Does Microneedling Under the Eyes Reduce Dark Circles?
Written by: Aither
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Published on Feb 05, 2025
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Time to read 8 min
There’s no shortage of treatments for dark circles and under-eye bags. From fancy creams to high-tech procedures, the options are endless. Yet one that stands out the most is microneedling for under-eye bags.
In 2024, the global eye cream market was worth a whopping $5 billion, and it’s expected to hit $5.3 billion in 2025 and a jaw-dropping $9.5 billion by 2034. That’s a lot of money spent on tiny jars of hope.
While eye creams do their thing, the real game-changers are treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, and fillers. Yet among all these heavy hitters, microneedling stands out as the gentle (less harsh but effective) option. And here’s why.
But First, What Causes Dark Circles and Eye Bags?
Before we get into what causes these under-eye woes, let’s get one thing straight—they’re not the same thing. Dark circles and eye bags are totally different problems.
Dark circles show up when poor circulation causes blood to pool under your eyes. It leaves you with that bluey-purple tint. Eye bags, on the other hand, are fat deposits settling under your lids, giving you that "I just pulled an all-nighter"look even when you have a full eight hours.
Dark Circles
Pop up for a variety of reasons, but one of the biggest culprits? Aging. As you get older, the skin under your eyes starts to lose its firmness and becomes thinner. The blood vessels beneath are more noticeable, which is the reason for that darker under-eye look. On top of that, you might develop tear troughs, those hollowed-out areas that cast shadows and make puffiness look even worse
Eye Bags
Under-eye bags pop up when the muscles and tissues around your eyes start to lose their firmness as the skin sags, and fat that’s normally tucked away shifts downward. To make things worse, fluid can build up in the area, so you look puffy and more tired than you feel.
Does Microneedling For Under Eye Bags and Dark Circles Work?
Short answer: yes.
You might have heard of microneedling for scars, but this treatment method goes beyond that. Microneedling for under-eye wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles is also effective.
Microneedling for eye bags works just like it does for other skin concerns. The derma roller kickstarts collagen production to smooth and firm the area. Want the full scoop on how microneedling works? Check out our blog,“Microneedling Device & Skin Renewal — The Science of Collagen Stimulation.”
For an extra boost, some like to combine their microneedling treatments with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to promote new cell growth and speed up healing. Some people take it a step further with vitamin A or C serums to maximize results. You can also add collagen-packed formulas with hyaluronic acid to keep skin looking plump and refreshed.
User Experience
“I Tried Derma-Rolling For Under-Eye Bags and It Totally Worked” is an article written by Victoria Hoff, where she shared her experience of using a derma roller to get rid of her under-eye bags.
After experiencing a professional microneedling treatment that made stubborn dark circles and under-eye bags practically vanish for weeks, she bought a derma roller on Amazon.
Initially skeptical about achieving professional-level microneedling results at home, she was proven wrong. After consistently using a derma roller, she noticed a dramatic improvement: dark circles and under-eye bags diminished, premature lines disappeared, and her face appeared more refreshed.
Even friends and family took notice, with some assuming she had cosmetic work done. The transformation was so convincing that others began asking her for advice on trying derma rolling themselves.
Experts’ Opinions and Advice
What makes a derma roller such a game-changer? “Dermarolling increases circulation, which improves oxygen delivery to skin cells,” explains Brendan Camp, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. “That extra oxygen helps cells protect themselves from free radical damage. And by boosting collagen, derma rolling can firm up thin, crepey skin around the eyes.”
No matter how amazing a cosmetic treatment is, whether it’s a pro-level procedure or a DIY fix, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. "Dermarollers can be great for those looking to improve the appearance of their under-eye skin," says Camp."But if you have sensitive skin, bruise easily, struggle with active skin conditions like acne or eczema, or take blood thinners, this might not be the best option for you."
Microneedling For Under Eye Bags Before And After
Using a derma roller is pretty much the same as microneedling for under-eye wrinkles, scars, and other skin concerns, just with a little extra TLC. The under-eye area is delicate, and the skin is thinner, so a gentle touch is key.
The week leading up to your microneedling treatment isn’t the time to go wild with skincare experiments.
• Skip the harsh stuff. Put those exfoliants and acid peels on pause. Your skin needs to be in its best shape, not irritated, before the needles even touch it.
• Keep it simple. Stick to a gentle, fragrance-free routine with minimal synthetic chemicals.
• Ditch the pain relievers. Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) for at least three days before your treatment. These medications can mess with your body’s natural healing response.
During the procedure:
• Start with a solid double cleanse (yes, wash your face twice) using your go-to cleanser to make sure every trace of makeup and skincare products is gone.
• Use a numbing cream if necessary, then wipe it off completely.
• After removing the numbing cream, cleanse again.
• Before rolling, make sure your derma roller is clean.
• When working on the delicate under-eye area, keep your skin nice and taut, then roll over it in all directions—diagonal, horizontal, and vertical. Apply as much pressure as you can comfortably handle; no need to go overboard. Pro tip: Avoid rolling over the same spot more than a couple of times.
• Once you’re done rolling, apply a layer of serum to lock in hydration.
Derma Roller For Under Eye Dark Circles Works
Microneedling at home with a derma roller is an easy and effective way to refresh your under-eye area. This minimally invasive treatment reduces dark circles and eye bags for a more awake and rejuvenated look. Just make sure to choose a high-quality derma roller for the best results.
If you're looking for one, Aither offers derma rollers and derma stamps with 0.25mm needles—perfect for gentle use on delicate skin. Who needs pricey in-office treatments when you can get glowing results from home?