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- This Is Why You Get Dry Skin Around Your Nose
Dry skin doesn’t stick to just one area of your body. It can arise in patches and pop up in very specific areas — like around your nose. As random as it may seem, there are several reasons why the skin around your nose becomes comparatively drier than the other areas of your face, especially during the winter. To get to the bottom of what causes dry skin around the nose, we tapped board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand to learn more.
What Causes Dry Skin Around the Nose?
Cause #1: Environmental Factors
When temperatures drop, it can cause the area around your nose to dry up, even if the rest of your skin remains supple. “The outside skin of the nose can be dry and peeling even though the rest of skin is hydrated due to exposure to the environment,” Dr. Houshmand explains.
Another big factor? Sun exposure. If your nose is exposed to harmful UVA or UVB rays, it can cause skin to burn and, consequently, flake and peel. A sunburn on your nose may also lead to more concerning factors than just dry skin. “Actinic photodamage can cause damage to your skin cells over time,” says Dr. Houshmand, “and can present as dry, flaking spots on the nose that won’t go away.” These spots run the risk of becoming precancerous. Should you see any irregular patches on your skin, whether on your nose or on any other part of your body, consult a medical professional.
Cause #2: Allergies or Colds
Allergies and colds can strike any time of the year, and they often lead to a lot of nose blowing. If this happens frequently enough, it could irritate the skin around your nose. “Constant tissue use and nose blowing can irritate the skin on the nose and may cause peeling of the sensitive skin,” Dr. Houshmand says.
Cause #3: Underlying Medical Conditions
The reason the skin around your nose may be drying out can be deeper than just a cold or the weather. Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis — both forms of skin inflammation — are skin conditions that are associated with dried-out skin. Another potential reason is eczema, a condition that commonly causes patches of dry skin to form in the same area.
How to Prevent Dry Skin Around the Nose
TIP #1: Wear Protective Clothing
If you’re in extremely cold temperatures or exposed to the sun, be sure to wear clothing that can protect the skin around your nose. Dr. Houshmand suggests a scarf for colder outdoor temperatures, complemented with a humidifier for indoors. For warmer climates, treat yourself to a sun hat or visor to make sure your nose (as well as the rest of your face) is protected.
TIP #2: Moisturize
Proper hydration reigns supreme in any anti-dryness routine, so it’s crucial to incorporate moisturization into your daily skin-care routine. We like to layer a serum under a cream moisturizer and follow up with a face oil to lock in the hydration. Try the Garnier SkinActive 24H Moisture Cream with Rose Water for morning and the Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream at night.

TIP #3: Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen application is required year-round. Just because the sun may not be as present or as strong in the winter, doesn’t mean its harmful rays aren’t able to negatively affect your skin. Make sure you’re applying broad-spectrum sunscreen every day — rain or shine, cold or hot. To check two boxes at once, try a moisturizer formulated with SPF. One of our favorites is the CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30.
How to Get Rid of Dry Skin Around the Nose
STEP 1: Exfoliate
Those dry flakes you’re seeing on your skin are actually dead skin cells. Aside from being challenging for makeup application, the build-up of these dead cells on the skin’s surface can clog your pores and prompt a breakout. To help get rid of them and avoid the risk of blemishes forming, exfoliating the skin regularly is key. We like the Tula So Poreless Deep Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub.

STEP 2: Look for Helpful Ingredients
There are plenty of products formulated with ingredients that can specifically address dry skin around your nose. Ceramides, for example, help protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier, and hyaluronic acid can add to the skin’s moisture by holding 1,000 times its weight in water. One of our favorite formulas that contains hyaluronic acid is the YSL Beauty Pure Shots Lines Away Serum.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn
Read More:
The Best Cleanses for Oily Skin, Hands Down
What Causes Ashen Skin? — Plus, How to Get Rid of It
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About the Skincare.com by L'Oréal Author
Claudia's mom taught her to not only love the skin she's in, but to remember to constantly take care of it. This important life lesson helps her to justify the amount she spends on face masks and peels, as well as any other skin care products that enhance softness and glow.



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