Dry eyelids in winter

In the winter time many people complain about dry skin, not only in the area of the face and eyelids, but also other parts of the body (e.g. the arms or lower legs) can be affected. The reason for this is the “skin-unfriendly” weather conditions in winter: the lower humidity generally dries out the skin faster, but much more serious is the constant change between the cold, sometimes icy air outside and the dry, warm heating air inside. The cold causes the superficial blood vessels of the skin to constrict, i.e. contract, so that less blood can flow through them.

This also means that the skin is supplied with less blood, which actually transports all the important nutrients for healthy skin. The dry heating air in alternation ensures that the protective film of the skin is attacked, less sebum is produced in the sebaceous glands and the protective layer cannot be optimally re-formed. In addition, wind and rain wear away the protective oily film so that moisture can be lost more easily via the surface. Especially the skin on the face and eyelids is usually not protected from the weather in winter and is therefore most severely affected.

Dry eyelids during pregnancy

Dry skin or areas of skin – including the eyelids – are not uncommon during pregnancy, although one could almost assume the opposite, since it is known that pregnant women often store a lot of water in their body and skin. The problem, however, is that the stored water in the skin accumulates almost exclusively in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, which makes the skin appear firmer, but there is a lack of moisture in the outer layers of the skin so that it can be dry at the same time. In addition, the hormonal changes during pregnancy generally also lead to changes in the skin, so that these circumstances alone can lead to dry, chapped, cracked skin – on the face, impure skin, dry eyelids and increased acne can also occur.