A dry eyelids home remedy is mostly gentle care: a soft cleanser, a bland moisturizer, and a break from anything that stings. Cleveland Clinic lists these steps for scaly, itchy or flaky eyelids. If the skin does not settle, or other symptoms show up, it says to see a provider.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article gathers guidance from Cleveland Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology. It reports what those sources say and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Are dry eyelids the same as dry eyes?
No. Cleveland Clinic explains that dry skin on the eyelids can make them scaly, itchy or flaky. A lack of tears can lead to dry eyes, but it does not affect the outer side of the eyelids. If your problem is gritty, burning eyes, our dry eyes pages are a better fit.
What causes dry eyelids?
Cleveland Clinic names two groups of causes.
Everyday and environmental causes:
- Weather extremes such as cold, heat, wind and sun
- Low humidity, indoors or outdoors
- Smoke and chlorine
- Aging and a natural drop in collagen
- Skin care products
- Allergens such as pollen, dust, metals and cosmetics
Medical causes: eyelid dermatitis (contact eczema), atopic dermatitis, psoriasis on the eyelids and anterior blepharitis.
What is a safe dry eyelids home remedy?
Cleveland Clinic’s home care list for dry eyelids is short and plain:
- Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser made for sensitive skin.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air if your climate is dry.
- Limit time in strong sun, wind and temperature swings.
- Pause makeup and skin care products for a while, so you can see if one of them is the problem.
- Apply a lightweight moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Cleveland Clinic also notes that the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends petroleum jelly for dry eyelids. Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to use it near the eyes.
For more everyday tips, see our guide on struggling with dry eyelids.
What should you avoid on dry eyelids?
- Hot water. Cleveland Clinic lists it as a thing to avoid when cleansing.
- Cosmetics while the skin recovers.
- Too much sun, wind or cold.
- Fragranced or irritating products. Cleveland Clinic’s eyelid dermatitis page lists cosmetics, soaps, detergents, fragrances and even some moisturizers and eye drops as possible triggers.
The AAD’s general dry skin advice also points to warm, not hot, water and a gentle cleanser. It suggests limiting baths and showers to five to ten minutes. These tips are written for dry skin on the whole body, so apply them to your face with care.
When is a home remedy not enough?
Cleveland Clinic says to talk to a healthcare provider if self-care does not work or if other symptoms appear along with dry eyelids. A dry eyelids home remedy only suits plain dryness, and some conditions can look like it:
- Eyelid dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic lists red rash, stinging, burning, swelling, pain, itching and blistering. For this condition, it advises seeing a provider instead of trying home treatments. Read our page on eczema on the eyelids.
- Psoriasis on the eyelids. Cleveland Clinic says it can bring scales that cover the eyelashes, and it can affect the eyebrow area.
When is a doctor visit needed for dry eyelids?
See a doctor if:
- Dryness does not improve with gentle care.
- The eyelids swell, hurt or burn.
- You notice pus oozing from sore spots. This item comes from Cleveland Clinic’s psoriasis page.
- Symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, get worse or affect your sight, which is also from its psoriasis page.
- Swelling stops you from seeing. Cleveland Clinic’s eyelid dermatitis page says to seek emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use petroleum jelly on my eyelids?
Cleveland Clinic says the AAD recommends petroleum jelly for dry eyelids. Because it is close to your eyes, ask a pharmacist or doctor how to apply it. Stop and call a provider if the skin burns, swells or gets worse after you use it.
Should I stop wearing makeup while I treat dry eyelids?
Pausing it is sensible. Cleveland Clinic suggests pausing makeup and skin care products for a while. It also says to avoid cosmetics during recovery. Cleveland Clinic lists cosmetics and skin care products among causes of dry eyelids, so pausing helps you see whether a product is behind the dryness. If the eyelids stay dry after you pause, see a provider.
Can dry eyelids be a sign of eczema or psoriasis?
Yes, they can. Cleveland Clinic lists atopic dermatitis, eyelid dermatitis and psoriasis among medical causes of dry eyelids. Only a provider can tell which one it is, so book a visit if the skin keeps flaking or itching despite gentle care, or if other symptoms appear alongside the dryness.
Do humidifiers help dry eyelids?
Cleveland Clinic suggests a humidifier for people in dry climates. Low humidity is on its list of causes of dry eyelids. The AAD also lists a humidifier among its tips for dry skin. A humidifier will not help if the cause is something else, such as a reaction to a product, so see a provider if dryness continues.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, Dry Eyelids: Possible Causes, Care and Treatments, updated 13 February 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic, Eyelid Dermatitis, updated 25 October 2021.
- Cleveland Clinic, Psoriasis on the Eyelids, updated 25 May 2023.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.