Dermatologist Hans Gubelin, of Clínica Dávila, has revealed that sleep deprivation is not the sole culprit behind dark circles. According to the specialist, the issue is multifactorial and is exacerbated by elements that go far beyond a poor night's rest.
While a lack of sleep can certainly worsen the condition, the doctor maintains that it is not the primary cause. "It is a myth that it is solely due to lack of sleep," Gubelin told BioBioChile, explaining that insufficient rest acts more as an aggravator for other underlying processes.
Genetic and vascular factors
The physician detailed how genetics determines the predisposition of certain ethnicities to these marks. The issue is primarily divided into three components: hyperpigmentation (brown spots), vascular congestion (purplish tones), and edema.
Vascular congestion occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels or the translucency of the muscle beneath the eye. Meanwhile, edema manifests as swelling caused by fluid retention.
The aging process is also an inevitable factor. As the years pass, the loss of collagen, elastin, and subcutaneous fat in the periorbital area predisposes all skin types to the development of dark circles.
To prevent them from worsening, the specialist recommends the daily use of sunscreen to avoid skin thinning. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention.
Regarding treatment, Gubelin noted that options range from using active ingredients such as retinoids, caffeine, and antioxidants to more advanced procedures. In specific, selected cases, lasers, fillers, or even blepharoplasty surgery may be considered.
