Causes and Home Remedies for Dry Skin around the Eyes

The first signs of aging are usually seen as fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The first signs of illness or stress are also reflected in these areas. In fact, the skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive. This makes it prone to dryness. Apart from aging, which is characterized by dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles; there are various factors that can affect the skin around the eyes. They include certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, weather changes, etc.

• Insufficient sleep/Constant late nights
• Improper nutrition or malnutrition
• Excessive bathing/Hot showers
• Smoking/Alcohol abuse
• Excess use of cosmetics

Eczema, facial psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, blepharitis, and eyelid dermatitis are some of the medical conditions that can cause dry skin around the eyes. Apart from dryness, the skin may get flaky and scaly. Some of these conditions are accompanied with symptoms, like redness, swelling, itching, and rash. Even allergies can cause such dryness. Those with diabetes and hypothyroidism may also develop dryness around the eyes. Vitamin A deficiency is another condition that is linked to dry skin. Stress is also a common cause for the condition.

Weather changes can also affect the skin, especially the sensitive areas. This is mostly experienced during winters, when the humidity levels are very low. The skin loses its moisture and gets dry and scaly. Prolonged exposure to sun is one of the common causes for dry skin. Regular use of cosmetics and facial cleansers with harsh chemicals can damage the skin around the eyes. Eye makeup may also prove harmful, if used on a regular basis. Constant rubbing of the eyes is another reason for the condition.

One of the best home remedies to get rid of dry skin around the eyes is to increase your water intake. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water per day. Dehydrated skin gets dry and sags easily, develops fine lines and wrinkles, and look darker. An increase in water intake is beneficial for thinning the mucus in the sinuses. Thin mucus drains easily, thereby reducing the risk of dark circles, inflammation and dryness around the eyes.

Make sure that the skin is well moisturized. Every time you wash your face, apply a good quality moisturizer. Never forget to moisturize after showering. You may also use a good quality nighttime cream that is meant for the skin around the eyes. Apply the cream or moisturizer in gentle strokes.

Avoid rubbing, pulling or stretching the skin around the eyes, as it is very delicate and sensitive. Such rubbing may cause redness, itching, or a burning sensation. In the long run, the skin suffers damage and develops dryness. Regular application and removal of makeup is associated with stress on the skin.

Get enough sleep and rest, and avoid late nights to prevent or rectify severe dry skin around the eyes. Those who get eight hours of sleep every day, have attractive faces, with no dark hues and dryness around the eyes. The sinus cavities drain during sleep, and constant late nights reduce such drainage, thereby causing dark circles. So get your beauty sleep, with your head slightly elevated.

Regular exercise is good for the body. The same applies for the skin too. Exercising improves blood circulation and oxygenation in the body. Breathing exercises may prove more beneficial for improving the health of facial skin. Exercise is also good for controlling stress, which is another factor that is linked to dryness of skin, especially around the eyes.

Avoid use of cosmetics around the eyes, at least for a few days. You may use skin creams with natural oils, emollients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Use of cosmetics with harsh chemicals can cause harm to the delicate facial skin. Wearing and removing makeup stresses the skin, which is pulled and stretched several times during the process.

Use a hat and sunglasses, while going out in the sun, and apply a good sunscreen. It is also advisable to wear protective goggles. Use a humidifier during winters, as the dry and humid weather can dehydrate the skin.

Avoid cigarette smoking and excess alcohol consumption, as they can dehydrate and damage the skin. Smoking and alcohol abuse can lead to poor blood circulation and reduced flow of oxygen to the skin, which in turn gets dry. Excessive smoking and caffeine intake may also cause insomnia, which in turn affects the skin around the eyes.

Above all, proper nutrition is also vital for the health of skin. Minerals, like zinc and selenium; and compounds, like lutein, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, are good for skin care. Protein, B vitamins, and vitamin E are also good for dry skin. Include lots of fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Use gentle facial cleansers and avoid hot showers. Cosmetics with harsh chemicals have to be avoided at all costs. Those with ingredients, like parabens, resins, lanolin, propylene glycol, nickel, fragrances, etc., may affect the skin around the eyes. When it comes to eye makeup removers, go for those with moisturizers or oil-based ones. Intense eye masks are also good for hydrating the skin around the eyes. Hydrating eye serums can be applied before or after wearing makeup.

When it comes to home remedies, raw milk is very widely used for topical application. Rose water can also work wonders in remedying dry skin around the eyes. Honey, glycerin, and coconut oil are also useful for rejuvenating skin. A green tea bag dampened with cold water can be used as a compress, which is good for rectifying dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles around the eyes.