Let's face it. Except for stay-at-home wives and women, teenage girls who are beauty conscious, or public figures, who among us really pay close attention, or has the time for fixing our sleep and diet schedules? Among this ignorance, one pesky, hard-to-shake-off consequence, which is a sign of our weak health foundation, is dark circles.
'The skin beneath the eyes is extremely sensitive, and it needs a lot of care. No matter how much makeup you apply, these circles will not go away unless you treat them from the inside,' suggested the Dermatology Centre Of Northwest Houston (DCNH). In line with this, here are a few vitamin deficiencies that could be the root cause of your dark circles.
Vitamin C Deficiency
The National Health Service (NHS) states that Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that aids in collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the elasticity of your skin. When vitamin C is lacking, collagen production decreases, making your skin more prone to damage and dark circles, as the reduced elasticity causes blood vessels under the eyes to become more visible. Some good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruit, such as oranges and lemon, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes.
Also Read: Can You Get Rid Of Your Dark Circles? Here's What The Dermatologist Says
Vitamin A Deficiency
The NHS shared that Vitamin A is essential for skin health because it promotes cell turnover, which means it helps your skin to shed old cells and generate new ones. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to dry, flaky skin, and in some cases, dark circles. The organisation informed that some of the best sources of Vitamin A are cheese, eggs, oily fish, fortified low-fat spreads, milk and yoghurt, and liver and liver products.
Iron Deficiency
The NHS states that iron is vital for carrying oxygen in the blood, and anaemia, which is often caused by iron deficiency, can result in pale skin and accentuate dark circles. Here Vitamin C plays a role as well, as it helps in better absorption of iron, as shared by the NHS. You can get iron through the liver, red meat, beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans and chickpeas, nuts, dried fruit such as dried apricots, fortified breakfast cereals, and soybean flour.
Also Read: 8 Ayurvedic Remedies To Reduce Dark Circles
Vitamin K Deficiency
The NHS information shared that a deficiency in vitamin K can lead to poor blood circulation, causing blood to leak and pool under the eyes, and create dark circles. Some good sources of Vitamin K are green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, vegetable oils, and cereal grains. 'Small amounts can also be found in meat and dairy foods,' shared the NHS.
This information is important because often we associate dark circles with lack of sleep, or in some cases, genetics and dehydration. Vitamin deficiencies are often overlooked culprits. You can look for products containing Vitamin C, K, A, and iron for topical application. But the best way to prevent or treat dark circles, as informed by DCNH, is to fulfil your body's deficiencies from within. By nourishing your body with the right nutrients, you can enjoy healthier, brighter-looking skin and say goodbye to those pesky dark circles.
And don't forget, when it comes to addressing health concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.