How to Care for Sensitive Skin Around the Eyes
Skin sensitivity can occur anywhere on the body, but it can be particularly bothersome around the eyes. This is because the skin in this area is exposed to the elements and is naturally thinner, making it more susceptible to potential issues. Research suggests skin sensitivity is common among the UK population, with 60–70% of women and 50–60% of men reportedly experiencing some degree of skin sensitivity.1 It can help to understand why you might be experiencing it around the eyes and the best ways to care for this delicate skin if it becomes sensitive.
Symptoms of sensitive skin around the eyes
Sensitive skin around the eyes can present in a few different ways, including the following symptoms and signs:
- Itchiness or irritation: The skin around the eyes may feel itchy or irritated.
- Redness: There may be a persistent red appearance around the eyes that spreads beyond just the eyelids.
- Soreness: The skin around the eyes may feel painful or sore.
- Puffiness: You may have lasting inflammation or puffiness around the eye area.
- Damaged or broken skin: Sensitivity may lead to dryness, meaning the delicate skin around the eyes can break.
If you experience any or all of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional so that they can work with you to pinpoint the causes and check for any other eye or skin-related issues.
Why you may be experiencing sensitive skin around your eyes
While some people experience sensitive skin around the eyes as a reaction to products or environmental factors, others may develop sensitivity because of other health conditions or specific allergies. Below are some of the more common reasons people may experience skin sensitivity near the eyes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic condition that affects the eyelids, causing inflammation, redness, watering, and tiredness. The skin around the eyes may also be affected, leading to sensitivity and dryness.
Allergies
Some people may experience sensitivity in the skin around the eyes as a reaction to allergies, including pollen and dust allergies. This can also be caused by allergy-related symptoms in the eyes, such as itchiness or stinging, which may lead to sensitivity.
Thin skin around the eye area
The skin around the eyes is naturally thinner than on the rest of the face, and this can cause a natural sensitivity for some since it leads to skin breaks, redness, rawness and excessive dryness. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, which can lead to an increase in skin sensitivity in this area.
Skin conditions
Those with skin conditions affecting other areas of the body, including psoriasis and eczema, may be more likely to experience natural skin sensitivity around the eyes.
Product use
Using skincare or makeup products near the eyes, particularly those containing perfumes, preservatives or harsh chemicals, can cause irritation and sensitivity. This will flare up directly after using the product, but the sensitivity can persist for days or weeks afterwards. Using these types of products can lead to atopic dermatitis over time, meaning the sensitivity from product use may also be down to skin conditions.
Environmental factors
Some people may experience sensitive skin around the eyes when exposed to certain types of weather, pollution, or air moisture. This is because these environmental factors can dry out the skin, often causing irritation and discomfort.
Lifestyle factors
Certain lifestyle factors, including an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, and not drinking enough water, can cause sensitive skin around the eyes. When the skin isn’t properly hydrated and the body isn’t well nourished, it can affect the moisture levels in the skin around the eyes, potentially leading to sensitivity.
Cleanse the skin around the eyes
Keeping the skin around the eyes cleansed can help prevent further irritation by removing the cause. Use a gentle cleanser or eyelid cleansing wipes, such as our BLEPHACLEAN® PF wipes, which are preservative-free, and perfume-free. These plant-based, sterile wipes are recommended as part of a daily eyelid and skincare routine. Particularly for those with skin sensitivity or for removing pollen for those individuals effected by seasonal allergies. BLEPHACLEAN® PF wipes remove dust, dirt, pollen and makeup without causing further irritation or sensitivity.2
Avoid products that may cause skin sensitivities
Check the labels of any products used on your face, and particularly those used around the eyes and in the eye contour area. Products, including moisturisers, cleansers, and makeup, may contain ingredients that can irritate the skin and may lead to sensitivity for some. It’s best to avoid using any products that may be causing your sensitivity.3
Protect eye skin from the elements
Since some people can develop sensitive skin as a reaction to environmental factors such as increased UV or cold weather, it can help to protect the eyes from the elements wherever possible. Wearing sunglasses, applying eye cream and using hypoallergenic sunscreen can create a barrier against environmental factors, helping protect the skin in this area.
Use a hydrating eye cream suitable for the eye contour and skin around the eyes
Since sensitivity can leave the eye contours puffy, sore and dry, using a suitable hydrating eyelid and skin cream can help relieve these symptoms.
BLEPHADERM® is a hydrating eyelid cream that is specifically designed to use around the eye and eye contour. Its 5-in-1 formula provides immediate soothing, long-lasting hydration and enhances the natural skin barrier, providing immediate soothing, hydration, protection and comfort for the sensitive skin around the eyes. This non-sticky and non-greasy topical cream is ideal for daily use as part of a healthy skin and eyecare routine.4
Manage contributing conditions
If other conditions could be causing the sensitivity, such as blepharitis or allergies, it’s important to manage and treat these appropriately. Speaking with your eyecare professional about your experience can be a good first step.
If you have any concerns about your eyes or the skin surrounding the eyes, it’s important to see an eye care professional who will be able to support and advise you.
Caring for the eyes and the skin around them with a good daily routine can help you carry on living life as normal without any discomfort, irritation or pain. To find out about other conditions that could affect your eyes, check out our conditions hub.
Sources:
1. Farage MA. The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin. Front Med (Lausanne). 2019 May 17;6:98. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00098. PMID: 31157225; PMCID: PMC6533878.
2. Sullivan DA, da Costa AX, Del Duca E, Doll T, Grupcheva CN, Lazreg S, Liu SH, McGee SR, Murthy R, Narang P, Ng A, Nistico S, O'Dell L, Roos J, Shen J, Markoulli M. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf. 2023 Jul;29:77-130.
3. BLEPHACLEAN® PF Patient Information Booklet
4. BLEPHADERM Patient Information Booklet