My Undereye Healing Routine: A Simple Day + Night Plan

I started noticing my under-eyes looking dry, tired, and darker than usual — and no concealer was fixing it. Instead of adding more makeup, I decided to actually heal the skin under my eyes.

This is the exact undereye healing routine I’m following right now, the products I chose, and how I use them morning and night. It’s simple, gentle, and realistic for busy days—and, most importantly, it focuses on repairing the skin rather than masking the problem.

Why I Focused on Healing My Undereye Area (Not Covering)

The under-eye area is delicate. It’s thinner than the rest of the face and shows dehydration, stress, lack of sleep, and irritation quickly — especially on melanin-rich skin. My goal wasn’t to erase dark circles overnight, but to:

• Improve hydration and texture

• Support the skin barrier

• Brighten the overall appearance over time

• Prevent further damage

Consistency matters more than intensity here.

The Products I’m Using

These are the core products in my routine. Each one has a purpose, and I didn’t add anything unnecessary.

1 - The Ordinary Caffeine Solution (AM + optional PM)

Why I use it: This helps with circulation and that tired, puffy look. It doesn’t magically erase dark circles, but it makes my under-eyes look more awake and refreshed.

How I use it:

• Morning: light layer, gently tapped in

• Night: optional on non-retinol nights

This goes on first, so it can fully absorb.

2 - La Roche-Posay Eye Cream (AM + PM)

Why I use it: Hydration and barrier repair are non-negotiable for healing under-eyes. This step keeps the skin comfortable and helps prevent dryness and crepey texture.

How I use it:

• Morning and night

• Always after serums

I use a rice-grain amount per eye and gently press it in with my ring finger.

3 - The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream (PM only)

Why I use it: Retinol helps improve texture, fine lines, and long-term brightness — but under the eyes, gentle is key. I chose a beginner-friendly option designed specifically for this area.

How I use it:

• Night only

• 2–3 nights per week

• Rice-grain amount per eye

• Always followed by eye cream

On retinol nights, I skip other actives and keep the rest of my routine simple.

4 - Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Optional, PM)

Why I use it: If my under-eyes feel dry or tight, this step seals everything in and prevents moisture loss overnight.

How I use it:

• Very small amount

• Pressed on last

• Only when needed

This step has made a big difference in preventing dryness.

My Morning Undereye Healing Routine

This takes about two minutes:

1. Cleanse (no scrubbing under the eyes)

2. Caffeine eye serum

3. Barrier-repair eye cream

4. Sunscreen, gently tapped under the eyes

Sunscreen is essential — dark circles won’t improve if the area isn’t protected.

My Night Undereye Healing Routine

This is where most of the healing happens:

1. Cleanse gently

2. Caffeine serum (optional)

3. Retinol eye cream (2–3 nights per week only)

4. Barrier-repair eye cream

5. Occlusive if my skin feels dry

On non-retinol nights, I skip step 3 and focus solely on hydration.

What I’m Avoiding

To protect my under-eyes, I’ve been intentional about what not to do:

• No harsh scrubs or rubbing

• No strong actives under the eyes

• No aggressive makeup removal

• No layering too many products at once

Gentle and consistent wins here.

What Results I’m Expecting

This routine isn’t about overnight miracles. Here’s what I’m realistically aiming for:

• Smoother texture within a few weeks

• Better hydration and less creasing

• Brighter, healthier-looking under-eyes over time

For me, healing the skin is the long-term solution — not just covering it up.

If you’re struggling with dry, tired-looking under-eyes, this routine is a great place to start. I’ll continue sharing updates as I stay consistent and see more results.

In the meantime, shop all of my self-care essentials. I'm sure you will find something you love.

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XO -

Kiera Laeka