Dry Eye & Menopause Skincare: Top Products for Eyes, Wrinkles, & Dryness

Dry Eye & Menopause Skincare: Top Products for Eyes, Wrinkles, & Dryness

As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can impact nearly every part of the body, including their eyes. But we, at Peeq Pro, have noticed a dearth of information for women in this period of life.

While these changes may be subtle at first, they can significantly affect comfort, appearance, and vision over time. Fortunately, there are targeted solutions to help address the most common eye-related issues during this life stage.

Here’s a guide to the best products for five key concerns: wrinkles, sun exposure, overnight eye discomfort, red eyes, and dry eyes.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles Around the Eyes

Try: Peptide Eye Creams

Hormonal shifts can lead to decreased collagen production and skin elasticity, especially around the delicate eye area. To combat crow’s feet, smile wrinkles, and fine lines, look for eye creams that contain peptides. These are short chains of amino acids that support skin firmness and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Why peptides? They stimulate collagen and elastin production, and are gentle enough for the sensitive periorbital skin.

Look for:

  • Peptide-rich formulas
  • Added hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid
  • Fragrance-free options to avoid irritation

Protection from Sun Exposure

Try: Broad-Spectrum Eye-Safe Sunscreens

The skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, which accelerates aging and can lead to hyperpigmentation and more pronounced lines. It's essential to use a sun cream that’s safe for the eye area, ideally one that’s mineral-based to reduce irritation.

We searched high and low for one that did not irritate the eyes when sweating. Our Peeq Pro Suncream blends an SPF 35 with an excellent smell and feel. It is way better than a traditional sunscreen.

What to look for:

  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
  • Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
  • Ophthalmologist-tested and safe for use around the eyes

Overnight Eye Discomfort

Try: Optase Hylo Night or Refresh PM

Many women experience dryness or grittiness overnight, which can disrupt sleep and cause irritation upon waking. Others may develop a thick gunky discharge - often sealing the eyes closed overnight.

Thick nighttime eye ointments can help protect the eye’s surface and retain moisture.

Top Recommendations:

  • Optase Hylo Night: Preservative-free and suitable for long-lasting relief
  • Refresh PM: A petrolatum-based ointment that coats and shields the eyes overnight

Tip: Use these after cleansing and just before bed for maximum overnight comfort.

Red, Irritated Eyes

Try: Lumify and Preservative-Free Lumify

Eye redness becomes more common due to dryness, irritation, or allergic responses. Lumify is a standout OTC eye drop that reduces redness without causing rebound irritation. We love that it is quick to act, lasts for 8 hours, and is able to be used indefinitely without allowing gradual redness to return.

It is DEFINITELY worth the extra money to use Lumify instead of Visine or other redness relievers. And, Bausch + Lomb recently released a new preservative free version.

Options to consider:

Note: These drops are for cosmetic redness, not underlying infections or inflammation

Puffy, Red Eyes In the Morning

Try: Gentle Massage and a Cooling Mask

In general, we wear cooling and heating masks in the evening because they are part of our bedtime routine. But, if you are noticing puffy or red eyes in the morning when you first wake up, there are a number of potential causes from demodex to allergens to sodium intake.

Try sitting up and moving around a little to get the blood moving, and then do a lymphatic facial massage with your fingers, an ice roller, or another similar method. After the massage, try a quick cooling mask from the freezer to help reduce inflamation (for about 5 minutes). You will notice a major difference.

Options to consider:

  • Cooling Mask: These are inexpensive delights that can help relieve redness and puffiness - particularly in the morning (or after tears).
  • Ice Roller: We prefer a broader headed ice roller, but small head jade rollers can work well also.

Tip: Use the massage, ice roller, and cooling mask as part of a quick five minute routine - while drinking your morning cup of coffee or tea.

Chronic Dry Eye

Try: Optase Dry Eye Intense or Systane Complete PF

Dry eye syndrome becomes increasingly prevalent with age and hormonal changes. Symptoms include burning, stinging, fluctuating vision, and a gritty feeling. Combat this with high-quality, preservative-free artificial tears designed for long-lasting hydration and protection.

Our Favorites:

Use Tip: Apply 2–4 times daily or as directed, and pair with a humidifier for extra relief.

Final Thoughts

Your eyes deserve just as much attention as any other part of your body during perimenopause and menopause. With the right care and the right products, you can maintain comfort, clarity, and confidence every day.

Always consult your eye care provider before starting a new treatment—especially if you have underlying eye conditions or are taking medications that may affect tear production or eye surface health.

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