Why do football players put black under their eyes. Eye Black in Sports: Purpose, Benefits, and Cultural Significance

Why do athletes use eye black. How does eye black reduce glare. What are the different types of eye black. Does eye black really work. How did eye black become popular in sports. Are there any drawbacks to using eye black. Can eye black improve athletic performance.

The Origins and Evolution of Eye Black in Sports

Eye black, the dark grease or strips applied beneath athletes’ eyes, has become a ubiquitous sight in many sports, particularly in American football. But where did this practice originate, and how has it evolved over time?

The use of eye black can be traced back to the 1930s, when professional baseball player Babe Ruth was believed to have used grease beneath his eyes to reduce glare from the sun. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that eye black began to gain widespread popularity in American football.

Initially, players used actual black grease paint or burnt cork to create the distinctive dark streaks. As the practice became more common, specialized eye black products were developed, including grease sticks and adhesive strips.

The Spread of Eye Black Across Sports

While eye black remains most closely associated with American football, its use has spread to other sports over the years. Baseball players, particularly outfielders who face significant glare from the sun, have long used eye black. In recent years, the practice has also been adopted by some soccer goalkeepers, lacrosse players, and even some winter sports athletes.

The Science Behind Eye Black: Does It Really Work?

The primary purpose of eye black is to reduce glare and improve visual acuity for athletes. But does it actually work, or is it merely a placebo effect?

Several scientific studies have attempted to answer this question. A notable study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology in 2003 found that eye black does indeed reduce glare and improve contrast sensitivity under sunlight conditions. The study compared traditional eye black grease to anti-glare stickers and petroleum jelly, finding that the grease was most effective at reducing glare.

How Eye Black Reduces Glare

Eye black works by absorbing light that would otherwise reflect off the cheekbones and into the eyes. This reduction in reflected light helps to reduce glare and improve contrast sensitivity, allowing athletes to better track moving objects against bright backgrounds.

Limitations of Eye Black

While eye black can be effective in reducing glare from sunlight, its benefits may be limited in other lighting conditions. For night games played under artificial lighting, the effectiveness of eye black is less clear. Some athletes still use it in these conditions, citing habit or psychological benefits.

Types of Eye Black: Grease vs. Strips

Athletes have two main options when it comes to applying eye black: traditional grease or adhesive strips. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.

• Grease: The original form of eye black, grease is typically made from beeswax, paraffin, and carbon. It’s highly effective at reducing glare but can be messy to apply and remove.
• Strips: Adhesive strips are easier to apply and remove than grease. They come in various designs and can even feature team logos or personal messages. However, some studies suggest they may be slightly less effective at reducing glare than traditional grease.

Choosing the Right Eye Black

When selecting eye black, athletes should consider factors such as personal preference, skin sensitivity, and specific sport requirements. Some leagues have regulations regarding the use of eye black, particularly concerning messages or designs on adhesive strips.

The Psychological Impact of Eye Black

Beyond its potential physical benefits, eye black may also have psychological effects on athletes. Many players report feeling more focused or intimidating when wearing eye black, suggesting a possible placebo effect.

The use of eye black can be seen as a ritual for many athletes, helping them get into a competitive mindset before a game. This psychological boost, even if not directly related to visual performance, could potentially contribute to improved athletic performance.

Eye Black as War Paint

Some athletes and fans view eye black as a form of “war paint,” drawing parallels to historical practices of warriors painting their faces before battle. This association can contribute to feelings of intimidation and team unity.

Eye Black in Popular Culture

The distinctive appearance of eye black has made it a recognizable symbol of athleticism in popular culture. It’s often featured in sports-related media, including films, television shows, and video games.

Some athletes have even used eye black as a form of self-expression or activism. In 2009, NFL player Reggie Bush wrote “619” in his eye black to represent his hometown area code, sparking a trend of players adding messages to their eye black. This practice was later banned by the NFL.

Eye Black in Fashion and Beauty

The aesthetic of eye black has occasionally influenced fashion and beauty trends. Some makeup artists have incorporated similar looks into editorial photoshoots or runway shows, drawing inspiration from the bold, graphic appearance of athletic eye black.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations of Using Eye Black

While eye black is generally considered safe and beneficial, there are some potential drawbacks and considerations that athletes should be aware of:

1. Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to eye black products, particularly those with sensitive skin.
2. Removal Difficulty: Grease-based eye black can be challenging to remove, potentially leading to stained towels or clothing.
3. Regulatory Issues: Some sports leagues have specific rules about the use of eye black, including restrictions on designs or messages.
4. Overreliance: Athletes should not rely solely on eye black for sun protection and should still use appropriate eyewear when necessary.

Alternatives to Traditional Eye Black

For athletes who experience issues with traditional eye black or prefer alternative methods, there are several options:

• Tinted Visors: Some sports allow the use of tinted helmet visors, which can provide similar glare reduction benefits.
• Specialized Sunglasses: Many sports-specific sunglasses are designed to reduce glare and improve visual acuity.
• Natural Alternatives: Some athletes have experimented with natural substances like charcoal or mud for a similar effect, although these are not typically allowed in professional settings.

The Future of Eye Black in Sports

As sports technology continues to advance, what does the future hold for eye black? While traditional grease and strips remain popular, new innovations are emerging in the field of glare reduction for athletes.

Some companies are developing high-tech alternatives to traditional eye black, including specialized contact lenses and advanced coatings for eyewear. These technologies aim to provide superior glare reduction without the need for topical application.

Potential Technological Advancements

Future developments in eye black technology might include:

• Smart Eye Black: Strips or grease that change color or opacity based on light conditions.
• Integrated Helmet Technology: Helmets with built-in glare reduction features around the eye area.
• Biodegradable Options: Environmentally friendly eye black products that easily wash off without harmful chemicals.

Despite these potential advancements, the traditional forms of eye black are likely to remain popular due to their simplicity, effectiveness, and cultural significance in sports.

Eye Black Beyond the Playing Field

While eye black is primarily associated with sports, its glare-reducing properties have led to its adoption in other fields. Some military personnel, particularly snipers, have used similar techniques to reduce glare and improve visual acuity in bright conditions.

In the realm of outdoor recreation, some hikers and mountaineers have adopted eye black-like products to combat glare from snow or water. These applications demonstrate the versatility of the concept beyond its sporting origins.

Eye Black in Research and Development

The principles behind eye black have also influenced research in various fields:

• Optics: Studies on glare reduction in eye black have contributed to broader research in optical sciences.
• Materials Science: The development of effective, long-lasting eye black products has implications for other fields requiring light-absorbing materials.
• Biomimicry: The concept of eye black has inspired research into natural glare-reduction mechanisms in animals, potentially leading to new technological innovations.

As our understanding of visual perception and light interaction continues to grow, the humble eye black may continue to play a role in scientific advancement and practical applications beyond the world of sports.

Why do american football players wear (what appears to be) black greasepaint stripes on their faces? | Notes and Queries

Why Do Football Players Wear Black Under Their Eyes?

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Have you ever wondered why football players (and also some athletes in other sports like baseball) apply black paint under their eyes?

Although there is an aesthetic aspect involved, the reason is actually rather functional. Below, you’ll find out why football players wear black under their eyes and whether you should follow suit!

What Is The Black Mark Under Football Players’ Eyes?

That “black mark” is known as eye black. Traditionally, eye black is grease made of paraffin, beeswax, and carbon black. 

Face strips simulating the look and function of eye black grease are also available. These strips are less messy and are easier to apply than grease eye black while supposedly delivering similar effects.

Eye black is particularly popular in football, but athletes in baseball, softball, and lacrosse also wear it. The black paint is super-popular in American sports, but not in similar sports outside the US. Rugby, soccer, or cricket athletes don’t typically wear eye black, for example.

Why Do Football Players Wear Black Paint Under Their Eyes?

The primary purpose of applying black paint under one’s eyes is to, theoretically, reduce glare and improve contrast sensitivity. I say “theoretically” because available studies are inconclusive about the effectiveness of eye black (though there aren’t many studies, to begin with).

Essentially, eye black is thought to absorb light, reduce sun glare, and thus considerably improve visibility. When players are rushing across the field and need maximum visibility of the ball, every little bit of help counts.

It’s generally considered that it was baseball legend Babe Ruth who pioneered the use of grease with the aim to reduce glare. This happened around the 1930s. 

But according to ESPN, the earliest known case of the use of eye black is Redskins fullback, Andy Farkas. Farkas is thought to have come up with the idea on his own in 1942.

Eye black can be beneficial not only during the day but also in low-light conditions. This is because eye black may dampen glare caused by stadium lights.

Performance benefits aside, some may wear eye black to make a statement or as part of their style. Probably no experienced football player will be intimidated by a particularly formidable eye black pattern, but it’s still a good way of standing out.

Other Useful Football Articles

Does Eye Black Work?

I came across three more or less reliable sources in regards to eye black effectiveness. Let’s have a look at these below.

2003 study

In 2003, a group of researchers set out to investigate the effectiveness of eye black grease and anti-glare stickers. Forty-six subjects were randomized to the application of either eye black grease, anti-glare stickers, or petroleum jelly placebo.

Eye black grease was found to be noticeably more effective than stickers and petroleum jelly at reducing glare and improving contrast sensitivity. However, note that this was a very small-scale study, and participants seem to have been aware of what was applied to their faces and may thus have been biased.

Also, skin without any grease wasn’t used as a control condition, so it’s unclear how eye black compares to it.

New Hampshire study

18 male and 28 female students from New Hampshire were selected to test the effects of eye black. The vision was compared with and without eye black. Trials ran from November 2003 to February 2004.

Eye black was found to improve contrast sensitivity, though the effects were small. However, the study again wasn’t performed double-blind – that is, participants were aware of what was being applied to their faces.

MythBusters test

MythBusters tested eye black in Episode 99: Viewers’ Choice Special. They determined that the benefits of eye black were plausible since it did improve one’s ability to differentiate between light and darkness. However, in bright conditions, eye black doesn’t seem to have benefits.

Should You Wear Eye Black?

No matter what studies say about eye black, if you want to wear it, go ahead. Eye black probably won’t harm your performance on the field. It may be able to help you, or maybe it won’t. Give it a shot – eye black doesn’t cost a lot anyway.

What Stores Sell Eye Black?

Major manufacturers of football or general sports equipment – like Franklin Sports or Schutt – offer eye black options. Online retailers – like Amazon or Dick’s Sporting Goods – have eye black as well.

Just google “eye black” if you don’t know where to start.

To help you a little, here are a few good eye black options:

• iSplack Colored Eye Black. This one’s a bit expensive, but it’s advertised to be non-toxic and paraben-free. It’s also available in several colors.
• Art of Sport Eye Black. A slightly cheaper option that’s again claimed to be completely safe.
• Franklin Sports Eye Black Stickers for Kids. These non-toxic stickers are easy to apply and remove, though they may be less effective than grease-based eye black.
• Warriorblack Single Stick Eyeblack Color. This one boasts a non-greasy formula that lasts the entire game. The stick also has antioxidants and menthol for a cooling effect.

Conclusion

So, in the end, football players wear eye black to reduce glare and improve visibility. Whether or not this works is unclear, but if you are wondering, give eye black a try. Eye black probably won’t make your performance worse, so it’s perhaps worth a shot.

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Brad Smith

Brad Smith has been coaching high school Football for 6 years in Florida. He and his wife have 3 beautiful children who he hopes will become the first Jaguars to win a Superbowl. Other than Football, Brad loves American litterature, parenting, gardening, and home remodeling.

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Why Tiktokers draw bruises under their eyes and how to get rid of them forever : millionaire bloggers actively draw bruises under their eyes with the help of cosmetics. What are the origins of this trend, what are the causes of the appearance of real dark circles and how to get rid of them.

Video of the day

The main reason for the bizarre beauty trend is that influencers want to “normalize” signs of fatigue. According to the founder of the flash mob, 19-year-old Sarah Carstens, her generation sleeps poorly and gets up early, spends a lot of time in front of the screen of gadgets, so there is nothing surprising in the fact that, despite their youth, they have dark circles under their eyes. It is customary to fight with them, but the blogger wants to show that there is nothing shameful in them, therefore, instead of disguising them, the celebrity emphasized them with a matte pencil. Sarah’s idea was quickly picked up by other famous personalities, but the Passion.ru editors decided to figure out the causes of the problem and how to deal with it, because the condition of the skin around the eyes is of great importance for the aesthetic perception of the whole face and, of course, bruises, bags under the eyes and swelling spoil the appearance.

The main causes of dark circles under the eyes and ways to get rid of them

Olga Ryabova Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, trichologist at DoctorPlastic clinic

The most annoying reason is congenital changes. It often happens that patients have a rather pronounced or nasolacrimal groove, or pronounced swelling under the eyes. Such patients are told from childhood that they look tired or that they have a tear-stained look. But that’s just the anatomy.

What to do in such a situation? Improving the quality of the skin or tightening it is useless in this case. You just need to mechanically lift the skin tissue either with hyaluronic acid-based gels or fillers to fill the nasolacrimal trough or do lipofilling, which will give a more lasting effect, and it will have less hydrophilicity, i. e. fabrics will attract less water.

Kristen Stewartgloballook

As far as bruising is concerned, often this visual impression comes from the reflection of light. Sometimes, people have a deep enough zone of the orbit, due to this, the light cannot be beautifully reflected, and visually the area under the eyes looks dark.

What to do in such a situation? Contour plasty will help to fill the nasolacrimal trough.

It happens that blood vessels are translucent in people, which also create the effect of a bruise.

What to do in such a situation? Contour plasty will also help here to fill the nasolacrimal trough. Or you can improve the tone of the vascular wall so that the skin color is more “smooth” and the “blue” is gone.

Ekaterina Kushnir Dermatocosmetologist, specialist in all types of hardware and injection techniques, Beauty Time clinic:

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by fatigue, chronic lack of sleep and stress.

What to do in such a situation? In such cases, as a rule, after rest we see a slight improvement.

Bags under the eyes (swelling, puffiness) may be associated with internal pathologies, such as disorders of the urinary system, kidney function, endocrine diseases. As a result, persistent swelling appears on the face – both directly on the upper and lower eyelids.

freepik

Another reason for the appearance of bags under the eyes is again anatomical. Already at a young age, due to the peculiarities of the location of muscles and ligaments in the area under the eyes, so-called “hernial sacs” are formed. They tend to increase (for example, when they ate salty at night), because hernias are fat, and it accumulates water. Thus, there is stagnation of the lymph and additional swelling.

3 Powerful Facial Lifting Exercises You Should Learn

Digital aging – a new marketing ploy or an actual problem of modern women

What to do in such a situation? The most difficult thing in terms of cosmetic correction is hernias and those same bags under the eyes. The ideal solution to the problem is transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In the presence of hernias, this operation is carried out from the age of 20-25. But if the patient is not ready to consider surgery, we can offer lymphatic drainage massage and microcurrents – they are very good at removing stagnant fluid from the hernial pack, reducing this bag under the eye. Also, patients undergo hardware lifting with Ultherapy ultrasound – it can act on this fat, “seating” it. The same effect can be achieved with Thermage RF lifting. But contouring with hyaluronic acid fillers in the presence of hernias under the eyes is not always indicated, because. on the contrary, it can increase swelling.

How to get rid of the problem with home care

Anyone who is not satisfied with the condition of the eye area – no matter whether it is bruises, bags under the eyes, wrinkles – self-massage helps! We apply an eye cream and distribute along the lymphatic drainage lines with a “surging”, i.e. pressing on certain points to “reset” stagnant lymph, increase blood circulation, eliminate puffiness and improve skin color. But in the periorbital zone, the lymph nodes are located somewhat differently, and it is important to know these nuances so as not to stretch the skin, but, on the contrary, to get a good effect. It is also recommended to use hydrogel patches in the morning and twice a day creams for the eye area – with vitamin E (tocapherol) and lymphatic drainage complexes, and for older skin, products with retinol are suitable.

Photo: globallook, gettyimages, freepik

DIY, Olga Ryabova, passion.ru

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10 strangest rituals and superstitions of football players

90 063 June 17, 2018

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Image caption,

Many football players have special rituals before the game

Not everyone is ready to admit it, but for many football players, superstitions and omens have become almost an integral part of the profession.

One may not believe that rituals really have any effect on the quality of athletes’ performances, but they themselves are obviously convinced of their importance.

Here are some of the omens and superstitions that the world’s best soccer players rely on.

A bit of Russian classics before the game

Gennaro Gattuso is remembered not only for his glorious years at the AC Milan football club, but also for playing in midfield at the 2006 World Cup in Germany – Italy then managed to win.

Image copyright PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images

Image caption

Gennaro Gattuso used to read classical literature before matches

Gattuso always read Russian literature classic Fyodor Dostoyevsky before matches. It is not known why he began to do this, but in the end it became a kind of ritual.

According to the football player, some of the rituals at that World Cup were not easy for him. “Every day I wore the same sweater that I wore on the first day. Rivers of sweat flowed from me, and I was in a terrible mood, because it was impossible to remove this thing,” he said.

“I was obsessed with superstitions. For example, before the game with the Czech Republic, I packed my suitcase [in case of elimination from the tournament] and then did this before every game until the end of the tournament,” he complained.

Always on the right foot

Two-time world football champion and winner of countless awards, Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in Brazilian football.

Image copyright ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

Image caption

Ronaldo always enters the field with his right foot only

One of his rituals is to always enter the field with only the right foot. The same habit is followed by his compatriot Roberto Carlos.

Image copyright, REUTERS/Sergio Perez

Image caption,

Ronaldo is no stranger to superstition either.

“Like all athletes, I am superstitious, one of the signs is to always enter the field with the right foot. I also try to follow certain rituals, as well as repeat the things that worked in the previous game,” he said in 2016.

Magic headband

Speaking of the right leg, Juan Carlos Peralta from the Chilean club Colo-Colo, who won the Copa Libertadores in 1991, is worth mentioning.

“One of my oddities is that I always bandage my right leg. It’s not because of an injury. It’s just that the first time I did it, we won. So I continued,” he told La Cuarta newspaper.

His compatriot Ivan Zamorano, in turn, always played with a white band around his right wrist.

Image copyright, Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Zamorano bandaged his right wrist, but not because of an injury

A wrist injury started the habit, but after scoring three goals while playing with the bandage, Zamorano decided to continue.

Socks inside out

Iker Casillas is the 2010 World Champion, 2012 European Championship winner and once a key Real Madrid player who now plays for Porto. But he also believes in omens.

Photo copyright, REUTERS/Andrew Yates

Photo caption,

Iker Casillas has many rituals before every game

“The Spanish goalkeeper is one of the most superstitious players,” wrote the Spanish portal Marca. He cuts the sleeves of T-shirts and turns socks inside out, the article said.

Also, every time his team scores a goal, Casillas comes back to the net, makes a small jump and touches the post with his left hand.

Mood song

Laurent Blanc’s leadership qualities, Zinedine Zidane’s talent, Fabien Barthez’s dexterity and the French team’s determination not to disappoint fans helped host France in 1998 win the World Cup.

However, perhaps one ritual also played a role.

In the locker room, the French team always listened to the same song – I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor.

Image copyright DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images

Image caption

France won the World Cup at 1998 – maybe just because of the song?

The hit of 1978 returned 20 years later, thanks in large part to defender Vincent Candela, who played this song throughout the locker room.

As a result, the music has become something like the unofficial anthem of the French team.

Blue underwear

The blue shorts of the legendary Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita are known all over the world. According to him, it all started with a trip to a fortune teller.

image copyrightRAFAEL URZUA/AFP/Getty Images

Image caption,

Higuita wears a certain color of underpants for good luck

“In the late 80s, Atlético Nacional couldn’t beat Millionarios. Carlos Perea and I went to see a fortuneteller,” he said.

“She said we were cursed and sent us a belt and blue briefs for all the players. They fit perfectly and we ended up winning the Copa Libertadores,” added the player.

Left toilet Fiorentina and Besiktas, Champions League winners in 2013 Mario Gomez is also known as the “Super Mario” of German football.

Gomez also has an unusual habit. “He always uses the leftmost urinal in the locker room,” according to the FIFA website.

Image copyright, Clive Mason/Getty Images

Image caption,

Mario Gomez carefully chooses a urinal

Former Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Goicoechea has a more elaborate toilet ritual. It started with an incident that occurred before the penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final match against Yugoslavia at the World Cup in Italy in 1990.

Since the goalkeeper did not have time to run to the dressing room, he relieved himself right on the field. Argentina won that match, and when the team was also awarded a penalty in the semi-final against Italy, the footballer repeated his ritual.

And Argentina won again.

Consistency is a sign of excellence

John Terry didn’t win anything with England, but we’ll talk about the time he captained Chelsea to win the Premier League five times, as well as the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League.

Image copyright, PA

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Chelsea icon John Terry was once very superstitious

He has been hailed as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, but his superstition has not been affected.

“I always sat in the same seat on the bus, wrapped my gaiters three times in duct tape, listened to the same CD on the way to the stadium, parked my car in the same spot before a game at Stamford Bridge,” he told FIFA’s website of his time with Chelsea.

And while we’re talking about toilets, it’s worth noting that for over a decade, Terry used the right urinal at Stamford Bridge.

Last to leave

English football legend Bobby Moore liked to be the last to leave the dressing room – he tried to put on shorts at the very last moment to avoid wrinkles.

His compatriot Paul Ince (fortunately, they did not play together) also preferred to leave the locker room last. He then ran towards the field, putting on a jersey along the way.

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Bobby Moore was the last to leave the dressing room

Kolo Toure from Côte d’Ivoire also tried to be the last to enter the pitch. This habit played a cruel joke on his team when he played in the Champions League for Arsenal in 2009.

The central defender was waiting for his teammate William Gallas to be treated after a minor back injury and did not leave the dressing room even after the start of the second half. As a result, Arsenal played the first two minutes with only nine players on the field.

Photo copyright, Mark Thompson/Getty Images

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Kolo Toure is the last to enter the field

When Toure did show up, he received a yellow card for entering the field without permission.