Sunken eyes, also known as hollow eyes or dark circles under the eyes, can make you look tired, sick, or much older than you are. While genetics play a role, sunken eyes are often caused by thinning of the skin under the eyes as well as a loss of fat and collagen. Lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, allergies, and dehydration can worsen the appearance of sunken eyes. There are also medical conditions that can contribute to more pronounced hollows below the eyes.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize sunken eyes through skincare, lifestyle changes, cosmetic procedures, and vitamin supplementation. Some key vitamins that may help improve the look of dark under eye circles include vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E.
What Causes Sunken Eyes?
There are several potential causes of sunken, hollow-looking eyes:
– Aging: As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. The skin under the eyes is very delicate and shows signs of aging quite early. Under-eye bags can start forming in your 20s.
– Genetics: Some people are just prone to developing dark circles and sunken eyes due to hereditary factors like bone structure, pigmentation, and how thin the undereye skin is.
– Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep is a major cause of dark under eye circles. Fatigue leads to blood vessel dilation and fluid buildup.
– Dehydration: When the body lacks water, the skin beneath the eyes can look especially parched and hollow.
– Allergies: Seasonal allergies or eye allergies cause fluid accumulation and inflammation around the eyes. Rubbing your eyes due to itchiness also exacerbates circles.
– Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of nutrients like vitamin C, iron, vitamin K, and vitamin A may contribute to thinning skin and poor circulation around the eyes.
– Sun exposure: UV radiation damages the collagen layer of the skin, allowing vessels to show through more prominently.
– Smoking: Smoking destroys vitamin C in the body while accelerating aging. This thins out undereye skin.
– Medications: Certain prescription drugs like diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can cause fluid retention and dryness around the eyes as side effects.
– Medical conditions: Dark undereye circles may result from thyroid issues, anemia, eczema, or nasal congestion from sinusitis. More serious illnesses like kidney disease and cancer also produce hollowed eyes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and acts as an antioxidant. This makes it important for maintaining youthful, flexible skin. Vitamin C deficiencies show up as bruising, discoloration, and thinning of skin.
Getting adequate vitamin C can strengthen the capillaries around the eyes to reduce discoloration. Vitamin C also protects against sun damage. Topical serums with vitamin C or using vitamin C supplements may improve hollow eyes.
According to a 2018 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, using a topical vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid serum for 8 weeks led to significant improvement in periorbital dark circles. A 2015 clinical trial also found that oral vitamin C reduced the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is:
– Men over 18: 90 mg/day
– Women over 18: 75 mg/day
– Smokers need an additional 35 mg/day due to depleted vitamin C reserves.
Citrus fruits, red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens are good dietary sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps with circulation and blood clotting. Deficiencies in vitamin K are associated with easy bruising, bluish discoloration of the skin, and dark circles under the eyes.
According to a 2014 study, vitmain K eye cream used twice daily for 12 weeks improved signs of undereye circles including pigmentation, puffiness, and skin texture. Vitamin K creams may work by strengthening capillaries and reducing clotting around the eyes.
The recommended daily intake for vitamin K is:
– Men over 19 years: 120 micrograms/day
– Women over 19 years: 90 micrograms/day
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli are the best sources of vitamin K. Small amounts are also found in beef liver, eggs, prunes, cabbage, fish, and whole grains.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. It also improves skin hydration and collagen levels when applied topically or taken orally.
According to a 2014 study, a gel with vitamin E showed significant improvements in dark under-eye circles after just 4 weeks. After 12 weeks, 90% of study participants had marked reduction in undereye bags and discoloration.
Vitamin E works to thicken and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes while mopping up free radicals and reducing inflammation. It may lighten pigmented areas when applied regularly.
The recommended daily intake for vitamin E is 15 mg for adults, or 22 IU (International Units).
Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, leafy greens, and whole grains are rich sources of dietary vitamin E.
Other Vitamins for Dark Circles
Here are some other vitamins and nutrients that may combat sunken eyes:
Vitamin A – This vitamin boosts epidermal thickness. Sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, eggs, and fish are good sources. Use retinol creams topically.
B vitamins – The B-complex vitamins reduce pigmentation. Get them from meat, vegetables, grains, dairy, and seafood.
Iron – Iron deficiency can cause dark circles. Eat iron-rich leafy greens, beans, lentils, eggs, red meat.
Zinc – Zinc supports collagen production. Oysters, wheat germ, spinach and cocoa are high in zinc.
Polyphenols – Found in green tea and coffee, these antioxidants improve circulation.
Hyaluronic acid – This compound plumps up skin and improves hydration when used topically.
Lifestyle Tips to Minimize Sunken Eyes
Beyond vitamin supplementation, you can reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles through healthy lifestyle habits like:
– Getting at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night
– Drinking enough water – aim for eight 8-oz glasses daily
– Using a humidifier to prevent dryness if your home or office is very dry
– Giving up smoking cigarettes or vaping devices
– Managing seasonal allergy symptoms
– Reducing salt intake, which leads to fluid retention
– Elevating your head while sleeping to minimize fluid buildup
– Avoiding repetitive eye rubbing and tugging
– Wearing sunglasses any time you are outside to protect your eye area
– Taking regular screen breaks to reduce digital eye strain
– Applying cool tea bags, cucumbers, or cold compresses on eyes
Topical Creams and Serums
Using specialized topical creams and serums with certain vitamins and ingredients can also minimize the look of sunken eyes from the outside:
– Retinol creams – Derived from vitamin A, retinol boosts collagen production and plumps up skin. Use them at night since sunlight inactivates retinol. Start with low percentages like 0.3% retinol cream and gradually increase strength to avoid irritation.
– Caffeine serums – Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor that can temporarily shrink dilated blood vessels and reduce puffiness when applied to the undereye area. Look for eye serums with at least 3-5% caffeine content.
– Hyaluronic acid serums – Hydrating hyaluronic acid fills in lines and creases under the eyes, giving a more supple appearance. Use a HA serum before your eye cream.
– Vitamin C serums – Topical vitamin C protects thin undereye skin from further damage while also brightening any pigmentation. Use a 10-20% vitamin C serum 1-2 times a day after cleansing.
– Vitamin K creams – Creams with 0.1% vitamin K can strengthen capillaries and blood vessels around the eyes.
– Arnica – Arnica extract helps minimize bruiselike discoloration and swelling.
– Ceramides – Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
– Peptides – Peptide complexes boost collagen synthesis to firm up skin. Look for copper peptides or matrixyl 3000.
Cosmetic Procedures for Sunken Eyes
More intensive cosmetic dermatological procedures can also minimize sunken eyes and hollowness under the eyes:
– Fillers like Restylane or Juvederm are injected under the eyes to fill in lost volume. Effects last 6-18 months.
– Fat transfer involves taking fat from another part of your body and injecting it under the eyes to add fullness. This lasts longer than fillers.
– Laser resurfacing using fractional CO2 lasers smooths out lines and wrinkles under the eyes. 3-5 sessions are needed.
– Chemical peels remove damaged outer skin and improve discoloration and tone around the eyes.
– PRP therapy involves reinjecting your own plateletrich plasma under eyes to stimulate collagen. Multiple sessions are required.
These procedures require going to a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. They can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the specific treatment.
The Best Vitamins for Sunken Eyes
If you are looking to minimize dark, sunken-looking eyes, make sure you get adequate amounts of these key vitamins:
– Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps strengthen capillaries around the eyes and protects against sun damage. Take around 75-90 mg daily.
– Vitamin K: This vitamin improves blood clotting to reduce discoloration under the eyes. 90-120 mcg is recommended per day.
– Vitamin E: With antioxidant effects, vitamin E hydrates the undereye skin and improves texture. Aim for 15 mg daily through diet.
You can also look for eye creams and serums containing vitamin C, vitamin K, hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides, caffeine, and ceramides. Lead a healthy lifestyle, use sun protection, and stay hydrated as well. See a dermatologist if sunken eyes persist.
Table Comparing Key Vitamins for Sunken Eyes
| Vitamin | Benefits | Food sources |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Boosts collagen, strengthens capillaries, antioxidant | Citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries |
| Vitamin K | Improves blood clotting and circulation | Leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage |
| Vitamin E | Hydrates skin, increases collagen, antioxidant | Nuts, seeds, wheat germ, leafy greens |
Conclusions
In summary, while sunken eyes can be caused by genetics, aging, and medical conditions – getting adequate vitamins can help improve the appearance.
Vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E play important roles in strengthening the delicate skin around the eyes and improving circulation. Make sure to get enough of these vitamins through food sources or supplements.
Topical serums and creams with vitamin C, vitamin K, retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine may also reduce the look of dark under eye circles and bags. Procedures like fillers and laser resurfacing can be considered for more dramatic improvements.
Leading a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep, hydration, and sun protection helps prevent thinning of undereye skin over time. With consistent effort, it’s possible to minimize sunken eyes or hollowness under the eyes through vitamins and skincare.