Anywhere around the body, dry skin can develop. A variety of reasons can cause itchy, flaky, and dry skin under eyes, including beneath the eyes and on the eyelids. Under eye dryness might develop as a result of age or the weather. Eczema, contact dermatitis, and conjunctivitis are some of the skin disorders that might cause it.
What is Dry Skin under Eyes ?
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body’s skin. To stay smooth, supple, and flexible, the skin requires water and oils that it produces naturally. Skin can become dry if the body does not receive the oils or water it needs.
Side effects include dryness, itching, flakiness, discomfort, inflammation, and even swelling. It’s not always easy to trace the actual cause of dry skin on the eyelids, as the symptoms might be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the common suspects include abrasive shampoos that run down your face during a shower, irritants in cosmetics, harsh facial cleansers, soaps, and sunburn.
Causes of Dry skin Around Eyes
Aspects of skin care
- Washing your face frequently might dry up your skin by eliminating the lipids that make up the skin barrier. The skin may become dehydrated, dry, and itchy as a result of this.
- Unsuitable skincare products can deplete the skin’s natural lipids, exacerbating the symptoms of dryness.
Skin Condition
- Eczema around the eyes is a common occurrence in some persons. Eyelid eczema is more common in those who have eczema elsewhere on their face, according to the National Eczema Society.
- The most prevalent type of eczema that eyes are frequently affected with is atopic dermatitis, according to the AAD. It can appear on the eyelids and around the eyes, causing itching and swelling of the skin.
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the eyelids usually affects only the area around the eyelid edges. This type of eczema appears in areas where there are many oil-producing glands, also known as sebaceous glands.
- Contact dermatitis is caused by irritants and allergens. When an irritant or allergen comes into touch with the skin on the eyelids, contact dermatitis can develop.
Environmental causes
- Showering or cleaning our faces with hot water can cause our skin to dry up and become dehydrated.
- Dry air (both hot and cold) can compromise the skin’s barrier function, causing it to lose moisture and dry out. This is more common in the winter when the weather is cooler and the humidity levels are lower, but it can also happen in the summer.
- The skin on our faces and around our eyes is exposed to UV rays more frequently than other parts of the body. As the skin ages and becomes more prone to dryness, the skin around the eyes is more likely to dry out and become flaky, itchy, and even red.
Ways to relieve Dry skin Around Eyes
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Use Moisturizer: Make it a practice to use a moisturizer every day, regardless of your skin type. Invest in a decent eye cream with components that are suitable for the delicate skin around your eyes. Anti-aging chemicals can also be included in eye creams.
- Massage with essential oils: Massaging the skin around your eyes stimulates blood circulation. Flaxseed oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, rose oil, or lemon oil are all options.
- Proper Sleep: A lack of sleep causes weary eyes and dry skin around the eyes. Your body will be able to restore the damaged and dry skin around your eyes as you get proper sleep.
- Topical Corticosteroids: If you have an underlying skin issue, your doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids. Strong corticosteroids might thin out the skin around your already sensitive and thin skin, so only use mild corticosteroids.
- Sunscreen: The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause your skin’s collagen and elastin to break down. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to the skin around your eyes every time you go outside. Don’t forget about your upper eyelids.
Prevention tips for Dry skin Around Eyes
- The skin around your eyes can be damaged by touching or rubbing them. It’s possible that germs or bacteria from your hands get up on the area around your eyes.
- If you leave your makeup on overnight, the components might dry out your skin. Before going to sleep, take off your eye makeup to prevent under eye dryness.
- Before purchasing skin care, make sure to check the contents on the packaging. Harsh skin care treatments might cause the skin around your eyes to dry up. Alcohol, perfumes, colors, sulphates, parabens, abrasive cleansers, and scrubs should all be avoided.
- After a long and exhausting day, you may be tempted to wash your face with hot water, but resist. Hot water around the eyes can dry out your skin by stripping it of its natural oils (sebum). When cleansing or scrubbing, avoid irritating the region around your eyes. Take additional caution when handling this delicate skin.
- The importance of hydration for your skin cannot be overstated. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, greens, and nuts, should be consumed in large quantities. Cola, processed foods, chocolates, and sugars should all be avoided.
- Even if you’re wearing sunscreen, wear goggles to protect your eyes. This will protect the skin surrounding your eyes from irritants such as humidity, sunlight, and dust.
Home remedies for dry skin under eyes
Some causes of dry skin under eyes can be treated at home.
- To relieve symptoms such as itching, use a warm or cold compress, and only use gentle cleaning chemicals.
- Under eye dryness can be relieved with creams and ointments. Ingredients such as jojoba oil, mineral oil, dimethicone, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, or shea butter, according to the AAD, can be useful.
- Almond oil, butter/yogurt, rose water, aloe vera gel, and green tea bags are some home remedies that can assist with dry skin around the eyes. Vitamin E oil has anti-aging properties in addition to curing dry skin around eyes.
Conclusion
Anyone can develop dry skin anywhere on the body, especially the area surrounding the eyes. It’s rather frequent, and it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. Eczema or infections can sometimes be the source of under eye dryness.
Some causes of dry skin around the eyes can be treated at home. Excessively hot water, harsh products, and rubbing your eyes too hard are all things to avoid. Treat this delicate skin with caution; in some circumstances, medical assistance may be required.
FAQ's
Question1 : Who is more prone to have dry skin around their eyes?
Answer1 : Dry skin around the eyes is more common in some people, such as those who live in cold areas, have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, or are over the age of 40.
Question2 : When should you see a doctor for dry skin around your eyes?
Answer2: Anyone who has eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision should consult a physician. People who fear they may have eczema should also consult a doctor, as medication lotions and ointments may be required.