your specific anatomy.

What is the best skincare routine for under-eye bags?

The best skincare routine for under-eye bags is actually a simple and gentle one—and it surprisingly doesn’t require an under-eye cream (the shock!). Instead, look for a basic skincare routine that consists of makeup remover/face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen. And no, we’re not just touting SPF because we always do. Puffiness and bags will worsen as your skin loses elasticity, so it’s important to preserve the “delicate collagen around the eye by wearing sunscreen regularly,” explained Dr. Fahs.

Once you’ve got the basics down—and you consistently stick to your routine, ahem—you can slowly incorporate area-specific products, like a caffeine eye-cream to help get rid of puffiness, a vitamin C serum to help fade dark spots, and retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles over time.

How to choose the best under-eye bag treatment:

Assess your goals

If your under-eye bags are just a little puffy when you wake up on a Sunday morning after a night out, you can probably just build a morning routine with a caffeine eye cream and an ice roller to help reduce some swelling. But if your under-eye bags are a result of skin laxity and age, you might want to reach out to your dermatologist for a prescription retinoid or a professional treatment, like microneedling or CO2 lasers.

Consider your budget

There’s a massive price difference between picking up a cheap ice roller on Amazon and dropping cash on a CO2 laser treatment in the derm’s office. Once you’ve figured out how you want to approach your under-eye bag treatment, think about what you’re willing to spend. If you want to tighten your skin without an expensive microneedling or laser procedure, incorporate a retinol serum or a tretinoin prescription from your dermatologist (or a tele-derm service, like Curology or Apostrophe) into your routine two to three nights a week. Or, if you already have a retinoid but need more moisture, combine two under-eye bag treatments in one by opting for a roller-ball serum or a moisturizing concealer.

Talk to your doctor

If your under-eye bags are persistent and bothering you, book an appointment with your primary-care physician to get a clean bill of health (remember: certain foods, lack of sleep, dehydration, and fatigue can all be causes for under-eye bags), then chat with your dermatologist about potential treatments depending on your goals and your specific under-eye bags.

Meet the experts:

• Kenneth Mark, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with his own practice in New York, NY; Southhampton, NY; and Aspen, CO. He has a strong focus on cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic procedures, especially focusing on injectables, lasers, and peels.

• Dr. Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Idriss is also the founder and medical director of Idriss Dermatology in New York, NY, as well as her own skincare line.

• Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Parcells Plastic Surgery in Eatontown, NJ and New York, NY, and a clinical instructor at RWJ Barnabas Health in New Jersey. Dr. Parcells is also the founder of Sunnie, a topical medical-grade skincare line that consists of cleansers, scar-reducing treatments, lash and brow serums, and acne products.

• Dr. Fatima Fahs, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hamzavi Dermatology in Canton, MI. She is also the founder of the Dermy Doc Box, a quarterly subscription beauty box filled with dermatologist-approved skincare favorites.

• Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group and a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology in New York, NY.

• Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from how to get rid of stretch marks to skin barrier. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to under-eye bag treatments, thanks to years of dealing with her own hereditary eye bags and puffiness. She regularly tests and analyzes under-eye bag treatments and eye creams for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess new formulas and brands.

Katherine J. Igoe is a contributing editor at Cosmopolitan and has been writing about beauty, fashion, culture, and sex for 11 years. She’s an authority in all things skincare, including the best stretch-mark creams and how to get rid of cellulite. Her under-eye bag treatment picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing.

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