How to Treat Dry Skin Around Eyes
Wondering how to treat dry skin around eyes? Dryness around eyes is a common skin concern that can be caused by a number of factors, including the weather, allergies, skincare products, and skin conditions. Ahead, we discuss the main causes of dry skin around eyes as well as the best treatments.
What Causes Dry Skin Around Eyes?
There are many different causes of dry skin around the eyes and eyelids. Dry, itchy skin around eyes can be caused by environmental factors, harsh skincare that dries out the skin, skin conditions, and allergic reactions. Here are some of the most common causes of dryness around eyes.
Dry, Cold Weather
Dry, flaky skin around the eyes commonly occurs during seasonal changes, especially when the dry, cold weather comes around. Dry air can damage the skin’s barrier function, causing the skin to lose moisture and ultimately dry out. And it’s not just your eye area it affects. Cold, dry weather conditions can dry out the skin on your face and body too.
Harsh Cleansers
Some soaps and cleansers can be incredibly harsh on the skin. Some cleansers strip the skin of its natural, protective oils, causing it to become dry and irritated. Some contain fragrances which can irritate skin, especially sensitive skin types, leaving skin drier.
Hot Water
Hot showers and baths might feel great on cold days, but they can be detrimental to your skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and causes it to dry out. You may experience dryness, itching, and flaking around the eyes after taking a hot shower or washing your face with hot water.
Skin Conditions
Several skin conditions can lead to dry skin around eyes, including atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema), contact dermatitis, rosacea, and blepharitis. Consult a dermatologist if you believe you may have one of these skin conditions.
How to Treat Dry Skin Around Eyes
How do you fix dry skin around your eyes? Dry skin around the eyes can be uncomfortable and frustrating but luckily, you can relieve the dryness and itching with hydrating skincare and home remedies. Here’s how to get rid of dry skin around eyes.
#1: Follow a Hydrating Skincare Routine
Harsh, drying cleansers are a main cause of dryness around the under eyes. To keep the area soft and smooth, stick to a skincare routine full of hydrating products—that includes a cleanser and moisturizer with nourishing natural oils and butters like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. These not only hydrate your skin but restore the skin barrier for improved texture.
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#2: Dab on a Soothing Eye Cream
How to treat dry skin around eyes fast? Invest in a quality eye cream infused with hydrating, moisture-locking ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These two humectants attract moisture and seal it in for long-lasting hydration. If you’re dealing with dry eyes, choose a rich, hydrating eye cream and apply it twice a day.
In addition to softening the skin, some eye creams have extra perks including smoothing the appearance of fine lines and brightening dark under eyes.
#3: Apply a Warm Compress
To treat dry skin around eyes, try applying a cold or warm compress to the area. This will help to soothe irritation and itching. Alongside this, it’s a great way to wind down and relax.
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#4: Use a Humidifier
Keeping a humidifier in your home is a great way to minimize dryness caused by heating systems. A humidifier puts moisture back in the air, which helps reduce dry skin around eyes. According to the Harvard Medical School, a humidifier set to 60 percent is enough to offset the moisture-stripping effects of gas and electric heat.
#5: Apply Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices aren't just good for alleviating dark circles and puffiness. They also offer moisturizing properties that help hydrate and improve the skin's elasticity. Not only do they feel really soothing on your eyes, they'll also leave your peepers looking fresher and brighter.
Apply them any time you feel the need for a pick me up. That could be once or twice daily. Either way, regular application of cucumber slices will definitely help to treat dry skin around eyes. Packed with water, cucumbers are also hydrating from the inside too. Eat as many cucumber slices as you like!
#6: Hydrate with Coconut Oil
Bursting with fatty acids and vitamins, coconut oil is an excellent natural eye cream to treat dry skin on eyes. From softening to reducing flakiness and itching, this natural oil and emollient deeply penetrates the skin, leaving skin visibly softer and smoother. Apply a few times a day, every day, for best results until you see your dry eye skin disappear.
#7: Pat on Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturizer to hydrate dry skin around eyes. Make sure you use pure aloe vera gel for best results and apply 1-2 times per day without rinsing off. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before using for an extra soothing, cooling effect.
#8: Always Wear Sunscreen
To protect dry skin around eyes from sun damage, avoid excessive sun exposure by wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher along with protective sunglasses. Opt for a sunscreen that blocks UV rays and contains hydrating ingredients and antioxidants to keep skin moisturized and well protected against harmful UV rays.
#9: Take a Break From Eye Makeup
Wearing makeup around your eyes can further dry out the skin, especially if you’re using waterproof or long-lasting formulas that require heavy-duty removal. Give your skin a break from eye makeup for a few days to allow your skin to heal and rejuvenate. In the meantime, you can speed up the process with hydrating eye creams and ointments.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Dry Skin Around the Eyes?
A deficiency in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is commonly associated with dry skin, particularly around sensitive areas like the eyes. Vitamin B2 is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, and a lack of it can lead to dryness, scaling, and irritation around the eyes.
In addition, vitamin A and vitamin E deficiencies can also contribute to dry skin. Vitamin A is vital for skin repair and moisture, while vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps skin retain moisture and stay hydrated.
Treating dry skin around the eyes requires gentle care and patience. By using hydrating products, avoiding harsh ingredients, and keeping your skin moisturized, you’ll soon restore smooth, plump skin. When it comes to how to treat dry skin around eyes, stay consistent with your hydrating skincare routine.
If the dryness around your eyes persists or gets worse, consult a dermatologist. Chronic dry skin around the eyes may indicate an underlying condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, which may require prescription treatments.
