Dark circles under the eyes may have the stigma of lack of sleep attached to them, but they actually can be caused by many factors, including allergies, heredity and nasal congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dark circles can affect all ages but typically strike during middle adulthood. A common reason for the circles is a lack of vitamins. Changing your diet and using vitamin-rich skin creams and supplements may help to fade or erase your dark circles. You should consult your health care provider before beginning a vitamin regimen.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is vital for reducing dark circles, according to online beauty magazine Beyond Jane. It's known for its role in blood clotting and ensures the blood circulating around your eyes clots properly. When it doesn't, blood can seep out and pool under your eyes, causing a dark, bruiselike shadow. Vitamin K is present in most night eye creams and in leafy green vegetables, avocado and kiwi.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C banishes dark circles by increasing the amount of collagen in your skin, which in turn tightens and plumps. It also helps protect skin against free radicals and sun damage, which can age the skin and exacerbate dark circles. Vitamin C is found in most skin creams in the form of L-ascorbic acid, a combination of vitamins C and K. Avoid pure vitamin C because when exposed to air, it oxidizes and increases free radical damage. Vitamin C also can be found in fruits and dietary supplements. Vitamin C is best taken in conjunction with iron because it helps the body absorb the iron. A lack of iron causes skin paleness, which makes the veins under your eyes appear darker and more prominent. Iron can be found in leafy greens, spinach and supplements.
Vitamins A and E
Vitamin A helps maintain skin health and repair any damaged tissue around the eyes, according to Beyond Jane. It's also antioxidant-rich which helps fight wrinkles, skin thinning and signs of aging. Vitamin A can be found in most skin creams, leafy greens, liver, pumpkins, eggs and some fruits. Vitamin E should be taken alongside vitamin A because it helps regulate the way the body uses it. Vitamin E also fends off free radicals and other pollution and increases circulation. Vitamin E is a common additive in skin creams and also can be found in asparagus, olives, leafy greens and some fruits.
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