We can all agree that dry skin is no fun and even worse if it’s around your eyes. As we get older, the skin around our eyes gets thinner, naturally decreasing the production of oil. Due to being the thinnest area of skin on your body, any ailments like dehydration, dark circles, puffiness and any signs of ageing show up here first. While there can be various causes that affect the dryness, like allergies, hot water or not moisturising, sometimes it is simply genetics.
Unfortunately, you can’t change your genetic markup or stop ageing. However, you can take the necessary measures to manage it. Your skin might just need a little extra TLC or you may need to revamp your routine for the season. Skincare is always so personal but to get you started on the right path we’ve shared some tips that will help you care for the eye area.
Keep reading for precautions you can take so ensure the skin around the eyes stay hydrated, plump, and healthy:
1. Drink lots of water
When the skin loses water, it starts to shrink, and wrinkles can begin to appear. We all know that moisturisers are an essential part of keeping the dry skin smooth and plump but hydrating your body from the inside is just as important for everyone. So, keep up your water intake and increase it if need be. Also keep in mind that caffeinated beverages, and/or drinking alcohol can make dryness worse. In this case, it is a matter of following a healthy diet and considering making some lifestyle changes.
2. Avoid hot water on your face
Hot water can strip the skin, especially the thin eye area of natural essential oils. Whenever your cleansing and washing your face use lukewarm or cool water. Once dry, make sure to moisturise well.
3. Stay away from harsh products
Always check the ingredients of the products you’re using on your face. Try to avoid harsh chemicals and anything with alcohol which is also very drying. Skincare products with heavy fragrances, essential oils and retinol could also be irritating for people with sensitive skin. This irritation can also cause you to rub and touch your eyes incessantly causing skin stress and even more dryness. However, keep your eye out for well-known hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that also aids in reducing puffiness and dark circles.
4. Always use sunscreen
Sunscreen is a crucial step to take when caring for the skin on your face and body. Sun damage from harmful UV rays can cause wrinkles and purple patches under your eyes. While you might be wearing sunscreen every day you might be neglecting the area around the eyes. If you’re worried about getting the product in your eyes just take a small amount at a time and carefully dab it around. Remember to reapply SPF throughout the day.
5. Layer your products
The skin around our eyes is much more delicate and so needs to handled with much more care. Sometimes our skin needs more help and in this case, you can layer a serum and eye cream on top to penetrate and protect the barrier of the skin accordingly. The key here is to use hydrating yet lightweight formulas so they aren’t too heavy on the skin. Apply an eye serum first, followed by a moisturiser and gently massage so it’s absorbed into the skin.
6. Be gentle
As we mentioned before the skin around your eyes is sensitive it’s important to always be gentle around it. Avoid rubbing or scratching as the extra pressure from our daily activities has the potential to contribute to extra fine lines. This includes carefully removing your eye makeup at the end of the day. The best technique here is to soak two cotton pads with makeup remover then press it gently onto the eyes. Here hold it for 2-3 seconds as it soaks in the then slowly drag it in an outward motion. Keep doing this until your makeup is completely off.
7. Visit a dermatologist
If you haven’t seen any real change for your dry under-eyes skin issues after multiple products and home remedies it’s time to consult a professional. Visit a recommended a dermatologist who can carefully assess the situation and suggest any adjustments you need to make to your skincare routine.
What re your favourite products for combating dry under eyes? Let us know in the comments below.
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