For about 2 years I've had these awful dark circles around my eyes. They're very apparent, especially in pictures. It makes me very self conscious. I'm not sure what's causing them but I definitely want to get rid of them, but I don't know what to do. My mother says it's because I smoke and don't get enough sleep. I don't know. I've recently started using L'Oreal Plenitude Eye Defense cream which is supposed to diminish them but when I put it on it makes them stand out even more. I know it sounds funny for a guy, but I also use this concealer stick which does ok but doesn't really cover them up all the way. I've enlosed a picture below so you can see what I'm talking about. They seem to stand out alot in photographs. I have no idea what to do, I've heard so many reason why they could be there like I'm anemic, I smoke, not enough sleep, vitamins, heredity etc. No one else in my family has dark circles so hopefully it's not inherited. Hopefully someone will be able to look at this photo and tell. Thanks for any help! Here's the pic.... Http://www.facelink.com/soundchaser

Hi Clay. You didnt mention it , but do you have any allergy problems? My daughter does and she has the same black circles around her eyes. The first trip to the allergist , he called them " allergy shiners" ! Shes been on claritin for 3 weeks and the black eyes have gone away. Just thought I'd share ... good luck
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

[This message has been edited by margosuperstar (edited 04-18-2002).]