Do you have ‘ferritin face’? The mineral deficiency that could be messing with your looks - New York Post

What the report says

The New York Post reported on a social media trend in which users describe pale or washed-out skin, dull lips, wrinkles and dark under-eye circles as “ferritin face.” The term is not a medical diagnosis, but the article says the appearance changes being discussed online may point to low ferritin, a measure of how much iron the body has stored.

According to the Post, iron deficiency can involve either low stored iron or iron that is present but not adequately available for use. Low ferritin may overlap with broader symptoms of iron deficiency, including fatigue, cold hands or feet, shortness of breath, chest pain and reduced appetite. The article also notes possible links to hair shedding, brittle nails and cracked heels.

The Post cited a 2024 JAMA Network Open report finding that 34% of women ages 18 to 50 are iron deficient. It also referenced comments by Dr. Tania Elliott, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, who said ferritin is not always included in routine testing and that results may fall inside a lab’s reference range even when symptoms persist. The article listed typical ferritin ranges as 20 to 200 nanograms per milliliter for women and 20 to 500 for men.

The report frames the trend as a reminder that cosmetic changes can sometimes reflect underlying health issues. Ferritin testing is generally considered when blood counts, symptoms or risk factors — such as pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding or certain medical conditions — raise concern about iron deficiency.