Dry Skin On The Eyelids Is Uncomfortable | Find All-Natural Relief

If you’re like one of the millions of Americans who deal with chronic eye conditions like dry skin on the eyelids, then you know how frustrating it can be not to receive relief from the sensation of the dry, itchy skin. The truth is that dry skin on the eyelids is a problem that has multiple layers to how it affects our eyes. Inflamed skin, bacteria, or a loss in production of tears can attribute to these long-lasting symptoms. If you’re ready to kick that chronic dry eye to the curb, then you should probably know what’s causing it.

What causes dry skin on the eyelids?

Although there are multiple reasons you could be suffering from dry skin on your eyelids, many are easy to spot. Medical conditions, for one, can be a leading cause, whether it is a side effect of a medical condition or the medications prescribed to treat an illness, the effect can be the same. Makeup is another common irritant that is regularly used by women on a daily basis, and this repeated use of a foreign and likely chemical-based material can irritate the eyes leaving a dry patch of skin on the sensitive skin of the eyelids.

Other causes of dry skin on the eyelids

• Shampoo
• Allergies
• Psoriasis
• Cleansers
• Eczema
• Hair dyes
• Detergents

If we’re going to talk about the causes of these day-to-day irritants than it is prudent to talk about ways that you can soothe the dry skin on your eyelids that won’t go away because of daily exposure to irritants. For a day to day occurrence, it’s important to be gentle on your skin. Easy ways to help reduce dry eye and skin include using a humidifier to help add moisture to your room or house. Taking showers that aren’t stifling hot, but at a cooler temperature can help. If you can’t give up those hot showers, then consider taking shorter ones. Moisturize your skin, but make sure that the products you choose do not contain fragrance. Many people react poorly to scented products, which can make you more prone towards dry skin on the eyelids.

Many substances that come into contact with the skin of our eyelids can become an irritant, and this can happen suddenly or over time. A dry patch of skin on your eyelid could be the result of any number of these problems, likewise, there is still the chance that you might have a medical condition which affects the eye itself.

Medical conditions causing dry skin on the eyelids

• Dermatitis
• Demodex
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Blepharitis

Dermatitis

Often referred to as Atopic Dermatitis, this is a chronic skin disease that is commonly seen in children and adults. Sometimes called Eczema, the words are interchangeable and actually mean the same thing, the terms really only mean that a person is suffering from a skin condition which can include any number of other skin conditions. Dermatitis is linked between compromised skin, which is supposed to act as a barrier to outside bacteria, and an immune disorder which might be linked to the compromised skin barrier.

Related: Eyelid Dermatitis Treatment and Explanation

Dermatitis appears as dry, red, itchy skin and can cause continued irritation to the face and eyes. Due to its appearance, it is known to have a significant psychological impact on those who suffer from this chronic condition. There is no cure for Dermatitis, however, there are things that can be done to help mitigate the symptoms and discomfort brought on by the dry skin on your eyelids and the surrounding tissues.

Things to remember about Dermatitis:

1. It is an irritation of the skin and can appear anywhere on a person, the most common of which is the face (especially the sensitive skin on the eyelids), neck, elbow and knee cavities and scalp.
2. It affects pigmentation of the skin, which results in skin pigmentation changing either lighter or darker than the original color of skin.
3. Some correlation exists between those who suffer from this condition as a child and other skin related conditions.
4. There is no cure, but there are things a person can do to help relieve the symptoms.
5. There are two distinct stages of Dermatitis, the acute (active) and the nonacute phase.

What is the difference between Acute and Nonacute Dermatitis?

In an acute phase the condition is considered active which means this is when the skin is irritated. Many refer to this stage as a flare-up as it is when the skin becomes irritated, and this is when the skin will become inflamed or red in appearance. Also, itchiness and irritation will result in the red patches of the dry, itchy skin most commonly attributed to Eczema. Some people suffering from Dermatitis have stated that there is a burning sensation associated with the acute phase.

Meanwhile, the nonacute phase is when the skin condition isn’t active. This is when the skin can show improvement and begin to heal from the previous irritation. Any discomfort felt by the dry skin is considered mild in comparison to the acute phase. With each repeated occurrence of a flare-up and nonacute episodes, the skin heals only to become irritated over and over again and this is reflected in the appearance of cracking on the skin. The time between each episode of acute and nonacute Dermatitis varies and can be hard to pinpoint, but the use of products designed to help soothe irritated skin can be beneficial in reducing symptoms. Plus, certain products can help aid skin healing once the acute phase stops.

Demodex

Its clinical name of Demodex Brevis is the abbreviated diagnosis of a type of mite that resides in oil glands which can be found in hair follicles. It is related to Demodex Folliculorum which is another type of mite found on humans. Collectively the two types of mites are known as Demodex. These mites feed off of the oil and skin cells found in hair follicles and are naturally found in the population, most of which don’t develop symptoms from carrying the mites. It is the larger infestations that can lead to symptoms such as red skin, a sandpaper-like texture to the skin, or a burning sensation of the eyelid and eyes.

Brevis Vs Folliculorum

Brevis Demodex feeds from the oil glands using a type of oil called sebum to sustain itself. Most people with Brevis do not experience any symptoms as they are just carriers of the mites.  Folliculorum inhabits the follicles and is commonly found in the eyelids, eyelashes and other parts of the face. Unlike Brevis, Follilcorum feeds off of skin cells and results in a scaly appearance to the skin.

Demodex is an inflammatory disease caused by the mites and has a variety of symptoms related to them.

Symptoms of Demodex

• Scaly skin
• Reddening or change in the pigment of skin
• Itching
• Loss of eyelashes
• Changes in the thickness of eyelids
• Dry, irritated eyes

Seborrheic dermatitis

This form of Dermatitis is different from what many people understand as Dermatitis, this form is mainly found around the scalp and has many of the same symptoms of Dermatitis such as red, itchy, scaly skin. Seborrheic dermatitis can be resolved without the need for treatment, but regardless of the use of treatment options, that doesn’t mean that the condition won’t come back later. Although, the use of gentle soaps and cleansing products can help to reduce the likelihood of this condition returning, as well as help prevent this condition in the first place.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis affects the part of our eyelids where our eyelashes grow out from, and it can cause an inflammation of the eyelids themselves. It is found when the tiny oil glands at the base of our eyelashes become clogged. When the oil glands become clogged it results in skin irritation to the surrounding flesh. Despite how it looks, Blepharitis is not contagious, though it is often times hard to treat. This chronic condition may be unpleasant and uncomfortable, but it rarely results in damage to vision if treated properly.

Related: Seborrheic Blepharitis Causes & Treatments

Symptoms of Blepharitis

1. Watery eyes
2. Greasy eyelids
3. Red, itchy or swollen eyelids
4. Eyelids sticking together
5. Crusty eyelids
6. Light sensitivity
7. Eyelash loss

What can you do to solve dry skin on your eyelids?

No matter if you’re suffering from a chronic eye condition like those listed above, there are a few options when dealing with dry skin on the eyelids. For one, you could make changes to your lifestyle that may benefit your overall eye health. Also, there are medicines like over the counter creams and other products that relieve symptoms and help heal the damage of chronic dry skin.

You must decide what the best course of treatment is for you. Some simple changes could mean an improvement in symptoms and the use of products tailored towards eye care can be helpful.

Lifestyle changes that affect dry skin on the eyelids

1. Changing medications: There are many different types of medications that achieve the same goal. Sometimes asking your doctor for an alternative could mean a relief from dry skin.
2. Environmental changes: If you can, cut back the amount of time you’re in front of a T.V. or computer screen. Even just giving your eyes a few minutes of rest can help relieve them from eye strain, allowing them to rehydrate from the harsh light of modern electronics.
3. Moisture: Moisture is key for your eye and skin health, applying a warm compress can help alleviate the dry skin around the eyes. Using a humidifier at home can help create a more comfortable environment for your eyes after being outside where you could be exposed to many irritants. Dry skin on the eyelid that won’t go away is a symptom that could be treated with added moisture like that from a humidifier.
4. Wash your hands: We touch our eyes multiple times a day and whatever might be clinging to the surface of your hands makes its way into your eyes at this time. Wash your hands and use sterilizing gels to make sure you’re not spreading any bacteria into your eyes. Make sure that when you clean your face with soaps that they are fragrance-free to avoid further irritants that are included in those added scents.

Some Great Over-the-Counter Products to Treat Dry Skin

Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser

If you’re looking for something to tame that itchy, dry, inflamed skin on your eyes, then you need to take a look at this. Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser can do more than just soothe your dry, itchy eyelids, as it can comfort your eyes from the strain of constantly wearing contact lenses or staring at a screen. With its ability to fight bacteria, scrapes, cuts, or even scars and wrinkles, this product is a step above the rest.

If you’re conscientious about what you purchase, you’ll be pleased to know that this eye cleanser is organic and vegan. Plus, it provides safe and non-irritating relief of dry skin on your eyelids. Bacteria around your eyes might be the cause of dry skin on your eyelids. Therefore, it can make you feel good about not only your own health maintenance but of others. This eye cleanser has one great perk brought about by the company behind it for those who want to help give back to the community. For every purchase of Lid & Lash, Eye Love gives back to the community by providing eye exams, glasses, and sunglasses to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them.

Dry skin on your eyelids won’t go away? This product is great because:

• Fights microorganisms on the skin
• Comforts with the use of contact lenses
• Helps soothe scrapes, cuts or scars
• Can cleanse before or after surgery
• Helps with dry skin on the eyelids

Click here to check price and reviews on Amazon for Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser

Organic Manuka Honey cream

This easily applied cream is made with organic Manuka honey; it is GMO-free and a natural choice for skin relief. The creamy balm is thick in texture and highly moisturizing. Plus, it’s unlike other products that end up being greasy which can promote the accumulation of bacteria instead of helping the problem. This product isn’t overly greasy like other oil-based creams.

Created with Eczema in mind, this cream can help relieve dry irritated skin without the sharp burning or stinging sensation when applied to an open wound. It’s multi-purpose with its ability to soothe a variety of skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis and it’s gentle enough to be applied to cracked or cut skin.

It is 100% all-natural & is composed of six ingredients:

1. Certified Organic Manuka Honey
2. Manuka oil extract
3. Organic olive oil
4. Grape seed oil
5. Organic beeswax
6. Filtered water

Manuka honey has been proven to help aid in the repair of skin, creating a healthy moisturizing barrier as it gently soothes skin irritation. It doesn’t come packed with fillers, has no chemicals or artificial ingredients and does not contain any medication. Certified organic, this cream is only composed of six pure ingredients and is even approved for the use on babies.

Heyedrate Triglyceride Omega 3 fish oil for eye health

This product is unlike other Omega 3’s designed for eye health which may contain questionable ingredients that don’t back up the exaggerated claims of its worth. Heyedrate’s eye health supplement contains omega 3 and 7, plus powerful antioxidants which work together to provide nourishing protection to your eyes.

If you want to help prevent dry skin on your eyelids, this powerful anti-inflammatory works both inside and outside of the eyes, addressing the causes of dry skin. An easy pill to swallow, this fish oil supplement doesn’t leave the nasty fish taste behind. Dry skin on your eyelids that won’t go away will be a thing of the past when you take this nourishing supplement packed into an easy to swallow softgel.

Dry skin on your eyelids won’t go away? Try this because:

1. Easy to swallow soft gel
2. No fishy aftertaste
3. Backed by science
4. Combination of Omega 3 & 7, plus anti-inflammatory properties
5. Works inside and outside of the eye to provide all-around care

Click here to check price and reviews of Heyedrate’s Omega 3 on Amazon

TrueLipids Eczema experts Anti-itch 1% Hydrocortisone Barrier Cream

Those who constantly suffer from skin irritation should be aware that additives in creams that are supposed to relieve irritation have a higher likelihood of causing more irritation than relieving it. That isn’t the case with TrueLipis Barrier Cream. This cream is free of 88 of the top allergens and is designed to be hypoallergenic so that it won’t cause an allergic reaction.

Effective for all ages and skin types this cream is dermatologist tested and approved to treat many forms of dermatitis. One of its best features is that it was designed with Atopic Dermatitis in mind, helping to soothe the dry skin on your eyelids that is caused by the chronic condition. Dry skin can be soothed with this safe cream which will help reduce and treat red, itchy skin all while being non-toxic. Get the results you need from this single cream rather than adding on multiple products that have a higher chance of causing an allergic reaction which could result in more irritation to dry skin.

Dry skin on your eyelids won’t go away? Try this because:

1. Hypoallergenic
2. Non-toxic
3. Affective on all skin types
4. Designed with multiple types of Dermatitis in mind
5. Soothes dry skin on eyelids

SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema therapy

Backed by the National Eczema Association, this liquid isn’t a hydrocortisone steroid, but rather an antimicrobial healing liquid designed to heal the skin. Although Eczema has multiple causes and it’s up to you find out what is causing yours, this liquid will work for many people suffering from chronic eye conditions.

A clear liquid that has no conditions of use means that you can apply this as needed without fear of suffering the effects that other products caution about from overuse. If you want to stay away from steroids or the constant need for antibiotics, then this easy to use spray just might be for you. FDA approved and gentle on the skin, this product is safe for everyone and is even safe for children one month or older.

Eczema may be caused by an imbalance of the bacteria on your skin, common bacteria found from these flare-ups is staph bacteria. This spray can remove Staph bacteria and help heal any damage it has left behind. This product doesn’t have to be used solely by those suffering from Eczema either, it can be used for rashes, sunburns, or fungal conditions.

Dry skin on your eyelids won’t go away? Try this because:

1. FDA approved
2. Antimicrobial
3. No steroids
4. No fear of overuse
5. Multipurpose

Puriya cream for Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, and Rashes

This plant-rich product uses the benefits of flora to help combat chronic skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, and other rashes. Not only does this cream provide instant relief from dry cracking skin, but it helps soothe and repair the prolonged damage. Reducing pain and discomfort from dry skin on your eyelids, this cream keeps your skin moisturized as it helps soothe inflammation. Made in the USA, this product is free from fragrances or dyes. Thus, ensuring that its ingredients are pure and only used for the benefit of your skin. Easily applied to various parts of your skin, it can be applied to more than just your eyes as it’s safe for the rest of your body, even your scalp.

Dry skin on your eyelids won’t go away? Try this because:

1. Designed for dry skin
2. Made in the USA
3. Free from fragrances or dyes
4. Plant-based formula
5. Helps soothe irritated skin
6. Promotes healing
7. Moisturizing and nourishing

Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap

This tea tree soap is a great moisturizer to use all over for dry skin including your face, hands, eyelids, and scalp.  It contains only five ingredients and they are mostly organic.  Organic green tea as a base helps soothe red, inflamed skin, while organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, and organic raw shea butter help to moisturize the skin.  The fifth ingredient, tea tree essential oil, helps eliminate bacteria that could cause problems on your skin.   Just put it in the shower and use it all over, even on your scalp.

Dry skin on your eyelids won’t go away? Try this because:

1. Designed for dry, inflamed skin
2. Handade in the USA
3. Free from fragrances or dyes
4. Organic ingredients
5. Vega and Plant-based formula
6. Helps soothe irritated skin
7. Promotes healing
8. Moisturizing and nourishing

Click here to check price and reviews for Heyedrate Tea Tree Soap.

Dry skin tips

As with all products on and off of this list, you should pay close attention to ingredients. Keep in mind that every eye condition has its specific needs. Likewise, be aware of what might be an irritant to your skin and make sure to do a small test of any product that you do purchase to ensure that there won’t be an allergic reaction. The uses of fragrances and dyes are there to mask chemical smells, organic options like those featured on this list are a better alternative as they won’t have the irritant laden chemicals found in fragrances and dyes. Any of the products above could be your saving grace if you suffer from dry skin that won’t go away.