Dry skin around the eyes can hit any time, and not just when the mercury drops. Combat unhappy, irritated skin with our four-step prevention guide
Words Joy Montgomery
REMOVE IRRITANTS
The skin around the eyes is extra sensitive – even more so if you suffer from eczema – so forgo any harsh products that dry the skin out. Make-up removers can be particularly drying and lead to skin stress, as can chemical-laden products and heavy fragrances. Stick to alcohol-free make-up remover to prepare your skin for any following moisturising products.
BE GENTLE
It can be tempting, especially when tired, to rub your eyes and keep reapplying under-eye make-up, yet both exacerbate dryness. Avoid any unnecessary touching around the eye area and, when you do, use gentle tapping motions to avoid dragging the delicate skin. Also, for added points, make sure you use lukewarm or cool water when washing your face, as very hot water can strip the eye area of essential oils.
STRENGTHEN WITH SUPPLEMENTS
It goes without saying that the better your diet, the happier your skin. It’s important to try and get as many nutrients and vitamins as possible from your core meals with antioxidant-rich foods, however, it can be helpful to boost your diet with additional supplements. Vitamin E is your hero for protecting skin from damage and assisting the repair process, while Vitamin C helps defend against sun damage.
ALWAYS PREVENT
As we said earlier, the skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face so it needs tailored products. Choosing the right products is integral to tackling dry skin as some moisturisers can actually aggravate the problem. Products designed for dry or sensitive skin, or marked as ‘hypoallergenic’ are great. If your skin isn’t so sensitive then the key is to stick to lightweight formulas that sink into the skin to keep the area hydrated and protect from the elements. We love Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum for its light yet intensive formula.
Looking for the perfect foundation for dry skin? Check out our product round-up here.
