Dry Skin Around Eyes

The delicate area around the eyes is one of the most susceptible to dry skin problems as we age.

The first thing to remember is that the area of skin surrounding your eyes has fewer oil glands than any other part of your body. Over time this skin thins out, and wrinkles compound the issue. The dryer the skin, the more noticeable the wrinkles, dark circles, and most terrifying, the sagging skin. Dry weather, airplane cabin air, forced heat and air conditioning, pollutants, makeup, all exasperate the condition.

Cigarette smoking has a drying effect on the entire facial area, but it is particularly rough on the delicate eye area. Amazingly, researchers have found that damage to the eye area’s tissue begins to diminish within days after a person stops smoking.

Too much makeup around the eye area  adds to the dry skin conundrum; skin loses its ability to oxygenate when coated with makeup, particularly if a proper cleansing regiment is not followed before cosmetics are applied.  Rubbing your eyes is damaging to the skin, and can even cause bacteria from your hands to penetrate the thin, vulnerable layer of dermis, particularly if you suffer from dry skin.

Always remove your eye makeup with a gentle cleanser designed specifically for eye makeup removal, and apply creams designed expressly for the eye area at night before you go to bed, and in the morning before applying your makeup.

Your diet plays an important role in nourishing your skin, and your eye area is no exception. If you’re not getting enough vitamin A and vitamin B, this could be contributing to your dry skin problem. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high protein items are the best foods for replenishing your skin’s moisture. Eight glasses of water a day are critical to good hydration, something your skin can’t live without on a daily basis.

Taking care of dry skin around the eyes has really never been easier, or more effective. There is an abundance of eye-specific creams and serums available to address your particular brand of dry skin. Wash with tepid, rather than hot water; use a humidifier when the air is dry; remember to apply sun block every day, and never leave home without wearing a good pair of sunglasses  -  all these steps combine to replenish the moisture in your eye area and bring back the youthful beauty of your baby blues (or browns, or greens.)

If you’re particularly motivated, below are some more tips on caring for the delicate skin around your eyes:

• Substitute tap water with mineral water for cleansing the eye area
• Talk to a cosmetics expert and do your research to find the best cleansing, toning, and moisturizing system for your delicate eye area
• Check out alternative skin care options, including essential oils and natural treatments derived from nature, such as aloe, cucumber
• Avoid alcohol in excess, which dries the skin
• Avoid smokers whenever you can, especially in an enclosed area

Sometimes, dry skin around the eyes that is not responding to any home remedies could be a signal of a medical issue. Consult a physician or dermatologist if your problem persists, as it can be a sign of the early stages of diabetes, eczema, dermatitis, or other serious health issues.

The eyes are said to be the window to the soul, but it’s hard to consider the image you are sending if your eye area is dry and diminishing your appearance. Take care of your eyes, and the delicate tissue that surrounds them, and you will take years off in no time.