Skin on the outer corners of eyes
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free skin care · Mon Dec 27, 2010 12:13 pm

Does anyone have any solutions for skin just under the outer corner of the eyes which has become red/purple? I've been a bit concerned but thought that applying eye cream would be enough to protect it from what I imagine is the saltiness of tears that dries/irritates. I think I've gotten used to a slightly itchy feeling there. I wear contacts so maybe I tear more often than most, or its happening while I sleep. It angles down following the line of the (upper) lashline about a centimetre!

I've been putting vit c under my eyes, and am starting to use my .025 tretinoin cream near there as well, but this area almost seems too delicate/dry for either due to the lack of fatty tissue underneath it. So I haven't tried treating it, but will if its recommended.

There are deep lines that gather there when I smile plus I'm seeing my mom's hoods which sagged as low as there as she aged! I guess that means that its time for c/retins on hoods as well... plus taking a look at the Lulu excercise/download I got a couple of years ago.. high maintenance here I come!

free skin care · Tue Dec 28, 2010 6:18 am

Lori - not sure what you can do to heal the bumps (maybe try cocoa butter, i find that always helps me with rough skin patches), but to prevent it in future you could try applying vaseline on that area. This would keep out the tears that cause it. You can also apply a rich cream directly underneath it this will help moisturise it over night too.

I know a lot of people dnt like vaseline on skin, but it really works for me and derms often recommend it so what the heck!

Lastly try massaging the area (while its well moisturised) to build up the thickness

free skin care · Tue Dec 28, 2010 2:49 pm

Hi mowgli, thanks for your recommendations. Actually, there are no bumps - just minimal damage/discoloration, but since its fairly pristine eye-skin I'm concerned. I've been applying eye oil, but I'll try massaging in cocoa butter & see if vaseline helps form a barrier. I notice that when I sleep or wake up its exactly where my tears collect.

I've also decided to apply tretinoin & vit c there and to my hoods, and so far there's been no sensitivity!

free skin care · Sat Jan 01, 2011 12:57 pm

I'm sorry to bring this up again but I'm convinced that many other people have this issue and like me, aren't even aware. I was horrified to discover that I'VE been the one damaging the areas by rubbing them raw whenever I cried or teared! Now, because I have 2 lines above them from my eye hoods, it just looks like another line, while its not (unless I smile, anyway) - its just darkened/damaged skin which has never had a chance to heal.

Let this be a lesson - never rub near your eye - always dab!

I've been applying tretinoin, vit c, aloe & cocoa butter but I'm wondering if vaseline is enough to protect it & repel the salty tears, since it will invariably get washed/dabbed away. Tears ALWAYS collect there, i.e. every time I dab, I look a minute later & its shiny again so I habitually dab with the back of my hand (at least I don't poke using my fingers!). And sometimes I have to dab, especially outside in the wind, or tears will run down my cheek.

Do you think there's anything else that might stay put & do its job protecting the area so that it gets a chance to heal?

free skin care · Sun Jan 02, 2011 5:21 am

I went through a period like this many years ago during a divorce(lots of crying)I found that rubbing a little Desitin ointment (for diaper rash) healed that up. I would put it on at night,and in the morning. Even now if I am overly aggressive with RetinA or exfoliation in a sensitive area that is my first go to product, and it works for me every time. I do still use it morning and night if I have a raw skin issue. Just use a very small amt and rub it in well.

free skin care · Sun Jan 02, 2011 7:53 am

Aquaphor or the diaper rash cream are your best bet for healing area.

free skin care · Sun Jan 02, 2011 9:47 am

I have noticed this problem too, just recently! it sounds the exact same as yours Lori..my left eye is worse than my right. My eyes are inclined to tear if its windy and I am pretty sure that's what caused mine. I always try to be gently when wiping at my eyes. I have been applying an Elizabeth Grant serum, only really started on that about 6 weeks, no great improvement as yet.

Mine seems ok when I dab some concealer on it, but when I have no make up on its more noticable. I have tried alot of eye creams, haven't found anything 'wow' yet.

just edited to add that I am going to try some copper peptides around this area soon, I have seen some amazing results but it can be tricky!!

free skin care · Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:14 am

Thanks everyone! I'll run right out and get the aquaphor (which I've seen mentioned so many times here) and Desitin. I think the local pharmacy's having a laugh about me since the only things I ever ask about are things "for my face" which I've seen mentioned "on a makeup board".

I see a lot of people with these marks by their eyes now. And looking back I know I got into the habit of compulsively wiping years ago when I noticed makeup collecting there, something which is no longer a problem, so unnecessary.

Good luck Bermie! I haven't tried cp's (anywhere) yet - I hope it works for you. Please let us know!

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