Dry skin can be uncomfortable, but it’s far worse when it’s around your eyes and eyelids. Not only does it create an itch that you can’t scratch, but it can cause so much discomfort that it starts to interfere with your day-to-day life. If you’re suffering from dry eyelids, read on to understand why they’re that way and what you can do to treat the dryness.
What are dry eyelids?
The skin around your eyes and eyelids is so thin because they can’t retain as much moisture as the rest of your body. Unlike the epidermis that’s around 0.1mm thick, the skin around the eyes is merely 0-0.5mm thick. Because of this, it’s more susceptible to dryness since irritants can penetrate it more easily.
When you suffer from irritated skin around your eyes, your skin will likely feel dry and flaky. The irritation can even be severe that the skin starts to burn. Symptoms vary, but even if the dryness isn’t that bad, it can still cause discomfort.
What causes dry skin around the eyes?
Dry eyelids can be caused by a number of factors. We’ve broken down the common causes below:
Extreme cold and heat can cause your eyelids and under-eye area to dry out. If you live in a very humid area, invest in a humidifier to lock in the moisture. If you’re from a sunny state, you also shouldn’t take warm showers as this can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it drier.
Aging
Your skin needs sebum — a natural oil that adds moisture to the body. But as you age, it begins to lose the ability to generate sebum. This causes the skin to thin out and become less elastic.
Poor skincare routine
While it’s important to wash your face, over-washing can strip away its natural oils and dry it out. That said, try to limit the number of times you wash your face daily. Some skincare products are also so harsh that they can cause dry skin around the eyes.
Sun exposure
Since the skin around your eyes is already so thin, it’s at risk of sun damage. Too much sun exposure can burn your skin, so take care of your eye area whenever you have to step outside.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis may sound scary, but it’s actually a common condition. You can get contact dermatitis when your skin comes in contact with an irritant, such as dirt, dust, and skincare products that contain certain chemicals. Contact dermatitis can also be triggered accidentally, such as when you rub your eyes or eyelids.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic skin condition that can cause dryness, discoloration, and tenderness. Compared to contact dermatitis that’s a temporary reaction to irritants, AD can occur on and off your whole life. In fact, one in ten individuals will develop AD at some point in their lives.
Blepharitis
This is a common condition that occurs when the glands in the eyelids become clogged. It can cause redness, dryness, and crustiness. Blepharitis is generally caused by bacteria, but it can also be triggered by rosacea.
How to treat dry skin around the eyes and eyelids
If your eyes feel dry, don’t worry — it’s not the end of the world. Here’s what you should do to treat eyelid dryness:
Press pause on your skincare routine
Ditch your current eye cream — it may be the cause of the dryness around the eyes. Some skincare products contain chemicals, alcohol, and fragrances that aren’t gentle on the skin. If you continue to use these products, your skin condition could worsen. Until you figure out what triggered your dry skin, discontinue your current skincare routine.
Apply a warm compress
As a general rule, your eye area should be regularly cleaned until there are no symptoms of dry eyelids. Put a clean washcloth that’s been soaked in warm water on top of your eyes (closed, of course) for about ten minutes. You can also dip a cotton swab in warm water, and then use that to wipe your waterline. You can also apply a cold compress for relief from dryness under the eyes, especially if your eyes start to feel itchy.
Don’t wear contact lenses for now
Contact solution can cause irritation. If there’s dry skin around your eyes and eyelids, wear your glasses for a few days to see if it will go away on its own. If you continue to wear contacts, the bacteria in your eyelid might spread into your eyes.
Apply a moisturizer
Restore your skin’s moisture barrier by applying an eyelid moisturizer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association, you should moisturize daily or if your skin starts to feel dry. Only use fragrance-free products if you suffer from skin concerns like eczema. Make sure to wash your hands before you moisturize your face.
Use ointments, creams, or corticosteroids
An over-the-counter (OTC) ointment or cream may be able to treat the dryness if it was caused by contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. If this doesn’t work, try a topical corticosteroid. For blepharitis, you can use eye drops or antibiotics to reduce the infection.
But wait一Before you head over to the drugstore to buy eye creams, ointments, and more, be sure to consult your doctor or dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe the best treatment for you. A doctor or dermatologist can also suggest steroid-free solutions if you often suffer from dryness around the eyes.
How to prevent dryness around the eyes
Try not to let your eyelids dry out in the first place. Say no to dry eyelids by practicing these tips:
- Protect your skin from the sun. Always wear sunscreen with SPF as well as sunglasses. Stay out of the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM — this is when the sun is harshest.
- Wash your eyes. When washing your face, don’t include your eyelids. You can cleanse them with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
- Hands off. Try not to touch your face. Touching can transfer the germs from your fingers to your face, including your eyes.
When should you see a doctor?
Sit down with your doctor if your eyes have felt dry and flaky for a long time, or if none of the treatments (e.g. OTC ointments) have worked. A medical professional can determine if a more serious condition is at play.
Keep skin dryness in check with PROVEN Skincare
Don’t wait for your eyelids to get dry before giving them the care they deserve. PROVEN’s skincare kit is tailored to prevent dry skin as well as other skin concerns like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and more. When we create your custom skincare system, we carefully choose all of the ingredients to make sure that they’re formulated from clean ingredients that are gentle on your skin. All you need to do is take our Skin Genome Quiz today. It only takes three minutes to get a complete skincare regimen that works for you!
