We’ve all been there a time or two. Waking up to see a zombie-like face in the mirror with one of the most common beauty complaints: dark, puffy circles under our eyes. Sometimes it’s due to a late night at work or binge watching a new television show you should have waited until the weekend to start. For some people, dark circles and puffy skin under the eyes are a regular part of life and one that can be very frustrating.

What Are Dark Circles and What Causes Them?

“The phrase ‘dark circles’ under the eyes has become a bit of a catch-all term for a series of different issues that all require different treatments to correct,” said Dr. Mayli Davis, board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“Sometimes extra fatty deposits under the eyes can cause the appearance of dark, puffy areas, while extra skin or sagging eyelids can cause shadows under the eye that contribute to that ‘dark circle’ appearance,” she said.

Other causes of dark circles under the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Allergies
• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Fatigue
• Hay fever
• Genetics
• Pigmentation irregularities
• Rubbing or scratching the eyes
• Sun exposure
• Thinning skin
• Aging

How Can You Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

The first step in getting rid of your dark circles is identifying the cause, said Davis.

“Non-surgical treatments like chemical peels or injectables can help in many cases. Sometimes the best course of action is using surgery to remove fat or to get rid of the excess skin in the lower eyelid,” she said.

Dark circles are clearly a common issue as several celebrities have taken to social media to share how they fight the signs of fatigue or allergies under their eyes.

Actress Gabrielle Union, best known for her role in the cheerleader movie Bring It On, told the New York Times she uses chilled tea bags to help de-puff her eyes and remove the dark circles in the morning.

“Tea is full of antioxidants and tannins. This helps the blood vessels and capillaries in the skin to constrict and in turn helps reduce puffiness and dark circles,” Davis said.

Glee actress Lea Michele shared her favorite dark circle remedy on her Instagram story. She and several Victoria’s Secret models use jade rollers to help brighten and lighten their under-eye area. Jade rollers are an old Chinese beauty tradition that helps detox the body and improve blood circulation. Many have reported it as being a soothing and relaxing treatment, as well.

Some of the other remedies shared include creams, chilled spoons, chilled potatoes and even bird poop. Yes, Victoria and David Beckham reportedly use an eye cream that is made of nightingale droppings during a facial treatment called a Geisha Facial at Shizuka spa in New York City.

“If home remedies simply aren’t working for you anymore, it’s a good idea to see a professional for a consultation to help determine what the cause of your dark circles or puffiness is so you can directly treat the root of the problem, instead of just trying to hide the symptoms,” said Davis.

So, if the bird poop cream doesn’t work, you can always seek a professional opinion to get you on the right track to lighter and brighter eyes.