Under-Eye Dark Circles

Under-eye circles are often associated with iron deficiency (anemia) and vitamin B12 deficiency . In individuals with iron and B12 deficiencies, the veins under the skin can become more visible, causing dark circles to appear. Symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, and dark under-eye circles can coexist. When iron and B12 levels return to normal through supplementation and proper nutrition, the appearance of under-eye circles can improve.

Additionally , vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies can affect skin regeneration and vascular structure, potentially leading to dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin C, in particular, helps strengthen blood vessel walls and promotes a radiant complexion. Consuming adequate amounts of vegetables, fruits, red meat, and leafy greens can protect against this vitamin deficiency.

Under-eye circles can be affected by many factors, including stress, lack of sleep, aging, genetic predisposition, or allergies. Long-term stress can disrupt blood circulation and hormonal balance, causing veins under the skin to become more visible. Furthermore, stress often increases the severity of under-eye circles when combined with insomnia and fatigue.

Skin experts state that adequate rest, sleep, and stress management habits are effective in reducing under-eye circles. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and managing stress can help skin achieve a brighter and more vibrant appearance. If under-eye circles persist, moisturizing creams or professional dermatological treatments may be helpful.

Yes, anemia can cause dark circles under the eyes. Especially when there are deficiencies in nutrients that play a role in blood production, such as iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, the skin becomes paler and thinner, making the veins under the eyes more visible. This causes the area around the eyes to appear dark, purple, or blue. Once the anemia is treated and essential vitamin levels return to normal, dark circles under the eyes usually diminish.

Yes, prolonged staring at a phone or computer screen can contribute to the formation of dark circles under your eyes. Focusing on screens for extended periods causes dilated blood vessels around your eyes and eye strain, which can make under-eye veins more visible and lead to dark circles. Furthermore, the disruption of screen light (especially blue light) during sleep negatively impacts the skin's rest and regeneration processes, making dark circles more noticeable.

To reduce under-eye circles, resting your eyes frequently while in front of a screen, following the 20/20/20 rule (looking 20 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), and reducing screen brightness can be helpful. Good sleep, adequate hydration, and healthy lifestyle habits are also effective in reducing dark circles.

Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the development of dark circles under the eyes. When the body is low in vitamin D, melanin production in the skin can decrease, making the skin appear thinner and paler, which can lead to visible veins under the eyes and the formation of dark circles. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency can weaken the immune system and compromise overall skin health, triggering pigment changes in the under-eye area.

In addition to vitamin D deficiency, iron, B12, C, and K deficiencies can also lead to dark circles under the eyes. It's important to get enough sunlight and consume foods rich in vitamin D to maintain balanced vitamin D levels. If dark circles are noticeable and accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness and fatigue, it's best to consult a doctor and have your blood levels checked.

The best specialist to consult for under-eye dark circles is a dermatologist. Dermatologists evaluate the skin's structure and the cause of the dark circles and offer appropriate treatment options, administering procedures such as fillers, lasers, or chemical peels if necessary. If internal diseases (such as anemia, kidney or liver problems) are suspected, an internal medicine department may be consulted; however, most dark circles are skin-related and the dermatology department is responsible. If there are any aesthetic concerns, a plastic surgeon may also be consulted.

The most recommended natural oils for reducing under-eye circles are sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. Sweet almond oil, with its high vitamin E and antioxidant content, helps maintain moisture balance in the under-eye skin, improves circulation, and can lighten pigmentation. Coconut oil, with its anti-inflammatory and intensely moisturizing properties, soothes fragile under-eye skin and promotes elasticity with regular use. Castor oil softens the skin and increases circulation, which can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Some experts also state that oils like vitamin E oil, rose oil, and chamomile oil can help rejuvenate the skin under the eyes when used regularly and gently. It's recommended to apply all of these oils to clean skin before bed, massage gently, and gently rinse off in the morning. While herbal oils don't directly treat the causes of dark circles, they can increase moisture around the eyes and strengthen the skin, promoting a brighter, healthier appearance. With long-term and regular use, the effects can be more clearly observed.

The most common cause of under-eye bags is aging. As we age, the muscles and tissues surrounding the eyes weaken, fatty tissue shifts downward, and skin loses elasticity, leading to puffiness and bags. In addition to age-related tissue weakening, fluid retention (especially after eating salty foods or waking up), genetic predisposition, allergies, inadequate sleep, smoking, and certain health conditions (kidney and thyroid disorders) can also exacerbate under-eye bags.

In addition to all these reasons, if you experience persistent and significant swelling, discoloration, pain, or other serious symptoms under your eyes, you should definitely consult a doctor. In most cases, under-eye bags are an aesthetic concern and do not indicate a serious health problem. They can be reduced with measures such as cold compresses, sleep patterns, and salt restriction. However, in cases that are resistant to treatment or in doubt, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.

There's no clear scientific evidence that under-eye bags are directly caused by a single vitamin deficiency. The most common causes of under-eye bags are aging, genetics, fluid retention, lack of sleep, and allergies. However, certain vitamin deficiencies can indirectly contribute to the appearance of puffiness and bags around the eyes:

• Vitamin C deficiency : Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and tissue repair. A deficiency can lead to weakened skin tissue, decreased elasticity, and more pronounced swelling and bags around the eyes.
• Vitamin B12 and iron deficiency : Since it can cause anemia, it can contribute to pale skin and more visible veins under the eyes, along with a feeling of swelling.
• Vitamin K deficiency : Vitamin K plays a role in the strength of blood vessels. Low vitamin K levels can increase symptoms such as dark circles under the eyes and fluid accumulation in the vessels.

Sources such as the Mayo Clinic and Healthline state that vitamin deficiencies are not the direct cause; however, nutritional deficiencies that impair overall skin health and weaken the tissue around the eyes can exacerbate under-eye bags. A balanced diet, focusing on fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins, is important for overall skin and eye health.

Effective methods to whiten the eye area and lighten dark circles:

• Applying a cold compress : Placing a cold cloth, ice pack, or chilled tea bag on the under-eye area helps constrict blood vessels and lighten dark circles.
• Using creams containing caffeine, vitamin C , kojic acid, and vitamin K: These ingredients can reduce pigment production in the skin, support circulation, and make the under-eye area appear lighter. Vitamin C, in particular, is among the most recommended for its antioxidant and brightening properties.
• Sleep patterns and a healthy diet : Adequate and quality sleep, regular water consumption, and limiting salt intake help maintain color uniformity in the under-eye area.
• Using sunscreen : Using sunscreen with SPF suitable for the eye area prevents hyperpigmentation.
• Chemical peeling or laser treatment with dermatologist recommendation : With medical procedures, the dark pigment in the skin can be inactivated and the area around the eyes can be brighter.
• Allergy management : If darkness is related to allergies, adjusting allergy treatment may help lighten the color around the eyes.

Along with all these methods, regular moisturizing and eye care support skin renewal, providing a natural glow. Recommended products and treatments may vary from person to person; the best approach is to seek dermatologist advice and create a care routine appropriate for your age and genetics.

Vaseline isn't a direct solution for reducing the color of under-eye circles. Vaseline is a barrier product that intensely moisturizes the skin and can be used to soothe the under-eye area due to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation, and to lock in moisture. However, Vaseline doesn't have a lightening or pigmentation-reducing effect; if the underlying cause of under-eye darkness is the appearance of blood vessels, pigment accumulation, or a genetic predisposition, Vaseline won't have a significant effect.

Vaseline can be applied at night to dry under-eye skin and can protect it; however, the active ingredients recommended for dark circles are generally vitamin C, caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin E, and retinol. So, while Vaseline may be beneficial as a moisturizer for eye care, it is not an effective treatment for dark circles. If dark circles persist, it is recommended to seek advice from a dermatologist.

One of the quickest ways to reduce under-eye circles is by using a cold compress (applying a cold tea bag, an iced spoon, a cold washcloth, or a cucumber slice). Cold compresses constrict the blood vessels in the area, temporarily reducing both swelling and dark circles. Additionally, using eye creams containing caffeine and brightening ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin K can be beneficial in reducing under-eye circles. Keeping your head slightly elevated at night and getting adequate, quality sleep also reduce both circles and swelling.

Keeping the skin moisturized and using sunscreen can prevent pigmentation and brighten the area. If dark circles are chronic, medical treatments such as chemical peels, laser treatments, or fillers may be effective, as recommended by a dermatologist. For the fastest results, cold compresses and caffeinated eye products often provide visible improvement within the first hours. Due to genetic or medical reasons, dark circles may not completely disappear; the best approach is to consult a dermatologist.