Whether it’s the result of a harsh winter or eczema, dry skin can affect skin all over your body — including your eyelids.

Eyelid skin is super thin, making it easy for your lovely lids to be affected by drying environmental factors, external irritants, skin conditions , or even *gulp* aging. Dry eyelids can also come with symptoms like itching, flaking, scaling, and redness or discoloration. Ground Freeze Dried Strawberries

Here’s how dryness can affect the lids of your peepers and how you can treat dry eyelids.

Dry eyelid skin can sometimes be caused by an underlying or existing skin condition. Common conditions include:

The environment can be way harsh. Cold weather, dry air, or even extreme heat can all affect your skin.

Living in a dry climate or winter wonderland can suck the moisture right out of your skin. Investing in a humidifier can be a good way to help you lock in moisture while you’re inside during these drying times.

Thought pimples and acne were your biggest foes? While you may enjoy less acne-prone skin as you age, that’s partially because your skin gets dryer with age — including the thin skin on your eyelids.

When you get older, your skin produces less oil and you actually lose some sweat and oil glands. These help your body stay naturally lubricated, so as they go away, you get dryer skin. More reason to make moisturizing a priority — especially if you’re nearing the big 4-0 (we see you, elder millennials… and we feel you).

Dry skin is very uncomfy, especially when it’s on your delicate eyelid area. Along with tell-tale dryness, there are a variety of other symptoms associated with dry eyelids.

Common symptoms of dry eyelids include:

These symptoms can range in severity, from slightly annoying to painful AF. Some folks don’t even notice eyelid dryness, while others experience symptoms that make it hard to blink or even open their eyes.

Some cases of dry eyelids can be healed with moisturizing over-the-counter (OTC) eye creams, while others may need something with a little more oomph, like a prescription ointment. It all depends on what’s causing your dry skin in the first place (Pssst, a doctor or dermatologist can help you out!).

Common types of treatments include:

Your doctor or dermatologist may also recommend treatment for secondary symptoms you might experience from dry eyelids. This might be prescribing antibiotics to treat a related eye infection or putting a skin care routine together to keep the dryness at bay.

Actively avoiding any triggers or irritants that make your lids go dry can help, too. Try to steer clear of using harsh chemicals around your eyes found in face washes, serums, sunscreens, or any of your fave beauty products.

Topical corticosteroids are super strong topicals that are used to ease inflammation. But because eyelid skin is super thin and delicate, corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use to treat dry eyelids.

Prolonged use may lead to side effects, like:

Make sure you get your dermatologist’s blessing before using any corticosteroids for dry eyelids.

If you’re dealing with dry skin that just happens to be on your eyelids, try these tips:

Keep in mind that home remedies work best for less severe cases. Talk with your dermatologist if you experience any reactions or your symptoms get worse.

To quench super thirsty lids, take a look at the ingredient lists on your moisturizers of choice. Look for products that contain ingredients like:

If your dry lids are getting worse or are starting to affect your daily activities, it’s time to talk with a medical pro. Your doctor or dermatologist can determine if an underlying condition — like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or blepharitis — is at play.

Also, it’s a good idea to give your doc a call, about:

They can also offer prescription treatment options and work with you to set a care plan based on your skin needs.

Dry eyelids can be caused by a variety of different factors, from environmental triggers and aging to underlying skin conditions.

Besides a general “dry skin” feeling, you may also experience other symptoms like itching, flaking, scaling, and redness or discoloration.

You can often soothe dry lid symptoms with OTC creams or moisturizers, as well as other home remedies. For more severe cases (or if the dryness worsens or just won’t go away), talk with your doctor or dermatologist. They can recommend prescription-strength treatments or determine if an underlying condition is at play.

Last medically reviewed on February 24, 2022

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