What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

If you’ve noticed dark circles appearing under your eyes, you’re not alone. Many factors can contribute to these shadowy patches, from lifestyle habits to hereditary traits. One overlooked factor is your body’s nutritional health. What causes dark circles around the eyes and could specific deficiencies be behind them?

What causes dark circles around the eyes?
Dark circles can develop for various reasons, including genetics, age, chronic health conditions and lifestyle choices. Nutritional deficiencies also play a crucial role in skin health and circulation, potentially leading to these marks. Your skin can become more prone to discoloration and fragility when you’re low on key nutrients, making it easier for blood vessels beneath the skin to show through. The following deficiencies and conditions are linked to sudden dark circles under the eyes.

Iron deficiency and anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a top culprit behind dark circles. Iron helps produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. Oxygen transport decreases when iron levels are low, making the skin appear paler and more translucent and highlighting blood vessels under the eyes.

Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin and shortness of breath. To address iron deficiency, you can include more iron-rich foods in your diet, like lean meats, leafy greens, beans and lentils. Pairing them with vitamin C sources like oranges or bell peppers can improve iron absorption. If a blood test confirms low levels, a health care provider may recommend a supplement.

Vitamin K deficiency
Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and helps regulate its flow. Low vitamin K can impair your circulation, which might cause blood to pool under the thin skin around your eyes, leading to dark circles. This deficiency is uncommon but can arise from certain medications or malabsorption issues.

Signs beyond sudden dark circles might include easy bruising, excessive bleeding from cuts and poor wound healing. Combat this deficiency by eating more dark, leafy greens like kale and broccoli. However, if you’re on medications like blood thinners, consult your doctor before increasing your vitamin K intake, as it can interact with certain drugs.

Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency also contributes to sudden dark circles under the eyes, especially if you follow a plant-based diet. Low B12 affects red blood cell production and nerve health, potentially leading to poor circulation and a bluish hue under the eyes.

Signs you’re lacking B12 can include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, confusion and mood changes like irritability and depression. Since B12 is found primarily in animal products, you may need to incorporate more meat, fish, dairy and eggs into your diet. Plant-based eaters might benefit from a supplement.

Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C is critical for collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Collagen plays a big role in skin thickness. Skin can thin without enough vitamin C, making blood vessels under the eyes more visible.

Other signs of low vitamin C might include easy bruising, dry or damaged skin and slow wound healing. Boost your levels by adding citrus, strawberries, bell peppers and tomatoes to your meals.

Zinc deficiency
Zinc is essential for skin health and repair and a deficiency can affect skin elasticity, potentially leading to dark rings under the eyes. If you’re low in zinc, you may experience delayed wound healing, skin lesions or frequent infections, as it’s crucial for a strong immune system. Boost levels by eating foods like shellfish, meat, dairy, seeds and nuts.

Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of dark circles. Blood vessels under the skin can dilate when you don’t get enough rest, leading to a darker appearance. Many conditions also cause sleep disturbances that indirectly contribute to rings around the eyes.

For instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition primarily affecting those 40 years and older, which causes shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can result in frequent nighttime awakenings due to difficulty breathing and coughing, which disrupts the sleep cycle. This lack of restful, uninterrupted sleep further intensifies dark circles.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Dehydration is another common cause of sudden dark circles. Your body struggles to maintain healthy blood flow without enough hydration, and your skin can appear sunken and darker around the eyes. Electrolytes — particularly potassium and sodium — are vital for fluid balance and circulation.

You may also notice symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness and muscle cramps when you’re dehydrated. Avoid this by drinking plenty of water daily and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Foods like bananas and yogurt can help balance your electrolytes.

Allergies
Allergies are another frequent contributor to dark circles. Your body releases histamines when you experience an allergic reaction. This causes blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow, especially around the eyes.

Additionally, allergies can lead to inflammation and swelling, further accentuating the appearance of dark circles. Allergies also cause itching and irritation, prompting people to rub or scratch their eyes, which can worsen these circles over time by breaking delicate blood vessels in this area.

Holistic approaches to combat dark circles
Managing dark circles often requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates lifestyle changes and self-care practices. Holistic approaches focus on addressing the underlying causes and promoting overall wellbeing to reduce the appearance of dark circles effectively.

Nutrition and hydration
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy skin. Incorporating foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, supports skin health and reduces inflammation. Additionally, staying well-hydrated is crucial, as dehydration worsens dark circles. Consume hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon to keep hydrated.

Sleep hygiene
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is vital for reducing dark circles caused by lack of rest. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality shuteye each night and create a restful environment by minimising light and noise. Setting a regular bedtime and avoiding screens before bed can enhance sleep quality.

Stress management
Stress disrupts your sleep and negatively impacts your health, contributing to the appearance of dark circles. Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine can alleviate the issue. Consider Yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation. Regular movement is also beneficial as it increases blood circulation and promotes a healthy stress response.

Natural remedies
Several natural remedies can alleviate dark rings and promote healthier skin. Some of the best home remedies include:

• Cold compresses like chilled cucumber slices or cold tea bags;
• Almond oil or vitamin E oil;
• Pure aloe vera gel;
• Cotton pads soaked in rose water;

Skin care
A consistent skin care routine can significantly brighten your eyes. Incorporate products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine or peptides, which can hydrate and strengthen the skin. Gentle exfoliation can also promote skin cell turnover, revealing a brighter and healthier appearance. Always remember to use sunscreen to protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV damage.

Professional help
If dark circles persist despite making lifestyle changes or trying home remedies, it may be beneficial to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can identify underlying health issues, recommend appropriate treatments or suggest cosmetic options, such as fillers or laser therapy, to effectively reduce dark circles.

Banish dark circles to look and feel great
While lifestyle and genetics cause dark circles around the eyes, it’s clear that nutritional deficiencies also play a role. Addressing underlying issues and focusing on a well-rounded diet can prevent dark circles and brighten your skin.

Consider seeing a health care professional if you notice sudden dark circles under your eyes, especially if other adjustments aren’t working. Taking measures to improve your health and appearance will give you a big boost in self-confidence and improve your outlook.

Beth Rush is the beauty editor at Body+Mind and has much experience writing about how readers can create personal care routines that impact their sense of self in positive ways.
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