# dark circles under my eyes

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 22, 2001, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178 "2001-09-22T06:20:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![uglybeech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/82dd89/32.png) [@uglybeech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uglybeech)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2001, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178/1 "2001-09-22T06:20:52Z")

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…when i’m tired or sick…

why?

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**Author:** ![AbbySthrnAccent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@AbbySthrnAccent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AbbySthrnAccent)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2001, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178/2 "2001-09-22T06:29:08Z")

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[Try this thread.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=15461)

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**Author:** ![uglybeech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/82dd89/32.png) [@uglybeech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uglybeech)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2001, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178/3 "2001-09-22T07:02:53Z")

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Thanks for the reference. (I actually DID do a search for “dark circles” in the GQ board before I posted and it came up with nothing)

Still, the thread doesn’t seem to entirely answer the question (at least to my satisfaction). The statement that dark circles are not an indicator of lack of sleep seem ridiculous to me. I’m not really persuaded by any of the other suggestions either (skin sag? sinuses? - why when I’m TIRED?)

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**Author:** ![AbbySthrnAccent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@AbbySthrnAccent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AbbySthrnAccent)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2001, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178/4 "2001-09-22T07:18:45Z")

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From [Go Ask Alice](http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1062.html)

> [@](#):
>
> Besides allergies, it’s possible that genetics, the nature of the skin beneath the eyes, water intake, and/or age could contribute to your so-called “raccoon” look. Pronounced undereye circles are often passed down, genetically, within families. Another likely culprit is the skin directly under the eyes, which is just about the thinnest skin you can find on your body. It is extremely sensitive, as well as prone to this sort of “discoloration.” Rubbing your eyes excessively can make the dark circles worse. Dehydration can also make the circles more obvious. If you normally don’t drink much water, perhaps you can add a few more glasses to your daily liquid intake. Lastly, don’t forget about ol’ Father Time – undereye circles tend to become more pronounced with each passing year.

Still not satisfied, try [Google](http://www.google.com)

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**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2001, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-circles-under-my-eyes/83178/5 "2001-09-22T13:22:07Z")

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Dark circles under the eyes can also be a sign of a hormonal imblance, such as low adrenaline levels.