While dermatologists caution us against DIYing beauty, there are some methods and techniques that they also endorse. Such is the case with this under-eye hack. Dr. Shereene Idriss, our go-to dermat on Instagram, has finally responded to our ever-growing concerns about dry and itchy under-eyes during winter. Not only is the dreamt-up hack economical, but it also takes no longer than 30 seconds to execute. The end result? You’ve got to see it for yourself.
This Dry Under-Eye Hack Will Cost You Nothing
Dr. Shereene layers a glycerine-based moisturiser onto the under-eye area — you can do this after you’ve moisturised your face normally. Just dab some more product onto the area before locking it all under a thin piece of cling film (alias Saran wrap). Repeat this one on the other side, and you’re done. Let the DIY sit on the face for about 15 minutes before removing it.
Dr. Idriss recommends a glycerin-based moisturiser because of the nature of the ingredient. Just like Hyaluronic Acid, it’s a humectant; which means that it doesn’t just hydrate the skin, it draws moisture from the air to infuse with your skin. It excels at reinstating your skin’s softness and suppleness. You can use Hyaluronic Acid in place of glycerine as well.
But what role does the wrap play in the equation? Why layer it on at all? The wrap seals in all that moisture like a mask — preventing it from evaporating from the surface overnight. Remember that even though glycerin is a humectant, it cannot trap moisture (only attract it). You can use an eye cream if you have one, but the expert says it’s not necessary to.
This is a quick, no-cost alternative to eye patches because it does the same thing: re-moisturising and hydrating the area to eliminate dryness and itchiness. Someone even suggested repurposing your old silicone eye patches into a mask to contain all the moisture since it’s a more environmentally-friendly option than using cling film. You can even buy reusable ones. The idea is to clean and layer them on top of the under-eye area just like you do with the cling-film patch.
Dr. Shereene did advice those with milia to approach the hack with caution — and to invest in a non-comedogenic moisturiser, in any case, to prevent triggering the condition. Milia is characterised by the appearance of dome-shaped cysts trapped underneath the skin. While they’re mostly painless and asymptomatic, the condition does have trigger points. Even those with acne-prone skin must go easy on this hack.
This hack isn’t just intended for the under-eyes. You can use it on any part of the face that’s dry — the corners of your lids, the sides of your nose, and so on.
These products do a neat job!
I know I’m adding another step to my routine today onward. What about you?
Featured Image: Instagram