Reviewed by:
Dr Mathew Rogers
- BSc (Pharm), MBBCh, MRCGP
Published on: 24 July 2025
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Iron is an essential mineral, of which many of us have too much or too little. There are various physical symptoms of iron deficiency or iron overload. But did you know signs of low iron and excess iron could also show up in your skin?
We usually associate iron with making haemoglobin in red blood cells. But it has many other roles, including processes relating to skin.
Iron and collagen production
Collagen is an important protein found in bones, muscles, and skin. It’s what keeps our skin looking youthful and elastic. And iron and collagen production go hand in hand.
Iron is a cofactor (basically, something that helps a reaction happen) for the enzyme that makes collagen [1]. So, if you’re lacking in iron, you might not be producing enough collagen. This can affect your bone health and could contribute to signs of premature ageing [2]. Vitamin C is also a key player in collagen production and iron absorption – so make sure you eat your fruits and vegetables!
Iron and vitamin D metabolism
Some studies suggest there is a link between vitamin D metabolism and iron stores [3,4,5].
The enzyme responsible for processing vitamin D in the liver is powered by iron. So, if your iron levels are low, your vitamin D levels may also be affected.
Iron and hormones
Many hormones are also influenced by how high or low your iron levels are. Some studies show a link between thyroid hormones and iron levels [6].
Common skin issues caused by iron deficiency
Now we know the role of iron in skin health, let's look at some skin issues that may be cause by low iron.
Skin conditions that may be due to iron deficiency include:
Pale skin
Dark circles
Hair and nail changes
Dull skin
Itchy skin and eyes
Anaemia rash
Pale skin
One of the most obvious signs of low iron is pallor, or pale skin. This is not due to lack of melanin or changes in pigmentation. The glow of healthy skin is due to a proper supply of red blood cells. If you have an iron deficiency, there’s likely a reduced number of red blood cells being supplied to the skin [7]. So, your skin takes on a pale, ashy, or dull appearance.
Your inner lips and eyelids may also be affected. Instead of being a fleshy red colour, they take on a pale, almost yellowish colour.
Dark circles
While dark circles around your eyes aren’t only caused by low iron (sleepless nights, genetics, and age being other factors), the pale skin resulting from iron deficiency can cause dark circles to appear more prominent.
The skin around your eyes is particularly thin and sensitive. Therefore, the blood vessels and dark tissues surrounding this area become more visible if your skin gets paler. If you have darker skin this may show up more for you, as your skin can be more prone to hyperpigmentation.
Hair and nail changes
Although not strictly a “skin” symptom, brittle nails and thinning hair often go hand in hand with iron deficiency and can impact how healthy your skin looks overall.
Your hair can also show signs of iron deficiency. Hair follicles need oxygen to grow hair properly. If you have low iron, your blood might not be delivering enough oxygen to the follicles, altering your hair growth cycle. You may shed more, and your hair may become more brittle.
Dull skin
We already mentioned iron can affect vitamin D production. Not only can low vitamin D cause issues in bone strength, but it can also leave your skin looking dull and more prone to hyperpigmentation. Women with darker skin are especially at risk of both vitamin D and iron deficiency.
Itchy skin and eyes
A lack of oxygen reaching the skin can impair its ability to retain moisture, leaving it dry, flaky, or itchy. You might also notice your skin feels more sensitive or irritated, and takes longer to heal.
Anaemia rash
When iron levels get below a certain threshold, we call this anaemia. Anaemia rash is a general term used to describe little red dots that form due to anaemia. There’s a few different types and causes, but when related to iron deficiency you’ll experience itchy skin that becomes bumpy and sore when scratched.
Can too much iron affect my skin?
Iron overload is when your body has too much iron. This can affect your skin in several ways.
Excess iron can build up in tissues, including the skin, and lead to oxidative stress — a process that damages cells and accelerates ageing.
This oxidative damage may contribute to:
Skin discolouration
Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes iron overload. Iron deposits in your skin cause yellowing or darkening [8].
Signs of premature ageing
While low levels of iron can prevent collagen production, high levels of free iron can damage collagen in the skin, leading to loss of elasticity and causing fine lines [9].
Increased sensitivity or inflammation
Iron fuels certain types of bacteria and inflammatory reactions, which may worsen skin conditions like acne or rosacea in some individuals.
How can I tell if my skin issues are caused by low iron?
The best way to figure out if your skin is being affected by your iron levels is by taking a blood test. You can get this from your GP, or, if you want a more comprehensive look at what’s going on inside your body, try our Advanced Iron Blood Test.
For an even more in-depth look at all things skin-related, our beautiful new Skin IQ Blood Test could hold the answers you’re searching for.
What to do if you’re low in iron
If you suspect you have low iron levels, there’s a few things you can do.
Diet
The simplest step is to take a look at what you’re eating. Increase your intake of iron-rich foods like tofu, red meat, lentils, and broccoli. Some studies have shown mixing haem and non-haem (or animal and plant-based) iron can boost the absorption of both types.
If you’re purely plant-based, enjoying your non-haem iron with vitamin C sources such as citrus fruits or peppers is a must to get the most out of your meal.
Supplements
This is important – make sure you need iron supplements before you take them. Excess iron can be extremely dangerous. If you want more info, our blog contains everything you need to know about iron supplements.
Regular blood tests
If you’re prone to iron deficiency, making regular blood testing part of your routine can be a game-changer. You can monitor your progress and keep an eye on your overall health.
