Dark circles under the eyes, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, are dark blemishes under and around the eyes. There are a number of factors that contribute to causing the formation of dark circles underneath the eyes. The area around the eyes is covered by thin and delicate skin, which is filled with small blood vessels called capillaries. Tiny amounts of blood may leak from these vessels, which degrades and discolours the overlying skin much like a bruise does.
Common causes of dark circles under the eyes
- allergies
- anaemia
- eczema
- dietary factors
- tiredness - this may accentuate dark circles as the lack of sleep makes the skin pale and may contribute to puffiness around the eyes.
- hereditary.
Heredity is a primary cause of dark circles because it dictates skin tone, including the degree of transparency, which can highlight the discolouration caused by the leaked blood.
Genes are also related to weakened capillaries in the tissue around the eyes.
A closer look at some of the more common causes
Allergies, asthma and eczema
Nasal congestion as a result of allergies may cause nasal swelling. When this occurs, the veins that are close to the eyes may become darker and puffy which contribute to the dark circles. This is common in individuals who suffer from hayfever.
Anaemia
Lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balanced diet, may contribute to the discolouration of the area under the eyes. It is believed that iron deficiency, in particular, can cause dark circles. Iron deficiency is the most common type of anaemia and this condition is a sign that not enough oxygen is getting to the body tissues, including the eye tissue.
The skin can also become paler during pregnancy and menstruation (due to lack of iron), allowing the underlying veins under the eyes to become more visible and as a result, this area appears darkened.
Fatigue and stress
A lack of sleep may cause paleness of the skin, allowing the blood underneath the skin to become more visible and appear more blue or darker.
Chronic stress can affect sleep.
Additionally, when the body is under stress, more blood is sent to the vital organs, which can leave the face looking pale—pronouncing the appearance of dark circles. High stress may also damage the capillaries surrounding the eyes, causing them to leak blood. As the blood oxidises, it will appear dark purple.
Nutrients that may help with dark circles
Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that stabilises the release of histamines and helps to naturally control allergy symptoms. A quercetin supplement may help to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
As well as taking a quercetin supplement, it can also be added to the diet. It is naturally found in plant foods such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cauliflower), onions/shallots, green tea and citrus fruits.
Vitamin C
When blood vessels under the eyes become weak and dilated, dark circles can appear. Loss of collagen under the eyes, which leads to thinner skin, also increases the appearance of under-eye shadows.
Taking vitamin C may help to combat this by strengthening the blood vessels and supporting healthy collagen. Additionally, vitamin C helps with the absorption of quercetin and iron. Vitamin C is also depleted during times of stress.
Probiotics
It’s now becoming common knowledge that a strong immune system starts with a healthy gut. The reason for this is that more than 70% of the immune function is stored in the gastrointestinal tract. Research shows that probiotic supplementation may help to reduce the risk of allergies.
In addition, one particular study discovered that women who regularly take probiotics during pregnancy reduce their child’s risk of developing allergies. Probiotics may also be added to the diet in the form of fermented foods and drinks.
B vitamin complex
B vitamins help with so many different functions of the human body. In the case of dark circles, they may be used to balance vitamin levels and reduce allergies. They contain folic acid, which helps with the production of red blood cells, so are needed in cases of anaemia, and they help to reduce stress and fatigue, which are all contributing factors towards dark circles under the eyes.
Vitamin B12 specifically helps to make red blood cells in the bone marrow. A deficiency of B12 can lead to anaemia, or lack of red cells, and reduced metabolic function, among other problems. Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen to bodily tissues and metabolism is necessary for energy production.
Diet to help with dark circles
Consume Iron-Rich Foods
Iron-rich foods are important for maintaining iron stores and preventing iron deficiency. The richest sources of heme iron (the more absorbable form) in the diet include lean meat and seafood. Dietary sources of non-heme iron include nuts, beans, vegetables and fortified grain products.
Some of the best iron food sources include beef liver and chicken liver as it’s very high in iron. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and chard contain non-heme iron.
Some individuals may need a little extra help in the form of an iron supplement. Speak with your healthcare professional for advice on the best form of iron supplement to take and when you should take it.
Related Reads:
References:
- Sarkar, R., Ranjan, R., Garg, S., Garg, V. K., Sonthalia, S., & Bansal, S. (2016). Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Comprehensive Review. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 9(1), 49–55. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756872/
- Sheth, P., Shah, H., & Dave, J. (2014). Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A study of its prevalence, common causative factors and its association with personal habits and other disorders. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 59(2), 151. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969674/
- Li, Y., Yao, J., Han, C., Yang, J., Chaudhry, M., Wang, S., Liu, H., & Yin, Y. (2016). Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients, 8(3), 167. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
- Chambial, S., Dwivedi, S., Shukla, K. K., John, P. J., & Sharma, P. (2013). Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 28(4), 314–328. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/
- Wiertsema, S. P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J., & Knippels, L. M. J. (2021). The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients, 13(3), 886. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001875/
- Colquitt, A. S., Miles, E. A., & Calder, P. C. (2022). Do Probiotics in Pregnancy Reduce Allergies and Asthma in Infancy and Childhood? A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 14(9), 1852. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9105059/
- Hanna, M., Jaqua, E., Nguyen, V., & Clay, J. (2022). B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine. The Permanente Journal, 26(2), 89–97. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9662251/
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-eating/food-allergies-and-sensitivities/food-allergies
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
HealthylifePharmacy
HealthylifePharmacy
