The skin around the eyes is very sensitive and delicate and consequently more prone to becoming dry and cracked. Taking care of it properly can seem like a complex challenge, but with the right information and measures, you too will be able to have a visibly more beautiful and healthier eye contour.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: The Golden Rules for Skin Care
Step 1. Learn about the best techniques for cleaning the delicate skin around the eyes
Start by choosing a non-aggressive, fragrance-free detergent that highlights its "hypoallergenic" character on the label. Massage it into the skin for 30-60 seconds, with very gentle movements, being careful not to stress or pull it. Repeat the application twice a day, in the morning and before going to sleep; also, add a third wash in case you use make-up products.
- Use hot, but not hot, water to avoid the risk of irritating or excessively stressing the skin around the eyes.
- After washing, pat the skin very gently to dry it, using a soft, clean towel. Follow these guidelines carefully as if you dry your face too vigorously, you risk compromising the good health of the skin, sometimes worsening the degree of dehydration. The secret is to treat her with all the delicacy and kindness she deserves.
Step 2. Take environmental factors into account
If ignored, they can make the skin around the eyes even drier. The main environmental factors that damage the skin include:
- Exposure to chemicals, such as those contained in some cosmetics, make-up removers and facial cleansing products (especially in highly perfumed ones, usually more aggressive on the skin);
- Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, very high humidity or intense heat;
- Exposure to dust or dusty environments;
- Direct physical tensions, for example due to excessive rubbing of the eyes;
- Exposure to chlorine contained in swimming pool water;
- Prolonged baths which, in addition to dehydrating the body in general, are not suitable when trying to restore the correct levels of moisture and hydration of the skin around the eyes;
- Driving for extended periods.
Step 3. Keep your body hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps you to optimize the natural moisture of the skin, thereby reducing dryness around the eyes.
- It is strongly recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (for a total of 2 liters), further increasing the doses when exercising or during the warmer months.
- Always keep a bottle of water on hand, even when you are away from home; it will help keep you properly hydrated throughout the day.
Step 4. See a doctor
If the dryness is accompanied by redness or swelling, you should see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose underlying disorders that may be the cause.
- If you suffer from any condition that could affect the health of your skin, please contact your doctor anyway. Sunburn, blepharitis (inflammation affecting the eyelid), perioral dermatitis (rash that can result from poor skin hygiene) and eczema can be the direct cause of a dehydrated eye area.
- It is also important to consider any possible correlation between starting a new drug treatment and dry skin. Sometimes it can be a side effect of a drug.
Part 2 of 3: Cosmetic Products and Moisturizers
Step 1. Choose cosmetics specially designed for dry and sensitive skin
When purchasing concealer or foundation, read the label carefully to make sure they are "hypoallergenic"; this way you will minimize the risk of irritating and drying the skin. Furthermore, when you apply them on the eye contour, reduce the amount of product used to a minimum or, better still, avoid the eye area entirely.
When choosing an eyeshadow, opt for a powder formula, which is better than cream. Powder eyeshadows are in fact easier to remove, as well as less irritating to the skin around the eyes in general. Remember that skin irritation is a major cause of dry skin
Step 2. Minimize the amount of make-up, especially around the eyes
Also remember to remove your face as soon as possible, using a mild cleanser that does not worsen the condition of dry skin. Applying mascara and eyeliner can put extra stress on your eye skin, pulling and stretching it, making it more prone to becoming dry and irritated.
Step 3. Use a moisturizer for the eye area
Choose a product specially designed for dry and sensitive skin. Vaseline is a simple, very effective, non-irritating option that is easily applied under the eyes with gentle movements, preferably in the evening before going to sleep. The next morning you can eliminate it by washing your face as usual, preventing anyone from noticing its presence during the day.
- Another option is "Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment", an effective treatment with avocado oil, known to be very effective for the treatment of dry skin around the eyes.
- Overall, any hypoallergenic moisturizer that works well on your skin should be fine. By experimenting with different products, you will be able to recognize which ones reduce the dehydration of the skin around your eyes, and which ones make it even more evident. The important thing is to apply a moisturizing cosmetic as consistently as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Improve Your Nutrition
Step 1. Increase your consumption of fermented foods or rely on the properties of probiotics
Both solutions help you increase the beneficial bacteria naturally present in the gut, which in turn improves the overall health and natural hydration of the skin.
Step 2. Add the following "super foods" to your diet
They have been shown to relieve a wide variety of ailments, including dry skin:
- Yogurt
- Kiwi
- Dried fruit
- Quinoa
- Egg
- Fish
- Turmeric
Step 3. Increase your consumption of antioxidants
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, promote the natural regeneration process of skin cells. As a direct consequence, there will also be a noticeable improvement in the health and hydration level of the skin around the eyes.
Step 4. Make your skin healthier with dietary supplements
In particular, fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E can visibly affect the degree of hydration of the skin around the eyes.
