What vitamin am I lacking if I have dark circles?

Author: Garth Tromp DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

What Deficiency Causes Dark Eye Circles on Skin? Vitamin deficiencies that are associated with dark circles include vitamins E, D, K vitamin, A, and B12. In addition to that, iron deficiency is also a root cause of dark circles.

Which vitamin is good for dark circles?

Vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. You can get these nutrients from a healthy diet or by taking a supplement.

What deficiency causes dark circles?

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of dark circles and while it requires you to work on your nutrition and lifestyle, once your dark circles appear, it's not possible to get rid of them just through these changes.

Is vitamin C or E better for dark circles?

The dermatologist said that if you have. pigment that moves with your under eye, you should use vitamin C. And if you have pigment that doesn't move with your. under eye and it's more caused by veins, you should use retinol or caffeine. I've recently been using a vitamin C eye cream for. I say around three weeks.

What are the two major causes of dark circles?

Dehydration. The skin under your eyes can start to look dull when you don't drink enough water. Lifestyle factors. Other factors such as stress, excessive alcohol use and smoking can cause dark circles under your eyes.

1 Vitamin to Remove Dark Circles | Dr. Mandell

How can I fix my dark circles?

Mild to moderate dark circles often respond well to habits and home remedies, such as:
  1. Putting something cold on the undereye area. ...
  2. Using products made to treat dark circles. ...
  3. Raising your head with pillows. ...
  4. Sleeping more. ...
  5. Using sunscreen. ...
  6. Avoiding drinking too much alcohol. ...
  7. Stopping smoking.

Do dark circles under eyes mean liver problems?

Signs of liver disease:

About 20% of people with liver disease have noticeable dark circles around their eyes and other exposed areas of their body. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for proper treatment. Additionally, changing your diet and daily habits can help.

Which multivitamin is best for eyes?

Vitamin A — Crucial for good vision, vitamin A helps protect the cornea and is essential for low-light vision. Vitamin C — An antioxidant that is believed to protect eyes from oxidative stress. Vitamin E — Protects the eyes from free radicals and is vital for healthy skin and immune function.

Does B12 help with dark circles?

Vitamin B12

It may contribute to a healthier complexion and lessen the appearance of dark circles.

How long does vitamin C take to lighten dark circles?

Clinical Claims: After 2 weeks, 86% saw brighter eye area skin. After 6 weeks, 85% saw a reduction in dark circles.

What fruit is good for dark circles?

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing dark circles. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce pigmentation.

How to remove dark circles in 2 minutes?

Cold Compress

A cold compress is a simple yet effective home remedy for reducing dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing puffiness around the eyes. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water or refrigerate it for a few minutes to make a cold compress.

What are the symptoms of a vitamin K deficiency?

What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?
  • Sleepiness.
  • Vomiting.
  • Seizures.
  • Bruises, especially on the head.
  • Petechiae (little red spots).
  • Nose bleeds.
  • Jaundice.
  • Pale skin.

Does anything really help dark circles?

Over-the-counter products with retinol can help improve skin-cell turnover and thicken the skin, which might lighten dark circles temporarily, Dr. Friedmann said. Even better, Dr. Lee added, are prescription topical retinoids, which may work better than over-the-counter versions.

Which deficiency causes hair fall?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

Will vitamin D get rid of dark circles?

Although there is no scientific evidence that vitamin D can have a direct effect on the under-eye area, it is believed that puffy eyes and dark circles prevail in people deficient in vitamin D, particularly females aged 40+. As a matter of fact, a person may appear 4.7 years older than they really are because of that.

What am I deficient in if I have dark circles?

Iron Deficiency

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by anemia, which makes the skin look pale and the area around the eyes look darker. The most common cause of anemia is from not getting enough iron in the diet to make the right amount of red blood cells the body needs.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

How to remove permanent dark circles?

People who want to reduce them for cosmetic reasons may benefit from the following tips:
  1. Getting adequate sleep. ...
  2. Applying cold compresses. ...
  3. Treating allergies. ...
  4. Vitamin C. ...
  5. Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin creams. ...
  6. Do retinoids work for dark circles? ...
  7. What causes dark circles?

Which fruit is best for eyes?

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including collagen found in the cornea of the eye. Vitamin C also supports the health of blood vessels in the eye.

How do you know if your vitamin A is low?

Symptoms
  • Difficulty seeing in the dark or night blindness (Nyctalopia).
  • Dry corneas or the whites of the eyes (Xerophthalmia)
  • Bitot spots in the whites of the eye.
  • Sores in the corneas (Corneal ulcers)
  • Cloudy corneas (Keratomalacia) If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to blindness.

What is the number one vitamin for your eyes?

Vitamin A is absolutely essential for vision, Johnson says. A deficiency can cause night blindness, particularly among older individuals, and if it progresses, permanent blindness can result.

What organ is associated with dark circles?

It is possible, though, for the appearance of darker skin in the area under the eyes to arise from an existing health problem. This can include asthma, allergies, poor circulation, hormonal shifts, malnutrition, anemia and diseases that affect the liver or kidneys.

How do you know if your liver is struggling?

Yellowing of the skin might be harder to see on Black or brown skin. Belly pain and swelling. Swelling in the legs and ankles. Itchy skin.

What illness causes dark under eyes?

Some of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes are:
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Contact dermatitis.
  • Fatigue.
  • Genetics.
  • Rubbing or scratching your eyes.
  • Skin changes that happen with aging.
  • Changes in skin color. ...
  • Sun exposure.

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