How to Treat Dry Skin Around the Eyes

A simple step-by-step guide on how to treat and relieve dryness around the eyes.

What causes dry skin around my eyes?

Dry skin around the eyelids can be common during the winter months. The cold air dries the skin out, but it doesn’t have to be cold outside for flakiness to appear around the eyes. Dry skin under the eyes can affect anyone, at any time – although those with skin conditions like eczema, are more likely to suffer. As the skin under the eyes and on the eyelids is thinner than on some parts of the  body , such as on the soles of the feet, it is less able to retain moisture, leaving it vulnerable to drying out.

What are the symptoms of dry skin around the eyes?

The symptoms of dry, flaky skin around the eyes aren’t pretty, and definitely aren’t comfortable. Dryness, itchiness, flakiness, soreness, irritation, and even swelling can be common side effects. Pinpointing the exact cause of dry skin on eyelids isn’t always simple, as many things can cause the symptoms to appear.

Harsh shampoos that run down your face during a shower, irritants in cosmetics, harsh facial cleansers, soaps, and sunburn are some of the usual suspects.

Whatever the cause may be, you need to take action! Being proactive and caring for the delicate skin around your eyes with the right techniques will help you restore and maintain a soft, healthy looking complexion.

How to Deal with Dry Skin Around Your Eyes

1. Remove Any Irritants
The first step in getting your skin back to looking smooth and healthy is to remove anything from your face care regime that could be drying the skin out and making the problem worse. Some make-up removers can draw out moisture from the skin, which is often more noticeable in sensitive areas like the area around the eye. Use a gentle, alcohol-free makeup remover to prepare your skin for step 2 – and remember to avoid getting any product directly in your eyes.

2. Keep Clean
Be sure to wash your face every day and pay particular attention to the eye area. Fresh, warm (not too hot) water will help to make sure that all dirt, oil, and irritants are removed from your face, getting rid of any impurities that could be harmful to your eyes. Remember that harsh soaps and cleansers could be a cause of dry, flaky skin under eyes, so choose a gentle, soap-free cleanser or face wash that won’t dry the skin out. Pat your face dry before moving onto step.

3. Use Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly for Dry Skin Under Eyes
What to use for dry skin around the eyes?

Now that your skin is clean and dry, it’s time to apply a moisturizer to the skin that will help keep moisture in and keep skin from drying out. Putting a thin layer of Vaseline® Jelly under the eyes will lock in moisture, and form a protective barrier. This layer of protection will stop cold weather and irritants from making the problem worse. In fact, regular application of petroleum jelly for dry, flaky skin on eyelids will help to speed up the dry skin healing process.

Remember to be careful when applying any product to the eye area, and to follow the directions on the label. If you do accidentally get any Vaseline Jelly in your eye, don’t worry. Vaseline® Jelly is lipophilic, meaning it will only dissolve in fats and oils. The layer of moisture that protects your eye will stop the jelly from dissolving. Simply wipe away any excess with a damp washcloth.

4. Think Prevention

How to prevent dry skin around eyes?

Some lotions and moisturizers can actually aggravate dry skin. Try switching to products specifically designed for dry or sensitive skin. Products marked as hypoallergenic, like Vaseline® Jelly Original, are ideal as they’re formulated to reduce the possibility of irritation or allergic reaction.

We recommend applying Vaseline® Jelly on dry skin on eyelids because some regular moisturizers and creams are not always safe to use on the eye area. The skin around the eyes is much more sensitive to irritants, so it’s best to use a hypoallergenic product that contains pure ingredients. The original ‘Wonder Jelly’ is filtered three times – so you can be rest assured that the little blue jar of Vaseline® Jelly on your nightstand is made from 100 percent pure petroleum jelly, making it safe to use on your face. Applying Vaseline® Jelly under eyes is a tried-and-tested way to lock in moisture, keeping skin in the eye area soft and elastic, and rejuvenating skin that looks dry and tired.

Even though we may lead busy lives, it’s important to try to keep up with a regular cleansing and moisturizing routine – don’t wait for your eyes to get sore before treating them. Instead make putting Vaseline® Jelly under your eyes and other sensitive areas of the face part of your bedtime ritual. A good night-time beauty regime, incorporating Vaseline® Jelly, can make a big difference to the look and feel of dry skin.

Expert Advice
The advice in this article does not constitute medical advice, it is solely available for information purposes. Learn more about dealing with dry skin on the face, dry skin on lips, other skin type issues  and dry skin tips to help treat any causes you may have.