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10 Ways on How to Hydrate Under Eyes

How to hydrate under eyes is a common question among many people. Technically, when you look in the mirror, you will first notice signs of tiredness, aging, dryness, and dehydration through your eyes. Indeed, you can experience dryness on any part of your skin, but it’s not easy to treat the part around your eyes. Why, you wonder? Usually, the region around the eyes is 40% thinner compared to the rest of the face. Plus, there are usually no oil glands that can keep it protected and moisturized.

Another factor that complicates things further is that, as we get older, the production of elastin and collagen decreases. This prompts fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s legs start showing. During this time, you need more moisture than ever to ensure your skin is smooth, plump, and supple. But how can you achieve that? Well then, stick around!

Key Article Findings

  • Hydrating the under-eye area requires both internal hydration through water and a diet rich in water-heavy foods.
  • Choose eye creams with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera for targeted moisture.
  • Gentle cleansing and avoiding harsh skincare ingredients help maintain moisture in the delicate under-eye skin.
  • Quality sleep and consistent use of sun protection are essential for preventing dryness and maintaining healthy under-eye skin.

1. Hydration and Moisturization

A hand with a heart-shaped dollop of cream on the palm, next to a jar of moisturizer

Both moisturization and hydration are critical when you want to battle dry skin and wrinkles. Moisturization helps prevent water from evaporating. Normally, your skin has a natural barrier that helps with this. However, as you age, the barrier can deteriorate, particularly if you are dehydrated, accelerating moisture loss. Therefore, even when you do everything to hydrate, having a quality moisturizer is critical to maintaining the skin barrier.

2. Drink Plenty of Water 

A smiling woman in workout clothes holding a bottle of water in a kitchen

Taking plenty of water is one way on how to hydrate under eyes naturally. Ensuring you hydrate your body with enough water is critical. Hydrating from the inside is essential for the skin around your eyes, neck, hands, face, etc. So, take lots of fluids and consume healthy foods with high water content, such as fruits and veggies.

3. Choose Eye Creams Wisely

A smiling woman applying eye cream in front of a mirror

Using eye creams is another great way on how to hydrate under eye area. However, let no one fool you! All eye creams are not the same. Therefore, make sure to pick one that suits you. Ensure the creams you choose are rich with:

Searching for an exceptional eye cream?

4.8

Our Cellular Hydration Serum is made with organic tremella mushroom for superior hydration compared to hyaluronic acid. Tremella mushroom is naturally rich in similar compounds found in synthetic hyaluronic acid. This serum is suitable for all skin types and packs a gentle yet potent effect.

4. Incorporate a Gentle Cleansing Routine

A smear of foamy face cleansing mousse on a peach-colored background

Try washing your face gently every day. Why? Because the skin under the eye is sensitive. This approach implies you should avoid combining many different products. It’s natural to be worried about signs of aging, which can make you invest in cleansers with harsh components. But don’t be tempted because these can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable. Instead, choose mild products that can clean your skin without making it too dry.

5. Apply Serums Rich in Hydrating Ingredients

A clear droplet of serum with air bubbles on a peach-colored background

Buying specialized serums is a better trick on how to hydrate dry under eyes. Don’t use harsh synthetic ingredients that promise to do things that are too good to be true. Before you apply moisturizer, use a serum that hydrates your skin. Find serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or natural oils from plants like marula and jojoba. These rich ingredients can go deep into your skin and give your under-eye area a lot of moisture.

6. Use a Humidifier

A white humidifier emitting vapor with a plant in the foreground

Of course, humidifiers help with congestion as well as other cold symptoms. But that’s not all. They can be a great way to easily treat dry skin under your eyes. As you are already aware, the skin under your eyes is thin. Therefore, it is more affected by external conditions, such as cold temperatures, thus making it dry. So, always ensure you have a humidifier in your home or office to maintain optimal humidity levels.

7. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

A close-up of fresh strawberries

Not sure how to keep the under eye area hydrated? Then, watch your diet. Make sure your diet contains omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and vitamins in large quantities. Other foods to include in your diet include:

  • Strawberries
  • Blood oranges
  • Kimchi
  • Bone broth
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Cherries
  • Watermelon

8. Stay Away From Harsh Skin Care Ingredients

Top view of a blue skincare gel jar and clear glass blocks with shadows

Some skin products contain ingredients that can leave it red and dry. So be sure to stay away from products containing:

  • Alcohol
  • Sulfates
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Fragrance
  • Formaldehyde
  • Phenoxyethanol

9. Practice Proper Sleep Habits

Fuzzy panda sleep mask with scattered pills

Want to have healthy skin under your eyes? Eating healthy foods plus getting good sleep is key. Sleeping for at least 7 hours a day helps combat aging signs like sagging. The moment you sleep, your skin starts making collagen. Also, try using silk pillowcases since they can help lock the moisture in your skin. Plus, they can reduce the rubbing effect on the fragile areas below your eyes.

10. Regularly Use Sun Protection

Sun protection items on the beach with a sun drawn in the sand

UV exposure isn’t good for your skin under the eyes. It can result in wrinkles and fine lines because of dehydration around this part. Therefore, always wear water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure you protect this area.

Conclusion

Keeping the delicate under-eye area hydrated is crucial for maintaining a youthful and vibrant appearance. Effective hydration starts from within, by drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in hydrating foods. Externally, selecting eye creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, and sticking to gentle skincare routines, will help lock in moisture.

Additionally, protecting this sensitive area from sun damage and ensuring you get quality sleep will further enhance the skin’s health. By combining these practices, you can effectively combat dryness and maintain the skin’s elasticity and radiance around your eyes.

1.

Akdeniz, M., et al. (2018). Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review. Skin Research and Technology, 24(3), 459–465.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29392767/
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Bravo, B. S. F., et al. (2022). Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatologic Therapy, 35(12).

https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10078143/
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Frothingham, S. (2019). Green tea for your skin. Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin
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Clinic, C. (2023). Vitamin E for skin: What does it do? Cleveland Clinic.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-e-for-skin-health
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Thomsen, B. J., Chow, E., & Sapijaszko, M. (2020). The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: a review. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 24(5), 481–494.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32463305/
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Msj, J. C. (2019). It’s Time to Add Silk or Copper Pillowcases to Your Sleep Routine. Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/pillowcase-benefits
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Ahmadraji F, Shatalebi MA. (2015). Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base. Adv Biomed Res. 4:10.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4300604/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A,capacity%20and%20as%20an%20emollient
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Lebow, H. Medically reviewed Radusky, MD, R. (2022). Caffeine in Skin Care: Does It Actually Work? Everyday Health; Skin & Beauty.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/caffeine-in-skin-care-does-it-actually-work/
What Are the Best Ingredients to Look for in Hydrating Eye Creams?

The secret to how to hydrate under eyes begins by ensuring hydrating creams have the proper components they require for their effectiveness. Essential elements include vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, tremella mushrooms, green tea, and aloe vera.

How Can Natural Oils and Serums Benefit Dry Under Eyes?

Natural oils and serums can help hydrate the skin under your eyes by giving it moisture. They are little helpers that make your skin feel smooth as well as soft. If the skin under your eyes gets dry, these oils and serums can soothe it and make it look healthier. So, they’re like a special treat for your under-eye skin!

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Caffeine-Based Eye Serums?

Pros:
-Caffeine improves blood microcirculation, providing nourishment to the skin, delivers potent antioxidants, defends against UV photoaging, and attracts water, which means it can help reduce dark circles.
-It also provides an immediate tightening and brightening effect.

Cons:
Caffeine can be irritating for some skin types.
-Usually, results are short-lived and do not really address underlying dehydration issues.

Are Quick Hydration Methods Available for Immediate Relief?

Yes, there are quick ways to hydrate your skin for immediate relief! Drinking enough water is one way, as it helps hydrate your body from the inside out. This can help your skin feel better fast when it’s dry.

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