Dull skin, brittle hair and stubborn dark circles are being linked to “ferritin face,” a viral TikTok trend suggesting these changes could signal low ferritin, a protein that stores iron. Though not a recognized medical term, the trend has gained traction as more women relate to the symptoms.
Experts say the trend is gaining attention because iron deficiency is common among women, and symptoms can appear long before a diagnosis.
According to Mayo Clinic, “iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.”
“Anemia is one of the consequences of iron deficiency,” Dr Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, a consultant gastroenterologist, said according to Tyla. “If left uncorrected, iron deficiency results in a drop in haemoglobin, which carries our blood to different organs.”
Many women online say they’ve noticed visible changes in their looks that they suspect are linked to iron deficiency.
“The difference in skin tone once u (sic) finally heal ur (sic) iron deficiency anemia is crazy. I was so pale at one point that people close to me started asking if I was okay, and I didn’t realize anything was wrong until my hair literally started falling out and I started fainting,” one person wrote, according to the outlet, while another woman commented: “I had an iron infusion a week before my wedding, and people thought I got a fake tan,” another person claimed.
What is “ferritin face”?
But while physical changes are possible, Chief Medical Officer Dr Luke Pratsides at the preventative health clinic Ohas, told Tyla: “The hallmark features of ‘ferritin face’, such as pale skin, dry lips, dark circles around the eyes and thinning hair, can be signs of significant iron deficiency that may be causing anaemia.
“However, very similar signs can appear with other nutrient deficiencies that cause anaemia, such as low vitamin B12 or folate. Many of them are also really common for everyday reasons.
“Dark circles are often down to genetics, poor sleep or allergies, and lighting, and dehydration can all change how a face looks on camera. So, you can’t be sure someone has low ferritin just by looking at them. The only way to know is a blood test.”
“Low iron/iron deficiency without anaemia may not be recognised as the general appearance of people with this condition may not be different to their normal selves.
“Oxygen levels can be impacted if our ferritin is low”
He continued: “Iron deficient anaemia on the other hand may result is a few changes to the appearance – for example people may look paler in general, the inside of the eyes may look less red than usual, and some people with severe deficiency can develop changes to their nails – curved/concave nails rather than their usual flat/convex appearance.
“Hair loss is a potential problem related to this condition. Some may notice frizzy hair, and reduced hair growth.”
Women’s health and hormone health expert Dr Shirin Lakhani, she also added: “Iron, stored as ferritin, is essential for oxygen transport via haemoglobin, meaning our oxygen levels can be impacted if our ferritin is low. It is also important for energy production, brain function and concentration, hormonal balance and even hair growth and skin health.”
Iron deficiency symptoms
Women of reproductive age are more prone to low ferritin due to blood loss during menstruation, particularly if they have heavy periods. Pregnancy and childbirth can also increase the risk, as the body needs more iron during pregnancy and loses blood during delivery. Conditions such as menorrhagia, endometriosis and fibroids may further raise the risk of low ferritin levels.
“Physical symptoms include persistent fatigue (even with adequate sleep), shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, cold intolerance and pale, dry skin. Your hair may thin or shed and your nails get more brittle. You can experience poor concentration and brain fog, headaches, and low mood or irritability as well as restless legs, especially at night,” Dr Lakhani told Tyla.
If you suspect you have an iron deficiency, you should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Dr Ramakrishnan told Tyla: “If left undiagnosed or untreated, iron deficient anaemia can lead to breathlessness, heart failure, swelling of feet, and weight loss.”
This is not medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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