Eye and Skin Health: Simple, Practical Advice You Can Use Today
Dry, red eyes or flaky skin? Small daily habits make a big difference. Below are clear, doable steps to keep your eyes comfortable and your skin looking and feeling healthy—no fads, no long lists of products.
Simple daily routines for healthier eyes and skin
Start with gentle cleansing. For skin, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser once or twice a day and pat dry. Avoid hot showers that strip oils; warm water works fine. Follow with a basic moisturizer—look for ceramides or glycerin if your skin is dry.
For eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces digital eye strain. Use preservative-free artificial tears if your eyes feel gritty or dry. Don’t rub your eyes; rubbing spreads irritants and can worsen redness.
Sunscreen matters. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin daily, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Reapply sunscreen after sweating or swimming.
Watch what you eat and drink. Hydration helps both skin and eyes—aim for plain water throughout the day. Include foods rich in omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), vitamin C (oranges, bell peppers), and zinc (pumpkin seeds) to support skin repair and tear quality. If you take supplements, pick reputable brands and ask a pharmacist if doses are right for you.
Easy fixes and safe product tips
If you have puffy eyes, a cool compress for 10 minutes can help. For mild redness without pain, preservative-free lubricating drops are a safe first step. Allergies often respond to over-the-counter antihistamine drops—if you’re unsure, check with a pharmacist first.
When trying a new skin product, do a 48-hour patch test on your inner forearm to spot allergic reactions. Start active ingredients slowly: introduce retinoids or acids once or twice a week, then increase as tolerated. Avoid mixing strong actives (like retinoids and strong acids) at the same time—this causes irritation more than benefit.
Contact lens wearers: clean and replace lenses as directed, never sleep in lenses unless prescribed, and store them in fresh solution. If redness, pain, or blurred vision appears, remove lenses immediately and see an eye professional.
If you need supplements, skin products, or have questions about eye drops, Shiner Family Pharmacy can help pick safe options and check for interactions with your meds. A quick chat with a pharmacist saves time and reduces risks.
Small habits add up. Gentle care, sun protection, good hydration, and sensible product choices keep eyes clear and skin steady. If something feels wrong, get checked—early fixes are easier than late ones.
