Dry under eyes are common because the skin there is some of the thinnest on the body, and it moves with every blink. Cleveland Clinic says thin skin, movement and sun exposure make the area stretch with age. Sunscreen, enough sleep, not smoking and gentle products are the habits it points to.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article summarizes guidance from Cleveland Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology. It describes what those groups publish and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Why is the skin around the eyes so delicate?
Cleveland Clinic describes the skin around the eyelids as some of the thinnest skin in the entire body, and says it is constantly moving. It is also exposed to the sun because it sits on the face.
The clinic says that mix of thin skin, constant blinking and sun is why the area stretches with time, gravity and age.
What makes dry under eyes look tired?
Cleveland Clinic’s page on dark circles explains that, with age, the skin below the eyes begins to loosen and thin out. Blood vessels under the skin may then show more, which can darken the look of the area.
The same page lists other causes of dark circles: genetics, dermatitis, rubbing the eyes, poor sleep, dehydration, stress, alcohol and smoking. Not all dark circles come from dryness, but the habits overlap with those that affect dry under eyes. Our page on red and dark under eyes covers color changes in more detail.
Which habits protect the skin under your eyes?
Cleveland Clinic gives these protective habits:
- Sunscreen. It says not to forget sunscreen on your face, especially around your eyes. The AAD adds that sticks are good to use around the eyes, and that the product should block both UVA and UVB rays, resist water and be rated SPF 30 or more.
- Sleep. Aim for at least seven hours a night, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- No smoking. It says smoking speeds up skin aging. Its eye bags page adds that smoking causes collagen loss and thinner skin under the eyes.
- Less alcohol and less stress. Both are on its dark circle list.
- Gentle products. Its eye bags page advises removing mascara, eyeshadow or creams that contain fragrance or dyes if they irritate, because they can trigger allergic reactions.
The AAD also wants sunscreen put on again roughly every two hours while you are outside.
How do you keep the area from drying out?
The AAD’s dry skin tips apply to all skin: use a gentle cleanser, keep baths and showers to five to ten minutes in warm water, apply moisturizer several times a day and use a humidifier. Cleveland Clinic’s tips for the face add that moisturizer works best within five minutes after washing, and that rubbing or scrubbing and hot water should be avoided.
These pages do not give instructions for the under-eye area specifically. If a product stings near your eyes, stop using it. For eyelid skin, see our guide on a dry eyelids home remedy.
When should you see a doctor about dry under eyes?
- Swelling or a dark circle under only one eye. Cleveland Clinic says to call a provider, since it can point to an underlying condition.
- Puffiness that stays beyond one to two days. Cleveland Clinic’s eye bags page says an eye care professional should see it.
- Itchy, red, scaly skin. This can be eyelid dermatitis, and Cleveland Clinic says to see a provider for it.
- Dryness that does not improve with gentle care. The AAD says persistent dry skin may signal a condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease.
For a wider look at the topic, read our page on dry skin under the eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my under eyes so dry?
Cleveland Clinic says the skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest on the body and is always moving. Sun, aging, dry air or irritating products can add to this, leaving the area dry and stretched. If nothing improves, a provider can look for causes such as eczema.
Does sunscreen help under the eyes?
Cleveland Clinic advises putting sunscreen on your face, especially around your eyes. The AAD notes that stick formulas suit the eye area. It recommends SPF 30 or more that covers UVA and UVB and resists water, and says to put it on again about every two hours outdoors.
Can lack of sleep make the area look worse?
Cleveland Clinic lists poor sleep among the causes of dark circles and advises at least seven hours a night. It does not say sleep fixes dryness, but sleep is one of the habits it recommends for the skin under the eyes.
Is smoking linked to thinner skin under the eyes?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic says smoking causes collagen loss, which can make the skin around the eyes thinner. It also says smoking speeds up the aging process your skin goes through, and its eye bags page lists quitting among the habits that protect the area. Ask your doctor for help if you want to stop.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, How To Fix Droopy Eyelids, Circles and Sags, published 1 March 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, Dark Circles Under the Eyes, updated 25 May 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, How To Get Rid of Eye Bags, published 1 May 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Sunscreen FAQs, updated 11 February 2025.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic, Tips for Getting Rid of Dry Skin on Your Face, reviewed 15 May 2024.
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.