Anemia or an iron deficiency can result in dark eye circles as not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues. Liver problems can also be a cause. Any medications that make blood vessels dilate can cause eye circles to darken as well.
Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, E, K and D, have been associated with dark circles.
Vitamin K – Vitamin K is one of the most commonly-used vitamins in skincare, especially in eye creams. This vitamin is specifically targeted to treat dark circles. When your body lacks Vitamin K, then capillaries begin to break around the eye area, which can further darken your eye area.
Dark circles under the eyes are usually caused by being tired. Sometimes, what appear to be dark circles under your eyes may merely be shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging. Dark circles under the eyes usually aren't a medical problem.
Dark circles eyes are an external manifestation of chronic liver disease, especially when liver function is impaired for a long time or people have liver edema, the longer the eyes appear dark circles.
Anemia or an iron deficiency can result in dark eye circles as not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues. Liver problems can also be a cause. Any medications that make blood vessels dilate can cause eye circles to darken as well.
Drinking water helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness below the eyes. Water helps to flush out toxins from the body and reduces salt concentration around the eye area.
Topical creams and bleaching agents: Topical creams, such as vitamin C, and bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, can help lighten the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. Chemical peels: Chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy acids to reduce the pigmentation under your eyes.
A dull complexion can be a sign of a lack of Vitamin D. Your complexion may appear slightly grey, your skin not as plump or supple as usual, and you may also have darker under eye circles, this is because the skin needs Vitamin D for the skin cells to regenerate properly and remain healthy.
Thyroid conditions—both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism—can cause under-eye bags or circles.
Another common cause of dark under-eye circles is low iron and/or B12. This deficiency can result in poor oxygenation of bodily tissues and the effects of this are shown mostly under the eyes where pronounced, bluish veins are more visible.
“Very commonly, dark circles worsen with age,” says Dr. McGevna. “That's because there's a natural restructuring of the bones of the cheek, and some skin laxity in the eyelids, which leads to a hollow appearance, and a shadow from above.”
Dehydration is a common cause of under-eye circles since we don't take notice when we are dehydrated. When the body is not receiving the proper amount of water, due to their close proximity to the underlying bone the skin beneath the eyes begins to look dull and the eyes look sunken.
However, a diet that lacks a high level of healthy nutrients can contribute to your dark circles. In addition to the level of nutrients in your diet, the amount of food you eat can also impact whether you get dark circles. For example, undereating or overeating can both contribute to issues with your skin.
Eye symptoms of low iron can include a pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids. In moderate or severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, the inside layer of the lower eyelid is very pale pink or yellow instead of red. Rather than low iron, one common cause of blurry vision is dry eye.
The hemoglobin in the red blood cells is what gives the blood its colour. Therefore, low levels or lack of iron in the body can make your blood less like it. Usually, a normal eye appears pale pink in colour. However, if you're deficient in iron in the body, your inner eyelid may seem more white.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Use the CVS Health At Home Vitamin D Test Kit to get accurate and comprehensive results in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Simply collect your blood sample using this convenient kit, mail it to the lab, and receive your results through a secure online portal in just a few days.