Can you use CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for dry eyelids?

What Eye Repair Cream offers

The US Eye Repair Cream contains three ceramides to support the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and niacinamide, which may help reduce water loss from skin. The formula is fragrance free, fast absorbing and not greasy. CeraVe also markets it for dark circles and puffiness, giving one small tube a fairly busy job description. For dryness, the useful part is its moisturizing function.1

How to apply it

1. 1Check your package for the current ingredients and application directions, especially if you bought it outside the US.
2. 2Apply small dots around the eye area.
3. 3Gently smooth the cream around the eye area until absorbed.
4. 4Use it once or twice daily, in the morning, evening or both. CeraVe allows use alone or under makeup.

Eye Repair Cream and Skin Renewing Vitamin C Eye Cream are different products, even if their names appear to have attended the same branding meeting. The Canadian Vitamin C Eye Cream has directions that explicitly include the eyelid; follow the directions for your own cream rather than borrowing those instructions.13

The US Eye Repair Cream is ophthalmologist tested and listed as suitable for sensitive skin, sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. If a product triggers an itchy or flaky reaction, stop using it rather than continuing because of its testing or acceptance seal.12

Are your eyelids dry, or are your eyes dry?

Itchy, flaky eyelids can come from blepharitis, which means inflammation along the eyelid edge, or from dry eye. Eyelids that stick together on waking also fit these problems. Contact dermatitis is another possibility: this is eczema triggered by contact with something irritating or allergenic, such as makeup. Removing the triggering substance usually lets that reaction clear. These symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves.2

Dry eye affects the tear film covering the eyeball, rather than simply the skin outside it. It happens when there are too few tears or tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include grittiness, burning, redness and intermittent blurred vision. Eyes can water excessively and still have dry eye. An eye cream moisturizes skin; artificial tears are used to relieve dryness on the eye surface.45

What helps if dryness comes with crusting or gritty eyes?

For dry eye symptoms, daily eyelid cleaning can help. Gently press a flannel soaked in warm, not hot, water around closed eyes, gently massage the eyelids, then wipe away accumulated oil and crusts with cotton wool soaked in warm water. Take screen breaks, and remove contact lenses to rest your eyes in glasses. A pharmacist can help you choose eye drops, gels or ointments. Do not stop prescribed medicine without medical advice, even if you suspect it contributes to dryness.6

When to get medical help

Contact a clinician promptly for eyelid flaking, discharge or a sore, or if eye symptoms do not improve with self care within a few days. Seek urgent help for a painful red eye, especially if you wear contact lenses. Sudden loss of vision, flashing or wavy vision, or pain when looking at light needs immediate assessment. Do not wait for an eye cream to resolve these symptoms.67