Dark circles under the eye can add years to your age, making you look older and worn out. These dark areas can appear in men and women, but may seem most apparent on fair skin. If you have dark circles you should not worry that this could indicate a health problem. To avoid dark circles, some people look to their diet, but items such as fatty foods do not have any known connection with dark circles.
Fatty Foods
You need some amount of fat in your diet in order for your body to function properly. Unhealthy, fatty foods typically consist of foods such as butter, cheese, ice cream and fatty meats such as beef. Some oils, coconut oil and palm oil for example, contain high amounts of fats. Processed and fried foods often contain high amounts of fat as well. High-fat foods may increase your risk for high blood cholesterol levels, and this puts you at a higher risk for heart disease and other health conditions. High-fat foods will not cause your dark circles.
Cause
Dark under-eye circles may run in your family, and you cannot prevent this from occurring. During a family gathering, you may want to look at your relatives to see if anyone has a similar issue. However, other factors may play a role in dark circles. If you have a lot of stress in your life, or if you smoke or drink, these factors may contribute to the appearance of dark areas. If you have allergies or a cold that causes nasal congestion, this may also result in dark circles. Other issues include sun exposure and thin skin.
Prevention
Fatigue will not cause dark circles under your eyes, but tiredness may enhance the appearance of the dark areas. You can also make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and making efforts to reduce the stress in your life. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes. Another way that may help prevent dark circles is to wear sunscreen when you go outside, since exposure may increase the pigment response and darken those areas.
Treatments
Makeup will often cover dark circles, but you may need to try different products to find one that provides the best coverage. If these products do not hide the dark areas well enough, or if the dark areas worsen, contact your doctor. She may recommend a dermatologist that can evaluate your skin and formulate a treatment plan to lighten or eliminate the dark circles. Medical options may include topical creams, laser treatments or chemical peels.
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