What Deficiency Causes Dark Circles? The Things You Need To Know!

Dark circles under the eyes impart a tired and aged appearance. While factors like insufficient sleep, allergies, and genetic predispositions are common contributors, knowing what deficiency causes dark circles makes a difference. Nutritional deficiencies may also play a role in their formation. This blog aims to shed light on potential deficiencies causing dark circles. 

It offers effective strategies to address them, unveiling tips for a more radiant, youthful-looking under-eye area. From iron and vitamin K deficiencies to insights on vitamin C and E, it will provide practical remedies to mitigate the effects of these deficiencies and diminish the presence of dark circles.

In addition to exploring the nutritional aspects, this blog will explore five home remedies and tips specifically designed to target dark circles. By combining insights into what deficiency causes dark circles, take control and achieve a brighter, rejuvenated under-eye area.

Table Of Contents

1. What Deficiency Causes Dark Circles?

2. 5 Home Remedies For Dark Circles

3. 8 Effective Tips To Reduce Dark Circles

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

What Deficiency Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles emerge due to a lack of vital vitamins necessary for the proper functioning of the body, like vitamins B12, K, D, C, E, and others, all crucial for maintaining skin health. Without these essential nutrients, the skin surrounding the eyes can thin, making underlying blood vessels more apparent and ultimately forming dark circles. Let’s explore what deficiency causes dark circles in-depth:

1. Vitamin A Deficiency

As per the NHS, vitamin A is crucial for skin health as it promotes cell turnover, aiding in the removal of old cells and the generation of new ones. Individuals deficient in vitamin A may experience dry, flaky skin, and in some cases, develop dark circles. The organisation recommends vitamin A sources like cheese, eggs, oily fish, fortified low-fat spread, milk and yoghurt, as well as liver and liver products.

2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dark circles under the eyes can be a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, impacting the production of haemoglobin, a protein essential for oxygen transport in red blood cells. Low haemoglobin levels may result in pale and thin skin under the eyes, drawing attention to the underlying blood vessels. Vitamin B12 deficiency, characterised by insufficient levels of the vitamin, affects various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and nerve function.

3. Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamin K, vital for blood clotting, bone health, and skin maintenance, is pivotal in preventing dark circles under the eyes. Insufficient vitamin K can make blood vessels under the eyes fragile, leading to potential bleeding and the formation of dark circles. Prothrombin, a protein crucial for blood clotting, relies on vitamin K for its development.

4. Vitamin D Deficiency

An inadequate amount of vitamin D, known as vitamin D insufficiency, affects the development of new cells, immune response, and bone health. Dark circles under the eyes indicate vitamin D deficiency due to its role in collagen synthesis. Collagen, a protein vital for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity around the eyes, may be lacking, resulting in thin and wrinkled skin, and making blood vessels more visible.

5. Vitamin C Deficiency

When your body lacks vitamin C, it's called vitamin C inadequacy. This essential nutrient supports the immune system, collagen production, and wound healing. Dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of insufficient vitamin C since it's necessary for collagen synthesis, and maintaining skin elasticity around the eyes. Inadequate vitamin C can lead to thinning and wrinkling of the skin, making blood vessels more visible.

6. Vitamin E Deficiency

Insufficient levels of vitamin E, a rare condition known as vitamin E insufficiency, deprive the body of this essential component crucial for supporting the immune system, cell growth, and antioxidant defence. Vitamin E-rich foods contain antioxidant properties that protect your skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and harmful chemicals that can damage skin cells.

7. Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common cause of dark circles under the eyes, impacting the formation of haemoglobin, a protein responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells. Without enough iron, oxygen supply to the delicate skin under the eyes diminishes, leading to increased visibility of blood vessels and a dark, bluish appearance. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption, making it essential to include iron-rich Indian foods in your diet or consult a healthcare professional for iron supplements.

Also Read: Remedies For Dark Circles Before Wedding 

5 Home Remedies For Dark Circles

Let’s explore these home remedies for dark circles, which help reduce and prevent the causes of dark circles as well:

1. Cucumber Slices

These have natural soothing properties that help reduce puffiness and dark circles. The coolness of cucumber helps constrict blood vessels, minimising the appearance of dark circles. Regular application rejuvenates the skin around the eyes.

Ingredients:

• Fresh cucumber slices

• Aloe vera gel

Instructions:

1. Chill cucumber slices in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

2. Mix aloe vera gel with cucumber slices.

3. Place the chilled slices on closed eyes and leave for 10-15 minutes.

4. Rinse with water and repeat daily for best results.

2. Cold Tea Bags

These tea bags, particularly green or chamomile tea, contain antioxidants and caffeine that reduce swelling and tighten the skin. The cold temperature soothes the delicate eye area, diminishing dark circles over time.

Ingredients:

• Tea bags (green or chamomile)

• Mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Steep two tea bags in hot water for a few minutes.

2. Add crushed mint leaves to the steeped tea.

3. Allow them to cool in the refrigerator.

4. Place the cold tea bags on closed eyes for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

3. Honey And Almond Oil

A mixture of honey and almond oil provides hydration and nourishment to the under-eye area. Honey's natural antioxidants and almond oil's emollient properties work together to lighten dark circles and promote skin health.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon almond oil

• Turmeric powder

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, almond oil, and a pinch of turmeric powder to form a smooth paste.

2. Gently apply the mixture to the under-eye area.

3. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Use regularly.

Also Read: Goat Milk For Eye Infection & Amazing Benefits

4. Rosewater

Bags under the eyes from vitamin deficiency may improve with the application of rosewater. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and refresh the skin around the eyes. It also helps maintain the skin's pH balance, reducing dark circles and puffiness.

Ingredients:

• Pure rosewater

• Cotton pads

• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Soak cotton pads in rosewater and a few drops of lemon juice.

2. Place the soaked cotton pads on closed eyes.

3. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Use daily for visible results.

5. Cold Milk And Saffron

This provides a nourishing and brightening effect. Saffron's antioxidants and cold milk's soothing properties lighten dark circles and improve skin texture.

Ingredients:

• Cold milk

• Saffron strands

• Honey

Instructions:

1. Soak a few saffron strands in cold milk with a teaspoon of honey for a few hours.

2. Apply the mixture gently to the under-eye area.

3. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Repeat regularly.

Also Read: Reduce Digital Eye Strain: Symptoms And Treatment

8 Effective Tips To Reduce Dark Circles

Dark circles due to vitamin deficiency can be addressed by incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet or considering appropriate supplements. Note the given home remedy tips to reduce dark circles effectively:

The Final Say

So, indeed dark circles can be a temporary nuisance for some; knowing what deficiency causes dark circles helps a lot, influenced by genetics or lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive screen time. While they are often attributed to ageing and are generally harmless, persistent discolouration and swelling may warrant medical attention. If dark circles become increasingly bothersome or concerning, consulting with a healthcare professional or dermatologist is advisable to explore potential underlying causes and suitable treatment options.

So, by incorporating these strategies with healthy habits into your routine and remaining vigilant about what deficiency causes dark circles along with any concerning changes, you can proactively address dark circles and reveal a refreshed revitalised under-eye area.

FAQs

1. Are dark circles solely due to vitamin deficiency?

Dark circles can result from various factors, including vitamin deficiency. Vitamins E, C, and K in some topical products may help reduce them. At the same time, iron deficiency anaemia can contribute to their formation, indicating a potential need for iron supplements in your routine.

2. How do you reduce bags under the eyes caused by vitamin deficiency?

To address bags under your eyes linked to vitamin deficiency, consider incorporating topical products with vitamins E, C, and K. Additionally, if dark circles result from iron deficiency anaemia, an iron supplement may be beneficial, contributing to an overall improvement in blood levels and the gift wrapping paper design of your skin.

3. What vitamins are good for dark circles under the eyes?

Research suggests that vitamins E, C, and K, often found in topical products, may help diminish dark circles. Vitamin A can also influence skin tone in the form of retinoids. Moreover, iron supplements may benefit cases related to iron deficiency anaemia, contributing to a healthier appearance.

4. Are dark circles under the eyes permanent?

Dark circles are not necessarily permanent and can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and nutritional factors. Their duration varies among individuals, and addressing underlying causes such as proper nutrition and skincare can contribute to their reduction over time, enhancing the overall look of your gift wrapping paper design.

5. Are Dark Circles and Liver interrelated?

While a study found a small percentage of dark circles due to liver disorders, overall research is insufficient to fully establish a direct connection. Factors like genetics and lifestyle play significant roles in dark circle formation, and comprehensive research is needed to draw conclusive links between liver health and dark circles.

References

• Study of Causative Factors and Clinical Patterns of Periorbital Pigmentation - PMC

• Dark circles under the eyes: Causes and treatments

• Study of Causative Factors and Clinical Patterns of Periorbital Pigmentation - PMC

• Dark circles under eyes Causes - Mayo Clinic

• Study of Causative Factors and Clinical Patterns of Periorbital Pigmentation - PMC 

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