Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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Hi, if I could trade any past or future benefits of paleo to remove the dark circles under my eyes I would, along with any money I have or talents or possibly friends and family, they make me so depressed I have honestly thought about killing myself over them

Every day I wake up, look in the mirror, see them there dark as hell and it just ruins my day, over and over again. They undermine my confidence and I honestly believe they are the reason I've been alone such a long time and that scares the hell out of me

I hoped that paleo would help but what's scaring me is they seem slightly worse

I have them because the skin under my eyes is stupidly thin (I can literally see where the skin drops off) and my eyes are deep set, I have allergies (which have not been cured by paleo) and I am usually pretty tired (also not cured by paleo) so I pretty much have every box ticked on the dark circles check list

Mostly people say there is nothing you can do put I refuse to believe that (though I'm afraid they're probably right)

Is there any way to thicken skin do you think? Our bodies are adaptive so would pressure on the skin make the body thicken it? I'm too afraid to experiment because it is such a delicate area and if they get much worse I honestly don't know what I'll do

I have begun supplementing CLO hoping maybe to thin the skin so the blood will pass through the vessels and not spill out as I've read that can be a cause

Is there a way to strengthen blood vessels?

I read that exercising the muscles under the eyes would fill out the hollows nd help with the shadowing effect, does this seem plausible? or would it simply push the vessels out and make them more prominent?

Is getting a fat graft under the eyes a bad idea?

I do still have some digestive problems and am possibly fixing a 'leaky gut' at the moment so I do have hope that once that's fixed things might improve? (if I even have that)

I've noticed some benefits on paleo so far (I think my body composition has improved, I feel 'lighter', my depression has definitely improved but still lurking somewhere in the shadows)

Although I've definitely inherited them I'm sure they're being exacerbated by something and this gives me hope for some kind of improvement in the future

So does anyone have any thoughts on the ideas I suggested, or can anyone think of anything out of the box that might help?

I would honestly sell my soul to the devil to remove these dark circles

flag	asked May 3 2012 at 10:30 HuntingBears 5,499●3●15●40

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I have them, too, as did my father. The weird thing is that when I supplement with super high amounts of Vit C, they go away completely. But the amount has to be so high that it gives me serious gastric distress. Weird, I know. But I felt I should say something! – Bloop May 3 2012 at 12:20

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I would take a look at Danny Roddys blog since he developed a program basses on peat. It's meant to pervent hair loss but i will try it for this. I had a family member who did plastic surgery and honestly it didn't work so well, certainly not as well as concealer. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub May 3 2012 at 12:59

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Usual treatment for this nowadays is Restalayne under the eyes, less risky than surgery. But if dark circles cause thoughts of suicide, you need body image counseling. And a really good concealer, like MUFE's full cover, Jane Iredale's Circle Delete, Cover FX, or even an airbrush. If the cause is poor sleep, get that treated too. – GurlzLuvSteak May 3 2012 at 14:09

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Well I know this is not an answer to your question, but I think it might add to the conversation anyway, so here it is as a comment: I think darkness under the eyes actually looks kind of cool. I have never thought of it as a shortcoming in someone's face, and I'm not just saying that. It adds character, just like asymmetries do. – Paul May 15 2012 at 4:31

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sorry - last but not least, dark circles, I mean. After reading your post I realized that while dark circles are your focus, you're missing the elephant in the room - your depression and suicidal thinking. Get rid of foods that cause histamine release and/or contain histamine because histamine is linked to anxiety and depression, and it's likely causing your dark circles, too. – ddibwynt May 15 2012 at 6:43

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Dragonfly · Answer 1 · 2012-05-03 14:04:31Z UTC

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I have genetic ones (Mediterranean blood) and no amount of dietary tweaking has shifted them completely.

Apparently there is laser treatment now for dark circles. Perhaps worth investigating?

In the meantime, probably worth it to get a consult with a makeup artist & get some concealer & learn how to use it.

answered May 3 2012 at 14:04

Dragonfly
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	This runs in my family as well. My father had the laser surgery hinted at to mitigate the issue. Apparently we have poor genes and the capillaries around our eyes tend to 'leak' causing the darkness under our eyes. The laser surgery's intent is to cauterize the capillaries to prevent the 'leaking.' My father was pleased with the results. I honestly did not notice that much difference. – Mark May 3 2012 at 16:10
	i have fairly dark skin so possibly have Mediterranean blood as well, i have heard they are prone to circles, I might be willing to get the laser treatment if i knew it worked but its such a risk because its such a delicate area – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 16:42

monaLisa · Answer 2 · 2012-05-03 15:07:25Z UTC

I dont know if this answers your question, but I have had dark circles my whole life and paleo got rid of them for me. I have no idea why. I can only assume that I was allergic to something I am no longer eating. You said you have allergies have you tried to eat local raw honey to combat some of the allergies? There may be something you are eating that you are allergic to that may be still paleo. I would get a full panel allergy test, so you know what is causing the allergies.

a mesmerizing trickster · Answer 3 · 2012-05-03 16:05:00Z UTC

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I do still have some digestive problems and am possibly fixing a 'leaky gut' at the moment so I do have hope that once that's fixed things might improve? (if I even have that)

Yeah, if you still have digestive problems you probably have leaky gut. Paleo isn't always enough to heal all the damage people caused over the years. Are are you doing to fix leaky gut?

Have you always had dark circles?
Dark circles can be a symptom of food intolerances too.

Maybe do a Gaps diet to heal it? http://www.gapsdiet.com/INTRODUCTION_DIET.html My food intolerances went completely away after doing that, but I grew up eating farm fresh foods and only had 5-6 years of SAD damage. Maybe you can't fully recover if you've been eating SAD your whole life... But try Gaps diet anyway.

answered May 3 2012 at 16:05

a mesmerizing trickster
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Well I'm only 26 so haven't been SAD too long i guess, I'm taking l-glutamine, yakult, cut out fruit, relaxing more. I'm predisposed to dark circles as my mum and brother have them, but they have definately become more pronounced over the last 10 years, they just slowly crept up on me until i looked in the mirror one day and realised how dark they were, very depressing i can tell you. I have to say that I've not given this lifestyle a fair shout yet but i really cant see myself going back, i'll probably eat this way my whole life so maybe after a year or so things will have improved – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 16:36

I will have a look into the GAPS diet as well, thanks – HuntingBears May 3 2012 at 16:36

I'm 24 and have been SAD only in the last 5-6 years of my life, that's a big difference from 26 SAD years. ^^ Well, your mom and brother have them, I assume you grew up eating the same food? – a mesmerizing trickster May 3 2012 at 16:58

I don't believe the amount of time you ate bad makes a difference, IMO. – Korion May 3 2012 at 18:34

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"I just don't understand why you assume your eating on a farm is necessarily better than the SAD" If you don't understand how eating fresh vegetables (picked 5 minutes ago, grown in rich soil), eating eggs that have very dark orange yolks instead of pale yellow, butter that is deep yellow instead of white, meat and fat from animals that ate their natural diets and spend time outside.... as opposed to SAD... then there's nothing I can tell you that would make you believe otherwise. – a mesmerizing trickster May 5 2012 at 22:30

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Allie · Answer 4 · 2012-05-07 10:25:09Z UTC

Yeah, I definitely agree with the people who say you're probably still handling some issues with your digestion. For me, I had little to no improvement, and then something happened and it was like literally overnight my skin cleared up, and dark circles (which people ask about my black eyes) started improving.

There is a phenom cosmetics company that helps people figure out solutions to various aesthetic things. It's called Makeup Artist's Choice http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/ , and I've been a customer for about 2 years. I have only ever gotten extremely professional and honest advice from them, so I recommend that you shoot them an e-mail. They specialize in cosmetic improvements (esp. due to trauma) which is exactly what you need to improve your image while still working on whatever is happening inside you.

What they are best known for, and what I use to fade acne scars, are their acid peels. Normally you need to go to a dermatologist for them and they cost upwards of $500 per treatment, and most people need more than one treatment. Doing it at home sounds scary, but it's way cheaper ($40 for a bottle I've had for 2 years, 6 treatments) and you only run a risk if you don't do it carefully and don't ease into it. I think the TCA 8% peel can actually be used around your eye, but you need to start with very gentle acids and gradually work your way up. They'll advise a regimen for you if you ask. http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/catalog/TCA_Peels-22-1.html

I use this eye cream too, at night, which has vitamin K to help w/ strengthening blood vessels and calming bruising. (Also great for actual bruises!). It's not perfectly clean chemically, but I trust this company 100% based on past experiences and don't use any other products daily so I feel all right about putting it on my skin. http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/products/Vitamin_K_Cream_Dark_Under_Eye_Circles-509-6.html

Aaaand. You can use a caffeine roller (a serum you roll on using a fat pen-shaped applicator with a ballpoint tip), I think Garnier makes one you can get at the drugstore, and that might help. I've never tried it myself because I try to minimize products/chemicals.

Paul Whiteley · Answer 5 · 2012-05-03 11:43:43Z UTC

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Ever thought about low sulphate (sulfate) levels? http://questioning-answers.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/jaundice-bilirubin-and-autism.html (no advice intended)

answered May 3 2012 at 11:43

Paul Whiteley
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DJDeeJay · Answer 6 · 2012-05-03 21:43:50Z UTC

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I'm not sure I can help, but I can totally relate. I also have huge dark circles under my eyes. The skin is so thin that you can see the veins underneath. It's awful and I've always hated this about my face. I can't even count how many times someone has asked me how I got two black eyes. I wish I could use concealer, but as you've pointed out, men just can't get away with it. I regularly think about how, if a genie granted me 3 wishes, the first thing I'd do is fix the skin around my eyes.

I know this doesn't help, but I just wanted you to know there are others like you out there.

answered May 3 2012 at 21:43

DJDeeJay
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Men absolutely can get away with it, DJ. If the concealer is noticeable, you just need more practice applying it. Every guy on TV is wearing it, for heaven's sake, as does every movie star everytime they step outta the door into the horde or paparazzi. Find your inner George Clooney, as Mark Sisson likes to say. – IfYouSaySo May 3 2012 at 22:11

I do wear concealer sometimes when i go on a night out but for general day to day i think it is obvious no matter how well applied. I totally agree with the genie comment, I think a similar thing about 5 times a day! I would even go as far as thinking my life would be totally different if I didnt have them :( – HuntingBears May 4 2012 at 0:20

@IfYouSaySo - True, but every guy wearing it on TV would ridiculous if they walked off set and into your living room with that make-up on. You can even tell they're wearing it if you have HD, so I'm not convinced it would be unnoticeable in real life. – DJDeeJay May 4 2012 at 19:10

@HuntingBears - I know this is cheesy and I'm not a therapist, but when you said this, "I would even go as far as thinking my life would be totally different if I didnt have them," it got me thinking. How would your life be different? How much is it that your life would be different, and how much is it that YOU would behave differently? If it's the latter, I would say start behaving that way now anyway (I have a feeling we're mostly talking about confidence). (To be continued in next comment...) – DJDeeJay May 4 2012 at 19:10

(...cont.) It won't be easy at first, but if you stick with it and practice and 'fake it 'til you make it,' you might start noticing those differences you want in your life anyway. If you wait for everything to be 'perfect' before you act on what you want, then you'll be waiting forever. I know - easier said than done, but it's just my two cents. – DJDeeJay May 4 2012 at 19:10

San Diego Dude · Answer 7 · 2012-05-03 22:23:03Z UTC

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I have the same problem...

are you getting 8 hours of sleep? (probably a stupid question, I'm sure that's the first thing you took care of)

how much caffeine are you consuming?

are you staying hydrated?

As far as concealer is concerned, hey if you're secure enough in your masculinity to put a touch of makeup on to conceal those dark circles then why not?

answered May 3 2012 at 22:23

San Diego Dude
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I have no problem wearing concealer the problem is its counterproductive as i think people can see it so my confidence dips even further – HuntingBears May 4 2012 at 0:21

Concealer doesn't really cover dark circles (unless they're very light). In my opinion it is more likely to highlight them. – spuggygirl May 4 2012 at 7:45

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I have been wearing it for 14 years now and people are often surprised to find i wear it. a good makeup artist can tell you how to apply it properly. But honestly i don't think dark circles are that big of a deal. I've met boyfriends while not westering makeup and I've dated men who also had them. Dating isn't just for people who look like supermodels. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub May 4 2012 at 10:13

Just to add to the concealer debate, a good tip is less is more. IE, if you try to totally obliterate the dark circles, acne blemish, whatever, under a thick plastic layer then it WILL be obvious. If you use less, it will be less so. You might still have dark circles, they just won't be as dark. Yay, makeup tips on paleohacks. – LV May 15 2012 at 7:12

spuggygirl · Answer 8 · 2012-05-04 07:44:45Z UTC

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I have terrible dark circles which are caused by chronic sinus inflammation - when the inflammation is at its worst, the shadows become very deep. Unfortunately paleo hasn't cured this for me.

answered May 4 2012 at 7:44

spuggygirl
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Anniep · Answer 9 · 2012-05-04 12:39:38Z UTC

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I thought that these dark circles were called "allergic shiners". Mine lessened but did not totally disappear when I started to identify allergens.

answered May 4 2012 at 12:39

Anniep
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Jasmine · Answer 10 · 2012-05-04 16:19:55Z UTC

Google "allergic shiners" and see if they look like what you have. They are caused by food allergies, but also environmental allergies. Breathing in pollen, dust, mold, cat hair, etc creates an inflammatory response in the sinuses. Is it possible you have pets that you love but you are allergic to?

Def look into the gaps diet. And herbs for allergies like nettles. Also try acupuncture!

SmartGirl · Answer 11 · 2012-05-15 04:37:25Z UTC

HuntingBears, here you go.

Stop caffeine consumption, 100%.
Get 8 hrs of sleep each night between 10pm and 6am. Whether it is considered paleo or not, you need to start taking a greens supplement IMMEDIATELY. My favorite is from Dr. Shulze. 64 oz of water per day 1hr excercise per day Only organic meats and vegetables and eat as much vegetable based fiber as possible.

And lastly, a good refrigerated probiotic to repopulate your digestive tract and fight leaky gut.

Some of this may not be paleo advice, but it is what worked for me.

The hollowness can be addressed by Juvaderm injections. I work in front of the camera in a sleep-deprived, caffeine on demand type environment and have seen colleagues do well with diet/supplement based approach and by injections...but to only do injections isn't getting to the true cause.

Melissa · Answer 12 · 2012-05-15 05:46:32Z UTC

I just wanted to let you know that it IS possible to get rid of dark circles. I did. The bad news is that I don't know what made them go away.

I have always had dark circles under my eyes. If I wore makeup, concealer was the first thing I put on. As I reached my late 40s, I'd look into the mirror and see just the dark circles looking back at me. I was turning into a raccoon.

When I cleaned up my diet, it cleared up tremendously. I almost never bother with concealer anymore, or makeup in general. Don't feel I need it like before.

Rather than looking for a specific cure for this problem, I'd say, keep tweaking the diet and concentrate on healing in general. You may hit upon the right answer.

Best of luck

VB · Answer 13 · 2012-05-15 03:49:14Z UTC

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I have never had dark circles under eyes but then something happened about four years ago and I got them in one week and I could not get rid of them for over four years! I still have them, but they are lighter!

answered May 15 2012 at 3:49

VB
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ivymcivy · Answer 14 · 2013-05-04 14:59:13Z UTC

Deal with your stress. Get exercise in the sun and fresh air. Get good sleep. Continue on your path of eating for health and vitality. The histamine connection others have mentioned is good to look into. BUT...

Your issue is not with your under eye circles - you are fixating on them. Under eye circles are not the reason your life isn't what you want it to be. If you want a better job, a better social life - whatever it is - deal with that directly and don't blame a part of your body. Self confidence doesn't magically happen when everything about our body is perfect, self confidence comes from accomplishment and knowing you are a capable person. If you can move your attention from fixation on externals to doing something you find satisfying and important, your stress will lessen and the circles under your eyes will not seem so devastating.

Also, limiting eye strain by limiting the time spent staring at a computer screen may help. Go out and connect with your friends in real life, laugh, try and have fun!

Hack my dark circles

14 Answers