While oily eyelids are not usually a medical
problem, they are understandably annoying.
When you look in the mirror, do you feel that
your eyelids have a unique glossy or oily appearance?
You are not alone.
Oily skin is almost everywhere, including the
eyelids. While this is usually not a cause for concern, oily eyelids can cause
cosmetic problems.
This article will explore some of the
potential causes and treatments for oily eyelids, and how to prevent them.
What are the possible causes of oily eyelids?
Here are some of the most common causes of
oily eyelids.
Powerful
cleanser
Sometimes, the soap you use to wash your face
can remove excess oil from your skin. This can actually be bad for you, as your
skin may over-secrete oil.
Most people can benefit from a gentle
detergent cleansing no more than twice a day. Skin doesn't have to
"squeak" clean – just wash it with soap and warm (not hot) water to
clean it.
Apply
topically
Sometimes, lotions and creams you apply to
your skin can cause your eyelids to be greasy. This is especially true if you
use oily products, thick lotions or softeners on your skin.
These topical products can make your eyelids
look shiny or may affect the product you apply to them, resulting in a smooth
and greasy surface.
Hormonal
fluctuations
Some people's skin is inherently oilier than
others.
For example, according to an article, men tend
to produce more oil than women. Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology.
This may be due to the production of more
hormone testosterone.
Environment
People living in humid climates are more likely to have oily skin. The skin also
tends to produce more oil in the spring and summer.
Meibomian
adenitis
The meibomian glands, which are responsible
for secreting oil on the surface of the eye, secrete too much oil, which can
cause some people to develop oily eyelids.
Doctors call this condition meibomitis or
posterior blepharitis. Other symptoms of the disease include:
- big
watery eyes
- itchy
eyelids
- eyelashes
fall out
- eyelids
with a scab appearance
Treatment
of meibomian adenitis
- If you have meibomian adenitis,
regular eyelid cleaning may help control symptoms. However, the doctor may
prescribe antibiotics.
Seborrheic
dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an itchy, irritating
skin disease that can occur on the eyelids and other parts of the face, scalp,
and groin.
These are oily areas of the body that can also
cause redness and scaly skin patches. You may have seborrheic dermatitis on
your eyelids only, or you may find that this condition is also found in other
parts of your body.
Treatment
of seborrheic dermatitis
- You
can treat seborrheic dermatitis by washing the eyelids daily with a mild
soap such as baby shampoo, rinsing them with warm water, and then gently
patting the eyelids dry.
- Applying
a warm compress to your eyes may also help reduce scaling and oily
appearance.
How can you get rid of oily eyelids?
The treatment of oily eyelid depends on its
underlying cause.
You should not treat the eyelids locally
without first consulting a doctor. The eyelid is a particularly fragile area
that may not respond well to certain topical applications.
If doctors suspect that the fungus is causing
dermatitis, they may prescribe an antifungal gel or pill. Topical steroids may
also help, but they are often used with caution because they can thin the skin.
Other treatments that address the cause of
potential oily eyelids include:
- switch
to mild soap
- clean
once a night and splash with warm water in the morning
- use
soap specially made for the face
- avoid
using oily products on the eyelids
Removing
too much grease can cause the eyelids to dry out
- Oil helps keep skin soft and
smooth. Removing too much oil can cause the eyelids to dry out and peel
off. When treating oily eyelids, it is important to find the right medium.
How to prevent oily eyelids?
The eyelids may be a very sensitive area. Even
if your skin is oily, treat them gently.
Here are some ways you can prevent oily
eyelids:
- Use
a mild cleanser (such as baby shampoo) on the eyelids daily.
- Apply
a non-greasy moisturizer to the eye and eyelid area. Look for
non-comedogenic or oil-free ones.
- Apply
loose powder or powder to the eyelids to reduce grease throughout the day.
- If
you have eye makeup, use an eyeshadow base. These primers are designed to
reduce grease and serve as a base for eyeshadow, making it longer lasting
and looks more vibrant, which can be difficult if your eyelids are greasy.
- Use
blotting paper on the eyes to absorb excess oil throughout the day.
- Avoid
touching the eyelids (and face) throughout the day. You can transfer the
oil from your hands to your face.
- Avoid
harsh cleansers, such as those containing alcohol, as they can dry out the
skin and cause excessive oil production.
If your oily eyelid persists, even with these
prevention tips, discuss other possible interventions with your dermatologist.
Summary
While oily eyelids are not usually a medical
problem, they are understandably annoying.
Fortunately, there are multiple treatments to
choose from, many of which are less expensive and require some simple changes
to your daily skincare routine.
It is important to strike the right balance
between effective cleaning to remove oil and prevent excessive oil production. If
you're not sure if you've taken the right approach, consult your dermatologist.