This Is Why You Get Dry Skin Around Your Nose

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.