Recently, I decided to double up on my retinol - especially on and around my eyes. I thought to myself "I've been using retinols for years! My skin will be fine ..."
At the same time, I had binge watched eyeliner tutorials and bought 17 different eyeliners to "practice".
It took about 2-3 days and I woke up one day with irritated, red, stinging eyelids.
Obviously my eyelids had been working double-overtime and it finally caught up with them. And myself...
I quickly stopped my over indulgence of retinols and multiple eye makeup attempts, and my eyelids felt much better but the dryness and flakiness that came after wasn't an enjoyable experience.
When I remembered that I was in fact a skincare expert, I took my own advice and did a few tweaks to my skincare routine and ...saw a noticeable difference quickly. By simplifying my routine, focusing on hydration (and locking in hydration with gentle humectants), using the right active ingredients, my eyelids went from crusty to smooth.
This was a great reminder that sometimes, the best solutions are the ones we already know—when we take the time to apply them.
Especially during winters in Sweden, dry, flaky, and rough skin around the eyes is something many of our clients experience, so I put together this guide—for you and for me (because let’s be honest, I’ll need it after my next makeup experiment / disaster).
Why do eyelids get dry?
The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, easily suffering from dryness.
Common reasons:
- Environmental factors: Cold weather, dry air, or sun exposure.
- Harsh products: Cleansers, makeup removers, or creams with irritating ingredients such as fragrance.
- Over washing: Stripping away the skin’s natural oils & protective barrier.
- Allergies: Pollen, dust, or maybe your favourite eye makeup could be the cause.
Follow these steps and the skin around your eyes will quickly hydrate and feel smooth again:
1. Use a gentle cleanserYour skin loves its natural oils, so don’t strip them away with harsh cleansers. Find a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
Ingredients like Panthenol, Propanediol, or Allantoin—they’re gentle and soothing.
2. Hydrate with a soothing & repairing eye cream
A good eye cream can quickly relive redness and dryness, especially if it contains:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Locks in moisture.
- Ceramides: Fixes up your skin’s barrier.
- Squalane: Feels like a natural hug for your skin.
3. Be extra kind to your skin
- Dab (not rub!) on products—gently with clean fingers.
- No pulling, brushing, exfoliating with cotton pads when removing makeup—be kind to your skin.
4. Sunscreen is key
Yes, even your eyelids need sun protection! A lightweight SPF cream stops UV damage and keeps the delicate skin around the eye area protected and nourished.
5. Chill out with a cooling eye mask
Keep an eye mask or a sheet mask in the fridge and let it refresh, hydrate, and calm irritation. The cooling effect will reduce redness, stinging and puffiness.
What to Avoid
Here’s what not to do if you want happy eyelids:
- Harsh Products: No scrubs, strong retinoids, or heavily scented stuff.
- Overusing Makeup Removers: Stick to gentle, oil-based cleansers to avoid drying out your skin.
- Hot Water: Lukewarm water is kinder and keeps your skin happy.
Lifestyle tips for long-lasting hydration
Healthy habits = happy skin.
Try this:
- Clean & disinfect your phone, sunglasses, glasses: whatever you use near your face.
- Get Your Beauty Sleep: 7–8 hours gives your skin time to repair.
- Look at your diet: Foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds strengthen your skin barrier.
- Use a Humidifier: Great for dry air or winter months.
- Check your makeup expiry dates: are you using old makeup or dirty makeup tools?
If your dry eyelids just won’t quit, it is time to see a doctor / dermatologist. Conditions like eczema, allergies, or irritation could be the cause but its always a good idea to get a doctors opinion.
With care and the right products, your dry eyelids will feel smooth again.
Stay consistent, stay gentle, and show your skin some love— and don’t forget sunscreen.
