Ever notice the skin under your eyes feeling dry, flaky, or irritated? The area around your eyes is particularly sensitive, making it more prone to dryness and discomfort. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Contact dermatitis from eye drops or medications
- Irritation from contact lenses or eye makeup
- Allergic reactions to eyewear materials
- Environmental factors & allergens
- Underlying medical conditions
- Aging & reduced skin elasticity
While dry skin under the eyes can be annoying, figuring out its source can help keep your eyes comfortable and your skin healthy.
Why Is the Skin Around Your Eyes So Sensitive?
The skin around our eyes is incredibly delicate. Several factors contribute to this state of affairs:
- The skin around our eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of our face, making it more prone to irritation and dryness.
- This area lacks the sebaceous glands that produce oil, which means it doesn’t have the same natural hydration.
- Since we blink thousands of times a day, the skin here experiences a lot of movement, which can exacerbate dryness.
Because these factors make the skin around your eyes more vulnerable, it’s important to give this area some extra care. Hydration and protection become crucial in maintaining healthy skin around your eyes.
Eye-Related Causes of Dry Skin
Sometimes, the products or routines we use for our eyes can actually contribute to dry skin.
Contact Dermatitis from Eye Drops or Medications
Using eye drops or medications can sometimes lead to contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when the skin becomes irritated due to contact with certain substances.
Unfortunately, many eye drops contain preservatives or additives that may cause reactions in sensitive skin, leading to redness and dryness.
Make sure you check the ingredients in your eye products and consult a healthcare professional if you suspect a reaction.
Irritation from Contact Lenses or Eye Makeup
Contact lenses are a lifesaver for many, but they can also irritate the delicate skin around the eyes if not used properly. Incorrect use of contacts or poor contact lens hygiene can lead to dryness and discomfort.
Similarly, eye makeup, especially if it’s not removed properly, can also be a culprit. Make sure to clean your lenses regularly and remove makeup gently to minimize irritation.
Allergic Reactions to Eyewear Materials
Did you know that the materials in your eyewear can sometimes cause allergic reactions? Some people react to the metals or plastics used in glasses or sunglasses, which can result in dry, itchy skin.
If you’re experiencing such symptoms, consider switching to hypoallergenic eyewear materials.
Other Common Causes of Dry Skin Around the Eyes
Environmental Factors & Allergens
Environmental factors such as cold weather, wind, and dry air can strip moisture from your skin. Additionally, allergens like pollen or pet dander can result in irritation, causing your skin to become dry and flaky.
Protecting your eyes with sunglasses or using a humidifier at home can help combat these environmental challenges.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can lead to dryness around the eyes:
- Eczema: This is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and itching. Eczema can affect various parts of the body, including the sensitive skin around the eyes.
- Blepharitis: This refers to the inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by a bacterial infection or issues with oil glands in the eyelids. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and crusty eyelashes, which can lead to dryness and discomfort around the eyes.
- Conjunctivitis: This is a general term for inflammation of the conjunctiva (also known as pink eye), which can take various forms, such as allergic conjunctivitis or viral conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis results from a reaction to allergens, while viral conjunctivitis often causes redness and watering of the eyes, particularly in response to viral infections.
These conditions often require medical treatment, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect an underlying issue. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve comfort.
Aging & Reduced Skin Elasticity
Aging naturally reduces the skin’s elasticity and its ability to retain moisture. As we get older, the production of collagen and natural oils decreases, making the skin around the eyes more susceptible to dryness.
While aging is inevitable, there are several ways to help maintain your skin’s health as you age.
Preventing & Managing Dry Skin Around the Eyes
Gentle Cleansing & Hydration
Gentle cleansing is key to keeping the skin around your eyes healthy. Avoid harsh soaps and opt for mild, hydrating cleansers.
Follow up with a good moisturizer that’s suitable for the sensitive skin around your eyes. Hydration is crucial in maintaining the skin’s barrier function and preventing dryness.
Choosing the Right Eye Care Products
Selecting the right eye care products can make a big difference. Look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products are less likely to irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.
When to Visit Your Eye Doctor About Eye Dryness
If you notice persistent dryness or irritation around your eyes, book an appointment with Eyes on Plainville. Some symptoms may indicate underlying eye health issues that require medical attention.
Our eye care team can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatments to address the problem.
