The delicate skin under the eyes is prone to darkening due to factors like lack of sleep, stress, and alcohol consumption. A diet lacking nutrients that support blood circulation also hinders collagen regeneration, weakening the skin structure around the eyes and leading to discolored areas.

According to Specialist Doctor Level I Dao Thi Yen Thuy, Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to topical creams, supplementing essential nutrients from antioxidant-rich foods and micronutrients helps improve skin pigmentation under the eyes.

Tomatoes are beneficial for skin health, particularly in reducing dark circles. Their lycopene content provides powerful antioxidant properties, improves blood circulation, supports collagen production, and protects skin from UV damage. Incorporating one to two tomatoes into your daily diet, preferably raw in salads, juices, or smoothies, can help maintain healthy skin.

Cucumbers, composed of over 95% water along with vitamins A, C, and K, are excellent for hydration. Consuming one 100-150 g cucumber daily helps rehydrate the body, maintain moisture in the undereye area, and prevent dullness.

Watermelon is rich in nutrients beneficial for health. Photo: Le Nguyen

Watermelon, known for its high water content, is also packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and lycopene. Eating 200 g of watermelon daily ensures adequate hydration, promotes detoxification, and helps soothe tired eyes.

Avocado is a rich source of vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients for skin health. Eating about one-half avocado daily can help reduce dryness under the eyes, maintaining moisture and elasticity.

Beetroot is abundant in the antioxidant betalain, along with vitamin C, magnesium, and folate, which aid in blood purification and liver detoxification. This internal cleansing improves skin pigmentation, helping to diminish dark undereye circles. Incorporating 50-100 g of beetroot, preferably boiled or juiced, two to three times a week, supports a brighter complexion.

Beyond whole foods, natural extracts like cherry blossom, L-glutathione, and pomegranate can also promote skin recovery from within. These active compounds help fade hyperpigmentation, potentially leading to firmer, brighter, and smoother skin.

Doctor Dao Thi Yen Thuy emphasizes that no single food offers an instant solution for dark undereye circles. Nutritional improvements require time for the body to metabolize and gradually restore skin structure from within. She advises everyone to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and manage stress to reduce the severity of dark circles and maintain healthy skin around the eyes.

Bui Duc