Peeling skin under the eyes: causes and what to do

Causes of peeling, redness and itching

Problems that are temporary are the easiest to treat. This group included a number of factors that cause the skin under the eyes to peel.

Unfavorable weather conditions associated with high and low temperatures, strong winds, precipitation in the form of snow, brightness of the sun's rays.
Violation of the drinking regime leads to dry skin, and the delicate area around the eyes is the first to react to a lack of fluid.
Using decorative cosmetics of an untested brand and low cost is like playing Russian roulette.
Too intensive care or incomplete removal of makeup leads to the fact that the next morning the skin around the eyes turns red and begins to peel.

In these situations, recovery will not take much time. The situation is different if the unpleasant phenomenon is caused by serious problems.

Here you will need to resort to the services of medicine and undergo a full course of treatment.

An allergic reaction is accompanied not only by peeling, the eyelid begins to itch, swelling and redness appear.
Fungal infection is an insidious disease that can affect large areas of the body.
With vitamin deficiency, many body systems fail. A lack of nutrients is caused by an unbalanced diet, bad habits, and stress.
Eyelash mites manifest themselves when immunity decreases. Special equipment will help diagnose its presence.

The skin may peel under the eyes if other causes are present and treatment should be directed not at external manifestations, but at internal disorders. For example:

dysbacteriosis;
poisoning;
hormonal disbalance;
diseases of the organs of vision;
thyroid dysfunction.

Causes of dry eyelids

A feature of the structure of the dermal layer in the area around the eyes is the small number of sebaceous glands and subcutaneous fat. Therefore, these areas require additional moisture and special careful care. Noticeable discomfort appears, redness and peeling of the epidermis and even pain are possible.

The following factors can worsen the condition of the delicate skin around the eyes:

Ophthalmological diseases : eye infections, inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis);
Allergic reactions . Dryness can be caused by an excess of decorative cosmetics or the use of low-quality makeup products. Women with sensitive skin are more at risk; they should take a responsible approach to the selection of both decorative and caring cosmetics;
Lack of minerals and vitamins . Eating an insufficient amount of foods rich in beneficial microelements is fraught not only with dry eyelids, but also with disruption of the functioning of internal organs;
Dehydration . Lack of water in the body immediately affects the condition of the epidermis, especially in sensitive areas. The close location of an air conditioner or heater also intensively evaporates moisture from the surface of the body;
Overwork . A long-hour marathon at the computer or work that requires concentration and increased attention can lead to chronic eye diseases, dry eyelids and decreased vision;
Bad habits . Nicotine in the body causes a lot of irreversible consequences. Smoking and alcohol can change skin color in an unhealthy direction and cause dryness and peeling of the dermal layer;
Weather . Both sun and heat, as well as severe frost or wind, can negatively affect the skin of the face.

When you feel the first signs of increased dryness of the skin under the eyes, try to correctly identify the cause of the problem. If identified in time, the problem is often solved by eliminating its source.

What cosmetologists recommend

All experts agree on one thing: treatment should begin after the cause has been established. In this case, the process will occur more efficiently and will take less time.

Cosmetologists advise to always perform simple steps to care for the delicate skin in this area. This approach is considered an excellent preventative measure that provides nutrition and hydration to the dermis.

Masks made from seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits are very refreshing and provide useful minerals and vitamins.
Daily treatment of the problem area with regular ice or a frozen decoction of medicinal plants.
Removing decorative cosmetics using soft products, milk, micellar water.
Regular exposure to fresh air.
Drink 1.5 liters or more of pure water without gas.
Balanced diet.
Maintaining immunity.
Taking vitamin-mineral complexes 1-2 times a year.

It will be difficult to answer the question of how to treat skin when the eyelids itch and peel without an accurate diagnosis. Before visiting the clinic, lotions with a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula, mint, and string will help alleviate the condition.

Attention! A paste of parsley leaves will relieve itching and irritation.

In women, the problem occurs much more often due to the characteristics of the skin under the eyes, but the causes and treatment principles are the same for both sexes.

An ophthalmologist will tell you how else to deal with this scourge:

Folk recipes

If dry skin under the eyes is not caused by dangerous pathologies, then you can try to cope with the problem using traditional medicine recipes. Such products can replace medications, and sometimes achieve better results. However, you should not abuse such prescriptions and it is best to consult a specialist before starting therapy.

You can cope with skin irritation in the eyelid area using the following alternative medicine:

Camomile tea. It is necessary to pour a spoonful of dried plant flowers into a bowl and brew them with a glass of boiling water. The mixture should be infused for at least an hour, then strained. Moisten the compress in the prepared infusion and apply it to the inflamed skin around the eyes. With the help of this product it is possible to get rid of irritation and eye fatigue, and it also has a bactericidal and regenerating effect.
Brewing tea. If the skin under the eyes is irritated or you are very tired, you can make lotions with tea leaves. For this purpose, it is best to use loose leaf tea, but if it is not available, bags will also work. You need to brew tea, soak a cotton pad in the tea leaves and apply it to your eyes.
Aloe juice. It is necessary to cut the leaf of the plant and put it in the refrigerator. After 1-2 weeks, the juice becomes more liquid in consistency. It is recommended to lubricate the skin under the eyelids with this product. Aloe has antimicrobial, regenerating and moisturizing properties, and also helps to cope with irritation in a short time.

For severe peeling of the skin on the face, you can use an infusion prepared from linden flowers. To do this, you need to pour ½ cup of the plant’s flowers into a bowl and brew them with a glass of boiling water. The resulting mixture should be left to infuse for 1 hour, then filtered. Soak a cotton pad in this medicinal liquid and apply it to your eyelids for 10 minutes. It is recommended to carry out this procedure every other day. Over time, the laxity of the skin will disappear, its elasticity will increase and its radiance will be restored.

You can get rid of irritation under the eyes thanks to masks with the addition of olive and almond oil, and they should be done regularly. It is necessary to moisten gauze or a cotton pad in slightly heated oil and apply it to the irritated area of the eyelids for a short time. After a while, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with an ice cube and nourishing cream.

How to get rid of peeling, redness and itching of the skin

Treatment of flaky dermis around the eyes is a complex of actions. His tasks include:

eliminating the cause;
elimination of unpleasant symptoms;
minimizing the risk of relapse.

At home

Traditional medicine recipes will cope with peeling under the eye, when the skin is red and itchy, if the problem is caused by temporary factors. In other cases, such actions are of an auxiliary nature.

Their main advantage is the natural composition, so you should not be afraid of side effects. Below are popular recipes.

Grated carrot mask. At 1.5 tbsp. l. you will need 1 tbsp. l. potato flour and fresh yolk. The ingredients are mixed and allowed to brew for half an hour. The resulting composition is distributed onto the affected area, after 10 minutes, washed with cool water.
Finely chop the parsley and grind it into a paste. For these purposes it is better to use a mortar. The product is applied around the eyes, with cotton pads placed on top. After a quarter of an hour you should wash your face.
Banana cream moisturizes and nourishes well. The pulp of a ripe fruit is combined with 1 tsp. natural honey, add about 20 g of butter. Rub into the dermis with light movements and leave to act for 10 minutes. Honey is allowed for use provided there is no allergy to bee products.
Cucumber juice nourishes, moisturizes and tones. Thin circles of the vegetable are placed on the eyelids and left for 5-10 minutes. It is recommended to change the slices to fresh ones during the procedure. Potato and cucumber juice in equal proportions have an enhanced effect. It is used in the form of lotions, which are applied for 20-25 minutes. At the end, the dermis is lubricated with olive oil.
Lotions and treatment with ice cubes from decoctions of medicinal herbs. Most often used: chamomile, calendula, sage, oak bark, freshly brewed black tea. It is advisable to perform the actions 2-3 times a day for a week.
Applications using warm almond, olive, jojoba or castor oil for 15 minutes provide a comprehensive treatment. Finally, the dermis is wiped with a piece of ice.

Important! If after all the manipulations the skin in the corners of the eyes is still peeling, then this treatment method will not solve the problem, and it is dangerous to postpone a visit to the clinic.

Using pharmaceutical products

The doctor can make the right choice of medication after making a diagnosis.

For allergic reactions, antihistamines are used. To quickly relieve symptoms, use: “Suprastin”, “Diazalin”, “Tavegil”, etc. However, you need to be prepared for a powerful sedative effect.

The new generation of allergy medications does not have the property of inhibiting mental and physical activity.

At the same time, an ointment (Hydrocortisone, Dexomethasone) is prescribed to help relieve unpleasant symptoms.

If the skin around the eyes is peeling, and the reasons lie in a fungal infection, then the medicine is prescribed after identifying the pathogen.

To prevent the eye area from itching, you should avoid washing your face with regular soap. In an alkaline environment, the fungus develops rapidly, which slows down treatment.

For eyelash mites, ointments of various effects are used (killing parasites and relieving inflammation), drops, antihistamines, metronidazole tablets, and a special cream designed to quickly normalize the condition of the skin.

The lack of vitamins can be compensated for by consuming a number of foods:

vegetables and fruits with a red, yellow or orange color;
fatty sea fish; as an alternative, taking fish oil is allowed;
beef liver;
eggs;
butter;
nuts;
legumes.

How to solve the problem with dryness

Dryness of the epidermis can occur due to an allergic reaction or infectious inflammation.

Comprehensive treatment prescribed by a specialist is required:

Allergic itching can be relieved with an antihistamine, eye drops, or moisturizer.
For inflammation or severe conjunctivitis, the ophthalmologist prescribes specialized ointments, drops with an antibacterial effect, and antiseptic solutions.

You should also use decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs to soothe the skin of the eyelids. For example, string, mint. It is enough to apply or wipe the eyelids with compresses made from herbal infusions. It is necessary to change regular cleansers if dryness is caused by insufficient care.

Tip: Masks with hyaluronic acid help quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of dryness. Changes will be immediately noticeable: moisturizing the epidermis, smoothing out fine wrinkles, increasing elasticity.

It is not always necessary to turn to professionals; the dermis can be provided with competent care at home. You can prepare masks for dry eyelid skin yourself:

mix cucumber puree with crushed leaf parsley;
combine cream with peach puree;
add vegetable oil to honey;
Grate the cucumber or cut it into thin slices;
peach oil (1 tsp), wheat germ oil (five drops), grape seed oil (five drops).

For additional moisturizing, prepare a product from aloe juice. Cut off a leaf of the plant and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Squeeze out the healthy juice and apply to dry skin.

Why does the skin under the eyes peel?

Many people experience flaky skin under their eyes from time to time. Factors leading to a violation of her condition can be for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it is necessary to know exactly their origin.

The most common triggers for this condition are:

hormonal dysfunctions;
dysbacteriosis;
thyroid diseases;
excessive passion for tanning;
infection;
changes in water-salt metabolism;
lack of sleep;
poisoning;
ophthalmological diseases;
parasitosis, etc.

Fungus

This factor ranks high among the causes of redness and flaking of the skin under the eyes.

As a rule, the doctor in such cases diagnoses “seborrheic dermatitis”. This pathology is due to the fact that the infection spreads from the scalp to the lower sections. The disease progresses quite quickly, so the patient needs immediate medical attention.

People who wear contact lenses on their eyes also need to be especially careful. If storage and care rules are violated, the development of an eye infection, including a fungal one, cannot be ruled out.

In addition, you should choose only high-quality optics that do not allow various types of contaminants to accumulate on the surface. Otherwise it will start to peel off. Such disadvantage quickly leads to a decrease in the body’s defenses, which allows fungal microflora to become more active.

Avitaminosis

Lack of vitamins disrupts the processes of cell division of the skin. It affects the entire condition of the person as a whole and affects the structure of the epidermis. The deficiency of retinol and tocopherol most strongly provokes peeling of the eyelids.

As a rule, it occurs in the spring. In some cases, a decrease in the overall resistance of the skin occurs due to serious illnesses, past infections or an unbalanced diet. Wrong lifestyle also plays a big role.

Allergy

The skin under the eyes often peels due to contact with substances that disrupt the functioning of the immune system and provoke an increased response from it.

These include:

household chemicals;
cosmetics;
medicines;
Food;
pollen;
synthetics, etc.

Sometimes the eyelids peel immediately after interaction with the antigen, and sometimes only after a certain time.

An allergic reaction can affect the mucous membranes of the eyes and facial skin. It causes peeling, itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids.

Demodex eyelash mite

Sometimes the patient suffers as a result of parasite infestation. One of the main causes is demodicosis.

The pathology can be hidden for some time, and then manifest itself with the most striking symptoms. In such a case, a person complains of redness of the eyelids, itching, peeling of scales, swelling and general dryness of the skin under the eyes. In advanced cases, eyelash loss and the formation of ulcers are noted.

Typically, making a diagnosis takes some time and requires the use of laboratory research methods.

Improper care

In women, peeling under the eyes often develops due to insufficient care of this area of the face, which is particularly sensitive.

Makeup left on overnight has a particularly adverse effect on the skin. Excessive finger movements when applying cream under the eyes or intense massage of the eyelids can also cause irritation.

Very often, peeling can be caused by incorrectly selected care products. The use of foundations for oily skin with a dry skin type leads to even greater drying of the tissues.

Other factors could be:

inappropriate eye masks;
careless removal of mascara and shadows;
an abundance of water procedures with aggressive detergents;
use of coarse soap;
rubbing the skin with various medications not prescribed by a specialist;
scrubs that are too active;
tonics, non-moisturizing eyelids, etc.

If you don't take proper care of the skin under your eyes, it may lose its elasticity. Blood circulation processes will be disrupted, turgor will be reduced and color will be changed.

Inappropriate cosmetics

Often the skin peels due to the use of expensive cosmetics that are not suitable for its type. Sometimes, on the contrary, people settle on cheaper options without first studying the composition of the cream or mascara.

In some cases, women buy cosmetics for younger or older skin, which also adversely affects the condition of the epithelium under the eyes.

An unbalanced composition of eye cosmetics leads to clogging of pores, irritation of tissues, and drying out of the epidermis. The skin peels off, allergic reactions and inflammatory processes develop.

Lack of fluid

Often the eyelids peel due to a lack of moisture in the structure of the epidermis. It can have both local and general causes.

A similar phenomenon often occurs if there is a lack of fluid in the body. It begins to evaporate intensively from the outer covers and is not replenished from the inside. Overdrying of tissues, their irritation, and cell death occurs.

The body's water-salt balance must be maintained at the proper level. A person needs to ingest at least 2.5 liters of clean drinking water per day. You should not choose lemonade, beer, alcohol, coffee and factory-made nectars for drinks.

Local causes may be associated with excessively long exposure to the sun or in a hot room. Since the area around the eyes is particularly sensitive and has a very thin layer of epidermis, dehydration affects it the most. Therefore, it is necessary to use moisturizers and drink enough fluids.

Adverse external factors

The skin often peels off under the influence of the surrounding atmosphere. The greatest negative impact on it is exerted by:

inhalation of tobacco smoke;
long stay indoors;
strong wind;
rain;
freezing;
temperature changes;
various pollution;
infection from air or water;
scratching the skin;
insect bites;
ecology;
electromagnetic waves from a computer, etc.

If the office does not provide conditions for employees to smoke, breaks for ventilation are not taken, or the room is too hot, then the skin suffers significantly from such influences.

Walking in the bright sun without special glasses to protect your eyes, spending a long time outside in bad weather conditions, or a long flight can also worsen your skin condition.

Sea swimming combined with excess tanning can cause your eyelids to peel. Chlorinated pool water has a similar effect. Involvement in sports that involve open stadium conditions also often leads to the development of irritation.

Peeling eyelid skin: main reasons

Redness of the eyelid skin and peeling cannot be considered as a cosmetic defect that can be eliminated with external means.

This should be done by a qualified specialist who will first find out the cause of this pathology and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Allergic reaction

A characteristic sign of an allergy is simultaneous redness of the skin of both eyelids, accompanied by peeling, itching, lacrimation and swelling.

Most often, this phenomenon is seasonal and occurs during the flowering period of various plant species.

Allergies can also be caused by:

Food;
creams, lotions, masks, decorative cosmetics;
dust;
animal hair and dander;
insect bites;
household chemicals;
medications.

In some cases, it is not possible to independently identify the factor causing the development of an allergic reaction. To do this, skin tests are carried out in the clinic, making it possible to identify the allergen with 100% probability.

Unsuitable cosmetics

When caring for the skin around the eyes, you should adhere to the following rules:

never use cosmetics that have expired;
do not use scrubs, peelings;
do not wipe this area with tonics containing alcohol;
choose cosmetics according to age and skin type;
follow the rules for storing cosmetics;
apply products to the skin only with clean hands;
monitor the cleanliness of brushes, sponges, brushes and other instruments that come into contact with the eyelid area.

Important to remember! Eyelid skin care products should be used strictly individually.

Improper skin care under the eyes

Even if you choose the right products for the care of sensitive skin around the eyes, you can cause the opposite effect if they are used incorrectly.

It is prohibited to do the following when caring for the skin around the eyes:

leave decorative cosmetics on your face overnight;
rub the cream or gel into the skin of the eyelids;
use masks or compresses more often than indicated in the instructions;
Use toilet soap or shower gel to remove cosmetics.

If the cream does not have a dispenser, then you should take it from the jar using a special stick, spatula or spatula, which must be thoroughly wiped or washed after each use.

This will help minimize the risk of bacteria and pathogenic fungi developing in the cream.

Apply the cream or gel to the eyelids by lightly touching them with your ring fingers , in the direction from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.

Remove eye makeup with gentle movements using a product intended for this purpose, applied to a cotton pad or swab.

Attention! If, after applying a care product or decorative cosmetics, a feeling of discomfort, burning, itching or redness of the skin around the eyes occurs, you should quickly wipe it off with a cotton pad, rinse with clean water and take an antihistamine tablet (Diazolin, Suprastin, Tavegil) ).

Fungal infections

Redness and peeling of the eyelids can be caused by fungal diseases such as:

seborrhea;
trichophytosis;
favus.

According to statistics, the most common cause of peeling eyelid skin is seborrhea , caused by the opportunistic fungus Malassezia.

Being constantly present on a person’s skin, it does not manifest itself until a sharp decrease in immunity occurs as a result of illness, severe stress or other factors.

If you have redness of the eyelid skin or peeling, do not postpone visiting an ophthalmologist and further treatment.

During this period, the fungus begins to multiply intensively, affecting the sebaceous glands, disrupting the production of their secretions and leading to inflammation of the skin around the eyes.

The main symptoms of the disease are:

redness of the skin of the eyelids with pronounced peeling;
the appearance of round, shiny spots;
a burning sensation in the eyes;
presence of small bubbles;
eyelash loss.

Periodically, the blisters burst, serous exudate flows out of them, which, when dried, forms a yellowish crust.

When large areas are affected, a person experiences lacrimation and a rise in general body temperature.

Trichophytosis is caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton.

Parasitizing the skin of the eyelids, they cause folliculitis, manifested by:

swelling;
hyperemia;
severe itching;
the presence of small pustules covered with crusts;
a clearly visible coating of spores on the eyelashes;
eyelash loss or breaking off.

Small round lesions in the form of craters are clearly visible on the skin, in the center of which there are numerous scales. Lack of treatment leads to the development of conjunctivitis.

The causative agent of favus is the fungus Achorion Schünleini. The pathological process is characterized by the appearance of reddish papules and scales near the hair follicles on the skin of the upper eyelid.

As the disease progresses, the papules turn into yellowish crusts and disappear. Doctors record numerous cases of self-recovery.

Adverse external factors

Increased sensitivity of the skin around the eyes is due to the lack of a subcutaneous fat layer, which is recognized to perform a protective function.

Therefore, redness and peeling of the eyelids can be caused by unfavorable environmental factors, which include:

direct exposure to ultraviolet (sun) rays;
low temperatures;
sudden temperature fluctuations;
severe air pollution;
wind;
dry air.

How to treat

Most often, peeling skin occurs for natural reasons, the main of which is lack of sleep, following bad habits and an unbalanced diet.

In this case, the eyelids swell and the eyes become tired. A person often rubs them with his hands. As a result, the skin flakes and responds with a breakdown in structure.

If it does not stop after a short period, then the reasons may be more serious. Sometimes such processes occur under the influence of an infectious agent or pathology of the organs of vision.

In any case, a person needs to examine the skin under the eyes and consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist. The doctor will conduct the necessary studies and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Medical supplies

The use of various drugs is directly related to making an accurate diagnosis:

Very often it becomes atopic dermatitis. In this case, an ophthalmologist, skin specialist or allergist prescribes Suprastin, Tavegil and other internal antihistamines.
For local use, external medications Lorizan or Sudocrem are indicated.
If the skin peels off under the influence of an infectious agent, then taking antibacterial or sulfonamide drugs (Itraconazole, Fluconazole) is required.
For demodicosis, when the skin under the eyes peels, ophthalmic solutions Amphotericin B or Levorin are indicated.

Treatment

For each individual pathology that appears, there is a specific treatment. Most often doctors prescribe the following medications:

antibacterial drops (Tobrex, Vigamox);
antibacterial ointments (Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Levomekol);
antiviral drops (Poludan);
antiviral ointments (Floreal, Bonafton);
systemic antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Arbidol);
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops and ointments based on diclofenac;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops and ointments based on hormonal substances, for example, dexamethasone;
wound healing ointments (Solcoseryl);
multivitamin drops in the eyes to improve metabolism and general tissue condition;
multivitamin preparations for oral administration (Aevit, Alphabet, Blueberry Forte).

Antibiotics and steroids must be used for a short course of treatment to avoid side effects. All other drugs can be used with prolonged action, the body will not become addicted.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of peeling skin under the eyes, you must follow the rules for caring for it:

Immediately after returning home, you need to remove makeup from your eyelids using special means.
After washing, you should carefully pat your face dry with a soft cloth rather than rubbing it with a hard towel. Otherwise, it will quickly begin to peel off.
The skin will stop peeling if you use special gels, creams and solutions. In summer it is necessary to use sunscreen compounds.
It is advisable to allocate enough time for sleep, walks or rest for the eyes.
You must completely stop smoking or drinking alcohol.

The diet must include:

bananas;
greenery;
cereal products;
lactic acid products;
vegetables;
nuts;
tomatoes;
fish;
juices;
fruits;
berries;
eggs.

When caring for the skin under the eyes, you should avoid alcohol-containing solutions. In summer, you should take sunglasses with you before going outside. It is better to use decorative cosmetics less often and only after carefully studying its composition.

Conditionally safe provocateurs of skin peeling

In addition to irritation, which manifests itself in the form of peeling, red spots and cracks may appear on the epidermis around the eyes. Additionally, the patient often experiences itching or burning. The symptoms of the pathological process will depend not only on the irritant, but also on the individual characteristics of the organism.

There are no completely safe reasons for the appearance of flaky areas on the face. Any changes in the human body indicate an abnormal process that negatively affects the normal functioning of all organs and systems.

The gradual suppression of the immune system leads to a decrease in protective mechanisms, so a person who is faced with this pathology, but does not take any actions aimed at recovery, exposes himself to the risk of developing serious complications.

Conditionally safe reasons for the appearance of peeling on the epidermis can be the following:

Weather. Peeling and redness of the skin around the eyes can be caused by external factors such as wind, heat or cold. To prevent irritation on your face, you need to take care of your skin. Before going outside, she is protected with special lotions, creams, ointments and other similar cosmetics.
Dehydration of the body. Lack of moisture negatively affects the condition of the entire skin. First of all, those areas of the body where the thin and delicate epidermis is located are affected. To get rid of this problem, you need to drink more fluid. Preference should be given to warm, clean water, as it penetrates the bloodstream faster.
Unhealthy food. Excessive consumption of fatty, salty, smoked and spicy foods can not only lead to the appearance of skin defects. Poor nutrition has a negative impact on the functioning of internal organs, which is dangerous for the development of serious health problems.
Cosmetics. Poor quality skin care products can irritate the thin skin around the eyes. Itching and flaking can also occur as a result of improper use, for example, of a face mask.
Sleep disturbances. Insufficient hours of rest can cause delicate areas of tissue to become stressed. In order to get rid of signs of fatigue under the eyes, it is necessary to ensure proper rest. It is recommended to minimize the amount of time spent on the computer and other gadgets. This problem is relevant not only for adults, but also for children, since the modern generation spends almost all of its free time on the phone, tablet and other equipment.
Lack of vitamins. This problem needs to be fought not only from within. It is necessary to make nourishing masks that can be prepared from essential oils. It is recommended to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. If you have vitamin deficiency, you should seek professional help from a specialist. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate vitamin complex.

When redness and peeling of the skin around the eyes is caused by one of the above reasons, with the right approach to the treatment process, you can get rid of the pathological process quite quickly. If therapy does not help, it is necessary to continue diagnosis. Only by identifying the main source of the problem can you find the key to solving it.

Care with creams

Regular anti-wrinkle cream is not suitable for eyelid skin care. This cream is “heavy” for thin and sensitive skin. It can stretch it and cause new wrinkles to appear. Therefore, when choosing eye creams, you need to pay special attention to the labeling. The labeling must indicate that the cream is designed specifically for the care of the skin around the eyes. Preference should be given to creams that contain components such as alpha hydroxy acids, retinol, vitamin C. These components are able to penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate collagen production. It is thanks to these components that the skin acquires an elastic appearance, becomes young and fresh. If the cream contains alcohol and caffeine, which give instant results, do not rush to purchase it - the result is ensured due to the temporary action of these components.

Application of the cream should be very gentle, twice a day on clean eyelid skin. It is not recommended to rub the cream under any circumstances, as this will stretch the thin skin around the eyes.

Allergic reaction

The body's immune system is not flawless. Sometimes it can react to very harmless causes, while provoking quite serious and sometimes life-threatening symptoms.

An allergic reaction of the body, which characterizes the hypersensitivity of the immune system, can occur at any age.

The reasons for its occurrence are quite difficult to list; in addition, the source of the problem cannot always be identified during diagnostic measures. The most common triggers for the development of an allergic reaction include:

some food products;
dust;
plant pollen;
contact lenses;
cosmetical tools.

If the pathology is observed in a child, then the problem may be an allergic reaction to the material from which the toys are made. You should be careful when choosing a washing powder.

Contact of the facial skin with an irritant can occur, for example, during a night's rest, when the child's head touches the pillow. An allergic reaction can also develop to the smell of various chemicals, including the aroma that comes from clothes after washing.

Symptoms of the immune system in response to an irritant can manifest themselves in different ways. In addition to the fact that the skin turns red and begins to peel, the eyes often swell, photophobia and lacrimation develop.

If the epidermis cracks, then this condition is dangerous due to the penetration of infection into the resulting wounds. Lack of therapeutic measures can cause vision problems.

Treatment for an allergic reaction involves eliminating the underlying source of the problem. After determining the cause of this pathological process and eliminating contact with it, the patient is prescribed antihistamines, which are prescribed on an individual basis.

Causes

Very dry eyelid skin can result from the following factors:

insufficient intake of fluid into the body, which primarily affects the face, especially the eyelids, since that is where the thinnest skin is located;
insufficient intake of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and minerals into the body, which leads to hypovitaminosis;
excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the face, which leads to burns, most strongly affecting the thin skin of the eyelids;
frequent inflammatory processes on the eyelids (blepharitis), which can be a result of exposure to viruses, infections, allergic reactions;
dermatological diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, seborrhea);
penetration of eyelash mites, which causes a strong inflammatory reaction;
allergic reaction to flowering plants, animal hair, bird feathers, household factors, low-quality cosmetics;
exposure to an immune reaction against the body's own tissues, this is called autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis);
frequent mechanical damage to the thin skin of the eyelids, which can be the result of scratching with nails, or damaging effects from foreign objects;
wearing contact lenses improperly, with poor hygiene;
penetration of a small homogeneous substance onto the mucous membrane of the eyes, which causes an acute inflammatory process and bacterial infection;
frequent conjunctivitis as a result of exposure to viruses, bacteria, allergens.

Dangerous causes of peeling

According to medical observations, if flaky skin appears immediately on the upper eyelid and under the eye, then such symptoms characterize a serious pathological process. Additionally, other signs of illness may be present. The main forms of pathologies include:

Kidney diseases. The skin under the eyes turns red and swelling of the tissue appears. The patient's blood pressure rises. Itching often appears in the corners of the eyes.
Viral and infectious diseases. The feeling of discomfort in the eyes and changes in the condition of the skin around them are characteristic of many pathological processes that are caused by a virus. These include: ARVI, scarlet fever, influenza, chicken pox, measles, etc.
Eyelash mite, or demodicosis. The disease is caused by microscopic parasites. The pathological process most often develops against the background of reduced immunity, so the number of cases of demodicosis diagnosis increases significantly in the spring and autumn periods. The patient not only has peeling tissue in the eye area, but also appears redness and itching. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to seek help from an ophthalmologist. The parasite can be identified using special equipment. Demodicosis can be treated comprehensively. You should not try to eliminate peeling and redness with fatty creams, essential oils, etc. By creating such conditions for parasites, the patient himself worsens his situation. Such an environment will have a beneficial effect on their rapid reproduction.

Diagnosis of the real cause

When visiting a doctor, various types of diagnostics are performed to determine the exact cause of peeling and redness of the skin under the eyes:

Anamnesis collection. The doctor determines whether the patient has an allergic reaction to any substance or whether close relatives have had it. The patient himself may complain of additional symptoms. For example, with keratitis, the quality of vision may decrease.
General inspection. The doctor will notice severe peeling of the skin under the eyes, which may be red and irritated. Other symptoms of the disease may also appear. With conjunctivitis, severe redness of the eyes is detected. Keratitis may be accompanied by erosions on the cornea.
Test for allergens in the autumn-winter period. Various substances are applied to the patient's wrist. If an inflammatory reaction is observed in any area of the skin, the doctor will determine the presence of an allergy.
Superficial examination of the visual organs. The doctor determines whether the patient has inflammation of the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and lacrimal canal area.
Consultation with a dermatologist to examine the skin to identify inflammatory diseases.

If the peeling goes away after using a moisturizer, the reason may be a lack of moisture and nutrients. If peeling and redness of the skin is observed constantly, you cannot do without medical help.

Peeling skin in children

If the child’s skin in the eye area has not peeled off before and no significant changes have occurred in the child’s life (the diet has remained the same, as has the climate, clothing, personal hygiene products, etc.), the cause may be a helminthic infestation.

If this diagnosis is confirmed in the patient during the examination, then it is recommended that all family members and people who have been in close contact with the infected person undergo a therapeutic course of treatment.

School-age children, like adults, tend to feel tired. The skin under the eyes peels especially often in first-graders who are not yet accustomed to the stress of school.

Parents should properly plan the rest of their child’s day after school and additionally moisturize the epidermis. A widespread disease among schoolchildren is vegetative-vascular dystonia. One of its symptoms is redness of the skin around the eyes. A neurologist will help you deal with the problem.

When the skin around the eyes constantly peels off, it would not hurt to have your child examined by an otolaryngologist. Enlarged tonsils or the presence of adenoids have a negative impact on overall health.

If there is any irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes or the epidermis near them, what is strictly not allowed to do is rub the itchy areas.

This will not alleviate the condition, but will only worsen the symptoms. In addition, there is a possibility of secondary infection.

Nourishing masks

Creams do not always have the desired effect if the skin around the eyes is very dry. What to do in this case if there is neither time nor money for salon procedures? A course of nourishing homemade masks will help solve the problem.

The following products help to reanimate the skin of the periorbital area:

Two teaspoons of high-quality butter are mixed with the yolk of a homemade egg. Then add four drops of flaxseed oil, rose oil and lemon oil. The mixture is applied to the skin for 30 minutes.
Melt a teaspoon of cocoa butter in a water bath. Then press until it cools to a temperature of 38 degrees. Add a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil. Apply the mixture generously to the skin and leave for 40 minutes. Blot the remains, do not rinse.
Mix a tablespoon of interior fat with 25 ml of olive oil. Apply for 30-40 minutes.

Why does the skin around the eyes peel?

Peeling of the skin under the eyes has various causes, and one of the most popular is improper or irregular care, but it can also be due to health problems. In most cases, when the skin around the eyes peels, people turn to ophthalmologists, who carry out diagnostics or immediately refer the patient to another specialist.

When the skin around the eye peels and redness occurs, eyelash mites cannot be ruled out. It is able to exist on healthy skin without obvious lesions. To detect a violation, special hardware diagnostics are required.

The skin around the eyes in men and women may begin to peel due to a lack of vitamins in the body. In this regard, it is necessary to constantly monitor your diet, as sometimes the problem is provoked by fatty foods. In addition, itching and dryness occur as a result of insufficient fluid intake. Read more about what vitamins are needed for dry skin in a separate article.

Such subtle reasons as:

insufficient sleep;
constant stress;
dirty environment;
climate (strong wind, frost, strong sun).

Dry skin under the eyes of a child can have quite different causes, but the most common among them are demodicosis, various infections and bacteria (staphylococcus). To treat redness, dryness and peeling in the eye area in children, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.

We figured out why the skin under the eyes peels, and now let’s look at ways to combat the disorder.

External reasons

Various external factors affecting the human body can provoke peeling of the epidermis.

Eyelash mite

The eyelash mite is a microorganism that lives in the subcutaneous layer of even healthy people, without manifesting itself for a long time. The sizes of demodex can vary, so it is impossible to examine it without special equipment. The tick can be transmitted from one person to another, affecting areas with thin skin.

Eyelash mites often cause peeling of the epidermis on the face and this symptom is complemented by dryness, redness and sticking of eyelashes. To identify such a microorganism, it is necessary to scrape the affected area of the skin. After identifying the microorganism, the patient is given an effective treatment aimed at destroying the mite and stopping the inflammatory process.

If hygiene rules are not followed and when using other people's cosmetic products, there is a high risk of contracting any infection. It is quite problematic to cure the pathology and chronic mycosis can develop. The risk of contracting a fungus increases in those patients whose immune system is impaired. A fungal pathogen can be associated with another pathology, for example, diabetes or oncology.

Allergy

Allergies can manifest in children and adults with symptoms such as rhinitis, cough, peeling skin under the eyes and cracks in the corners of the eyes. If such signs occur, you should consult an allergist as soon as possible. It is possible to determine the allergen using a special analysis, but before obtaining the results, it is necessary to exclude all possible causes of dry skin under the eyes. This phenomenon can be caused by low-quality cosmetics, plant pollen, temperature changes, medications and food products.

Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract

Peeling of the epidermis around the organs of vision may indicate various disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. This phenomenon can be caused by constant constipation, intestinal dysbiosis and gastritis. Dry skin under the eyes can be caused by poor nutrition, that is, excessive consumption of fried and fatty foods. Toxins and harmful carcinogens enter the human body, which release toxic substances into the blood. The consequence of this is the development of skin allergies. In addition, an imbalance of vitamins in the human body and dehydration can cause a defect.

Viral pathologies and infections

Peeling of the skin can be caused by viral pathologies that affect the entire body. With this complication, the inflammatory process spreads to the organs of vision and the epidermis around them. Pathologies such as influenza, rubella, measles and acute respiratory infections can provoke peeling.

If the cause of peeling of the epidermis in the upper part of the face is an infection of the organs of vision, then it is necessary to seek advice from a specialist. It is important that the inflammatory process does not become chronic, as this may result in blindness. The most dangerous eye infections are herpes, blepharitis, conjunctivitis and stye.

How to get rid of peeling skin around the eyes

When the skin under the eyes dries and peels, try folk remedies, if the problem is not serious. Lotions made from the following herbs give a good effect:

mother and stepmother, the beneficial properties of which are due to the rich vitamin composition of the plant;
chamomile, which relieves inflammation;
a series, the use of which for irritated skin is even indicated for bathing infants.

To eliminate flaking and dry skin in the eye area, start moisturizing it and try to avoid contact with allergens. Be sure to use mild moisturizers, including cream or special milk.

Additionally, we advise you to remember and adhere to the simplest rules, including:

good sleep;
varied and nutritious diet;
regular walks in the air;
breaks when working at the computer;
using good cosmetics;
Do not use decorative cosmetics one day a week, giving your skin a rest.

If peeling of the skin under your eyes does not go away for a long time, it is better to entrust treatment to a doctor. Start with an ophthalmologist or primary care physician, who will refer you to another specialist if necessary.

Restoring water balance

Of course, the ideal option would be timely prevention of the problem, but often this kind of problem appears to us quite unexpectedly. If you are worried about dry skin under your eyes, what should you do in such cases? The answer is very simple - you just need to know a few basic rules:

It is necessary to remove makeup before a night's rest, because... “plaster” left during sleep clogs pores, slows down metabolic processes in the epidermis and causes swelling or dryness of the eyelids;
wash with lukewarm water; replace soap with milder hypoallergenic products to eliminate irritation, feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin;
select cosmetics according to the area of application, i.e. the creams used should be marked “for eyelids”;
try to adhere to a healthy diet and drink about 2 liters of clean water without gas;
Get enough sleep and try not to strain your eyes during the day, take short breaks to rest.

Remember that the sensitive area around the eyes must not only be pampered with creams and special masks, but also protected from direct exposure to the scorching sun .

Folk remedies against peeling under the eyes

Now let’s look at when the skin under the eye peels, what should you apply to improve the condition of the epithelial layers? Start making olive oil masks regularly, preferably before bed. Almond and pumpkin oils have a good effect, which quickly relieve irritation.

It is not difficult to remove peeling skin around the eyes using folk remedies if you know what to use. Try steaming oatmeal with milk until it reaches a mushy consistency. Cool, add a small amount of softened butter and apply to the skin in the eye area for 10-15 minutes. You can try a mask of grated carrots and banana.

When the skin peels under the eyes due to demodicosis, oils and masks are not recommended. You need to start by disinfecting the affected area. In this case, try the following:

wash your face with tar soap and use sulfur ointment to lubricate your eyelids;
make compresses from linden decoction;
alternately apply cold and hot compresses;
wash yourself with a decoction of oak bark and make compresses from cabbage juice.

When the skin under the eye peels and treatment doesn’t help, go to the doctor and don’t waste time.

Examples of masks for skin care around the eyes

The skin around the eyes (like any area of the skin of the human body) responds favorably to the use of nourishing and moisturizing masks (see also face masks), which you can prepare yourself at home.

• Honey mask.

To prepare a honey mask, mix a large spoonful of honey with the same amount, preferably full-fat sour cream or heavy cream, add half a small spoonful of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the area around the eyes for twenty minutes, after this time, remove with a swab dipped in warm milk.

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• Strawberry mask.

Crush the strawberries and add a large spoonful of honey to the strawberry mass, mix the resulting mixture thoroughly until smooth. The mask is applied for twenty minutes, the mixture is wrapped in clean gauze, then the gauze with its contents is removed, and the skin is refreshed in any convenient way.

• From chicken yolk. Squeeze half the lemon. Add one yolk of a raw chicken egg to the juice, as well as a small spoon of olive oil. An option for an improved recipe for such a mask is to grate the zest of one lemon and also add to the mixture. The mask is kept for about twenty minutes. Wash off with a swab moistened with warm milk. This mask smoothes the skin of the eyelids and is an excellent anti-wrinkle remedy, thanks to cholesterol, lecithin and other nutrients contained in the yolk.

• Made from oatmeal. Two large spoons of cereal must be filled with milk, in the amount of four tablespoons. Give the flakes time to swell. Place the mixture between layers of clean gauze and apply to closed eyes. The exposure time of the mask is about half an hour. Remove the mask with cool water.