This Totally Free Derm-Approved Hack Will Save Dry Undereyes

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If you haven’t scanned our derm directory yet, we’d like to introduce you to the gorgeous Dr. Shereene Idriss, an NYC board-certified dermatologist. Besides treating patients and managing her skincare line, Dr. Idriss regularly shares some of the best skincare hacks on her social pages. The most recent is a two-step routine for dry, flakey undereyes with a moisturizer and a secret sumn’ stashed in your kitchen cabinets – cling wrap.

Dr. Idriss’ Hack for Dry Undereyes

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A post shared by Dr. Shereene Idriss (@shereeneidriss)

So Dr. Idriss recently stitched a video with Mikayla Nogueira, one of our fave content creators, who had a skincare problem. “My under-eyes are drier than the f**king Sahara Desert, bro.” Samesies. Enter: Dr. Idriss’ two-step solution…

What you need: A glycerin-based moisturizer like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane, $38, and some cling wrap from your kitchen. Alternatively, you could use reusable eye patches like Dieux Forever Eye Mask, $25, or By Beauty Bay’s The Reusable Under-Eye Patches, $9, too.

How to do it: In the video, Dr. Idriss gently tap-tap-taps a thick layer of her FACE cream across her undereye area – no rubbing or massaging here. She then applies two pieces of plastic wrap on top of the area, letting the cream work its magic for about 10 to 15 minutes. The result? Hydrated and moisturized undereyes that feel “like a baby’s bottom.”

Why it works: *Puts on science hat* Ever heard about occlusion? In skincare, it’s a buzzy term used for products that SEAL moisture into your skin (like face oils), which are typically applied at the end of your routine. In this undereye hack, the plastic wrap acts like an occlusive layer that prevents all the goodness in your moisturizer from escaping, allowing your undereyes to receive a hefty dose of hydration. Et voila, a DIY undereye mask.

Pro tip: In the comments, Dr. Idriss suggests using a non-comedogenic cream if you’re prone to developing milia, AKA teeny tiny bumps that look like whiteheads. If you’re unsure if you’ve got them, use our deep dive on milia to confirm your suspicions. And just to be extra careful, check if your moisturizer is ophthalmologically tested, which means it’s suitable for use around the eye area, before testing this hack.

The bottom line: This clever hack saves money, saves time, and saves dry undereyes – what’s not to love? Dr. Idriss has officially come through… Again.

Did you try this? Let us know what you think in the comments below!