A skin condition characterized by dark circles under the eyes, which has recently gained attention on social media as "ferritin face," may signal low iron stores in the body, doctors say. Ferritin, described by Dr. Josef Hadeed, a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Hadeed Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California, as the body's "iron storage vault," is a protein that stores iron inside cells and releases it when needed.

Low ferritin levels can lead to compromised skin elasticity, making the tissue appear thinner and less resilient. Additional symptoms associated with low iron include pounding or "whooshing" in the ears, a sore or smooth tongue, rapid heartbeat, intolerance to cold, poor sleep, decreased exercise tolerance, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath with exertion. The severity of these symptoms generally increases as ferritin decreases.

Experts from the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Hematologists note that vegetarians, vegans, and those who avoid iron-rich foods may be at higher risk. They recommend following a diet that includes iron-rich foods but emphasize that iron deficiency is not something to self-treat.

When ferritin levels drop, the body struggles to produce hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues. Medical professionals advise consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than attempting to self-manage the condition.

Sources