The real reason we get dark rings from watching TV and playing games

27 September 2016

Ever wondered why you get dark rings under your eyes?

It’s not necessarily because you’re tired, explains YouTubers SciShow.

“The main reason why your skin might look darker in the area around your eyes is because the skin is thinner in that area and there’s less fat to hide the tiny blood vessels there.”

Genetics play a part too, as they effect the natural pigmentation around the eye as well as the natural melanin in the area.

Of course, not getting enough sleep is a factor but not because you’re tired.

Lack of sleep causes the body to enter stress mode, increasing the production of the hormone Cortisol.

“Over time, Cortisol can constrict blood vessels or, in this case, dilate them and make the ones under your eyes bigger.”

It also explains why you get dark rings when watching a tense or scary TV show or playing a stressful game.

Check out a more detailed explanation below:


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