Dark circles under the eyes are not normally caused by a serious illness or vitamin deficiency. However, they can be a cosmetic concern, making you appear tired and unhealthy. While vitamin deficiencies do not necessarily cause dark circles under the eyes, increasing your intake of vitamins A, K, C, E and B may mitigate their appearance. There is little research to support the effectiveness of home remedies; talk to your doctor before experimenting with solutions for undereye circles.
Common Causes
Stress, lack of sleep, sinus problems, normal hollows beneath the eyes that increase with age, heredity, eczema, skin pigmentation, sun exposure, loss of fat and thin skin may all contribute to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. While you can control factors such as stress, sun exposure and fatigue, the results of aging are more difficult to manage.
Benefits of Vitamins
Vitamin deficiency is not a typical cause of dark undereye circles, but increasing your intake of vitamins A, C, E and K could lessen their appearance. Iron deficiency can also result in an unhealthy-looking bluish tinge below the eyes; increasing your iron intake may help with this problem. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods and unhealthy fats and drinking plenty of water keep your body in good balance, improving your skin's overall appearance.
Common Solutions
Use a cold compress, such as frozen peas wrapped in a washcloth or cold, damp teabags, to reduce irritation and swelling. Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution to combat congestion. Get extra sleep at night to help manage stress. Sleep with extra pillows beneath your head to help fluids drain from the undereye area. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid the production of extra skin pigment. Experiment with over-the-counter skin creams and concealers designed to address the appearance of dark circles. Avoid products with scents and salicylic or glycolic acids, as they can irritate eye tissue and worsen the condition.
Vitamin Applications
Pumpkin contains vitamins A, K and C, which may help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Place slices of pumpkin over puffy eyes for several minutes each day and examine its effects. Brown rice, sweet potatoes, kale and soybeans are good sources of vitamin K. Vitamin A is in orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and apricots. Oranges and cherries are great sources of vitamin C. Some topical creams containing these vitamins may work for you; however, be aware that there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of such creams.
