Dry Skin Under Eyes: How to Manage it + Recommendations





Last Updated: August 4, 2021

We may earn a commission from links on our website, but this doesn't influence the opinions of our editors.

It’s never easy dealing with dry skin, but underneath your eyes is a super-sensitive area. The skin underneath the eyes is delicate and sensitive, meaning it’s more prone to irritation. 

The thin skin makes it harder to hold and retain a lot of moisture, making it easy for dry patches to flare and appear out of nowhere. 

It’s a drag, but dry skin under the eyes is preventable and treatable with the right products and the right care. 

Start taking charge of your under-eye care today. Dryness just means wrinkles, and nobody wants anything other than a fountain of youth look, am I right? 

Note: If you’re really struggling with irritation around the area, it’s best to see a dermatologist. They will be your best way of determining how to get out of your dry spell and if you have any underlying skin conditions or complications. 

How to Prevent Dry Skin Under Your Eyes 

Avoid Harsh Skincare Products

The skincare industry does a great job at promoting products that are just wrong for your skin in the long run. This includes products with fragrance, alcohol, and comedogenic ingredients listed as the first few ingredients on the label. 

Overusing these products is likely to cause irritation or lead to drying under the eyes, so ditch the harsh products and go for a more soothing and minimal product. 

Here are some of our top recommendations:

Bubblewrap
eye + lip plumping cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Eye Cream
Cerave Eye Repair Cream 

Sleep More and Eat Right 

Getting plenty of sleep each night gives the skin time to rejuvenate by the time you wake up in the morning. More sleep is good for your body and health overall, so avoid watching one more episode or scrolling for three more hours through Tik Tok. It’s not a good look. 

Aside from sleep, eating the right foods can greatly help replenish the skin and its barrier. Eating leafy greens like spinach and kale will give your body more energy, vitamins, and minerals to be at your best. 

You’ll also want to become a fan of fruits and vegetables overall, even though we know it’s tough to cook at home rather than stopping at McDonald’s (in the end, your body will thank you). 

Avoid fast food and overly processed snacks that will only be detrimental to your health. Say goodbye to those oatmeal creme pies (or at least don’t eat one every day).  


Avoid Using Hot Water 

To avoid any further drying or irritation to your under eyes, avoid hot showers and hot water when you are washing your face. 

Hot water will damage the skin and do more harm than good. Using a cold compress, covering your eyes with cucumber slices, and using a product like Aquaphor afterward is a great combo to help with inflammation. 

You can follow it up with your favorite cream or even spray the skin with thermal water that will relieve the irritation.

Check out these top products to help soothe the dry skin under your eyes:

Avène Thermal Spring Water
Skinfood Aloe Vera 93% Soothing Gel
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream

Don’t Rub Your Eyes

Avoid rubbing or touching the skin around your eye when you are suffering from dryness. This just further irritates the skin, and can even cause bacteria to transmit to your eye area increases your risk for infection. 


Apply Sunscreen

One of the most important ways to protect the skin under your eyes is to wear sunscreen. This is the best way to shield your skin from harmful rays and prevent any further fine lines or future wrinkles along the way. 

Try some of these top sunscreens that you can wear under makeup!

Bottom Line 

There are many ways to help the skin when it is under fire, so don’t stress too much. With these tips and products to combat dry skin under eyes, you’ll have plump, hydrated skin in no time.

Also, make sure you take off your makeup before bed and do your part in treating your skin the best possible way you can. Simple steps help the skin in the end!