Dry skin around the under eyes is often a result of aging or the weather. Eczema, contact dermatitis, and conjunctivitis are skin problems that might trigger dry skin.  

Dry skin is irritating no matter where it occurs, but it's more annoying when it shows up under your eyes.  

If you're getting tight or flaky skin under your eyes, understand why this is happening and what treatment you may need to heal and eliminate it. 

This article will look at the leading causes of dry skin on the face, as well as the conditions and treatment alternatives that come along with them.  

It will also discuss and highlight some effective home treatments and prevention methods. 

Table of Contents: 

• What can cause dry skin under the eyes
• Symptoms of dry skin under the eye
• Contact dermatitis
• Blepharitis
• Atopic Dermatitis
• What Can Help in Preventing Dry Skin
• Be Mindful of What You Apply To Your Skin
• Keep an eye on your diet
• Don't Exhaust Your Skin
• Do Not Touch
• Use sunglasses
• How to care for dry skin under the eyes
• Hydration is key
• Eye cream
• Get more rest
• Use a gentle face cleanser
• Avoid hot water
• Use a humidifier
• Prevent water loss
• Moisturize your skin after cleansing
• Put on some sunscreen
• When Should You Visit Your Doctor
• How to Treat Dry Skin Under Eyes at Home
• Summing Up

What can cause dry skin under the eyes

The skin under or surrounding the eyes is thinner and more vulnerable than the skin on the rest of the body (think of the soles of your feet).  

This implies it can't hold as much moisture and it is more prone to drying out. Identifying what is causing the skin beneath your eyes to become dry can sometimes be the most complicated task. There is a slew of possibilities. 

Dry skin under eyes is not only unpleasant, but it is also uncomfortable. That flaky skin can become itchy, inflamed, cracked, reddish, and even discolored in a couple of moments.  

The resilience of habitually dry skin is harmed, contributing to premature wrinkles. Even worse, dry skin that breaks can invite invading microorganisms, which can cause illnesses. 

Symptoms of dry skin under the eye

Dry skin can be formed anywhere on our body. This also includes the skin under our eyes. Since the skin surrounding our eyes is more delicate than any other skin on our body; it has to be treated with water and oils to make it stay hydrated, supple, and soft.  

Studies have shown that some people have a higher chance of getting dry skin than others; these individuals are: 

• Individuals living in cold climates or regions 
• Those over the age of 40  
• Individuals who smoke 
• Individuals have a mineral or vitamin deficiency like iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, or zinc.  

Here are some underlying conditions that can cause dryness around the eye: 

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a subtype of dermatitis that develops when your skin comes into contact with an irritant.  

It causes the skin to turn dry, red, and flaky. Contact dermatitis is precipitated by irritants such as hair products, face washes, moisturizers, sunscreen, dust, and makeup. 

Fragrances in skin care products can also cause contact dermatitis. If you touch your eyelid directly after contacting the product, you can spread the infection. 

Blepharitis

A bacterial infection or a pre-existing illness like rosacea can induce blepharitis. It causes eyelid scales, redness, irritation, burning, and weeping. 

Atopic Dermatitis

The skin around your eyes is compromised by atopic dermatitis. Scaling, redness, irritation, and leaking are some of the symptoms.  

Family history, the immune system, and the surroundings are all risk factors. This is a chronic disease that mainly affects adolescents. 

What Can Help in Preventing Dry Skin

Dry skin under eyes is a problem that many people face at different stages of their life. Even though dry skin under the eye can be irritating, there are many ways of combating dry skin.  

Be Mindful of What You Apply To Your Skin

Before selecting skincare, remember to check the contents of the product. Harsh skincare products might cause the skin around your eyes to dry up.  

Alcohol, perfumes, colors, parabens, sulfates, abrasive cleansers, and scrubs should all be avoided. 

Keep an eye on your diet

Hydration is a way to a healthy body and it also aids in the treatment of dry skin. A diet rich in antioxidants, like leafy green vegetables, brightly colored fruits, and nuts is recommended. Avoid processed carbs, processed foods (skip the chips), and beverages (sayonara, soda) (kiss those cakes and cookies bye-bye). 

Don't Exhaust Your Skin

After a long and challenging day, you may be tempted to wash your face with hot water, but refrain!  

Hot water can dry out the skin around your eyes by stripping it of its natural oils (sebum).  

When cleansing or washing, avoid irritating the region around your eyes. Pay extra attention while teating this delicate skin. 

Do Not Touch

The skin surrounding your eyes can be affected by touching or rubbing. Germs or microorganisms from your hands probably get transferred to the area around your eyes. 

Use sunglasses

Even if you're applying sunscreen, wear sunglasses. This will protect the skin behind your eyes from irritants such as humidity, sun, and dust. 

How to care for dry skin under the eyes

You can't alter your genetics or stop maturity in its tracks. That means, whether you like it or not, you can wind up with dry skin under your eyes.  

You can take the appropriate measures to manage dryness if you understand and identify causes.  

We've included several recommendations below to help you nurture and care for your eye area. 

Hydration is key

Your doctor encourages you to consume eight to ten glasses of water every day for a reason.  

Having enough fluid in your diet helps to rehydrate your body and skin.  

So, sip away! 

Eye cream

As we already mentioned, the skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of your skin, making it more susceptible to aging indications.  

However, you may address specific eye concerns, such as dry skin, with introducing products such as eye creams into your skincare routine.  

Get more rest

One particular technique to enhance the beauty of the area around your eyes is to go to bed early. Getting a little more sleep can keep you from getting dark circles, dry patches, and irritation while making you look more attentive and refreshed.  

Use a gentle face cleanser

To eliminate dirt, oil, and contaminants from the skin, wash your face twice a day using a gentle face wash.  

Strong cleansers, can strip your skin of its natural oils, ending in dryness. To keep your skin nourished, your best bet is to use a light facial cleanser.  

We recommend the Ubtan face wash by WOW, made with all the best ingredients such as turmeric, chickpea flour, almond extracts, and many more. This facial cleanser will make your face feel fresh and clean.  

Avoid hot water

After a long day, a hot bath feels fantastic on your skin, but it can leave your skin appearing dry and tight.  

Use lukewarm water instead of boiling water to wash your face or bathe. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, lukewarm water creates the ideal environment for bathing and maintaining healthy skin.  

But, if you do it on occasion, you should balance the hot water with cool water. 

After a hot shower, place a cool compress over the eyes.  

Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier is one of the fastest ways to add moisture to your skin. Place one beside your bed to keep your skin hydrated as you sleep.  

This is very helpful during the winter when the cold outdoor air and the manufactured interior heat can dry up your skin. 

Prevent water loss

Now that you've identified a variety of techniques to restore moisture to your skin, you'll want to put in effort to maintain that moisture.  

The amount of water which evaporates from the skin to the external environment called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).  

It is regulated by the water vapor pressure on both sides of the skin barrier. The number of lipids and other hydrating elements in a person's skin, as well as the humidity in the environment, affect their TEWL. 

And, how can you prevent it? Well, by moisturizing regularly, and by applying essential oils! Of course, skipping on your skin care routine is not an option if you want that radiant glowing skin.  

Moisturize your skin after cleansing

Moisturizing your skin, whatever your skin type, increases the health of your skin. It also aids in preventing and managing symptoms of aging from becoming more evident. Applying moisturizer to your skin shortly after cleansing is one of the methods used to get the most out of it.  

Your moisturizer locks in more moisture when your skin is damp! We recommend using the Vitamin C Face Cream by WOW, which nourishes your skin and increases collagen production. What that means is that your skin becomes more elastic, toned, hydrated, and supple over time.  

Put on some sunscreen

Everyone should apply SPF every day because it serves as defense against sun damage and skin cancer.  

However, even the most zealous sunscreen user can skip the area around the eyes. We often overlook the eye area while wearing cosmetics due to the fear of getting the solution in our eyes.  

But, don't forget to dab some sunscreen around your eyes in the morning and apply it throughout the day! 

When Should You Visit Your Doctor

Chronic dry skin, typically lasting for months or years, can make your skin less supple and cause drooping.  

Skin infections can be transferred by cracks in the skin around your eyes.  

See a doctor if: 

• The dryness is worsening 
• Your eyes have been dry for a very long time 
• If your skin starts breaking, and you see tiny wounds appearing 
• If your skin becomes sore to the touch  

How to Treat Dry Skin Under Eyes at Home

Here are a few things you can use to treat dry skin at home:  

• Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is very soothing, and it aids in skin regeneration to combat anti-aging. 
• Almond Oil - Since almond oil is a powerful emollient, it aids in the restoration of dry skin.  
  
  
  
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E has not only anti-aging benefits, but it will help heal your skin as well. 
• Yogurt/Butter - Yoghurt and butter are known to help seal in moisture in our skin. 
• Green tea bags - Green tea provides anti-aging and skin-soothing benefits. 
• Rosewater - Rosewater is great for dry irritated skin because it has anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities. 

Summing Up

It is essential to understand the causes of dry skin underneath your eyes so as to find the proper treatment methods.  Dry skin can be treated with a simple morning and night skincare routine, which will help prevent it from becoming a persistent issue. Boiling water, harsh treatments, and rubbing your eyes are all things to avoid. Consult a doctor if your dry skin doesn’t go away for a longer period of time, or it becomes tender and sores open up.