Management of Periorbital Dry Skin

Introduction to Periorbital Dry Skin

The periorbital area is particularly challenging to treat due to its thin skin, constant blinking motion, and proximity to the eye 2

Preservative-free artificial tear formulations containing methylcellulose or hyaluronate are recommended as first-line treatment for periorbital dry skin, with ceramide-containing moisturizers being particularly effective for improving skin hydration and barrier function, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1
When using moisturizers more than four times daily, preservative-free formulations are strongly recommended to avoid irritation, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 3

Humidifying ambient air and avoiding air drafts by using side shields on spectacles can help alleviate periorbital dry skin, as suggested by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 3
Lowering computer screens below eye level to decrease eyelid aperture and scheduling regular breaks can reduce symptoms, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 3

Concurrent blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction should be treated as these conditions can exacerbate periorbital dry skin, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 3
Eyelid abnormalities such as trichiasis, lagophthalmos, entropion, or ectropion should be corrected if present, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 3

For refractory cases, chemical peeling using TCA 3.75% and lactic acid 15% combination has shown excellent improvement in periorbital hyperpigmentation, as reported by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 4
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) has demonstrated promising outcomes for periorbital skin rejuvenation, improving wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin thickness, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 5
Cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.05% may be considered for moderate dry eye when artificial tears are insufficient, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1