That flaky, tight feeling around your nose? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s winter weather, harsh cleansers, or a lingering cold, dry skin around the nose can be stubborn and surprisingly uncomfortable. The good news? With a few simple tweaks (and an understanding of what’s really causing it), you can get your skin back to soft, smooth, and happy in no time.
Why Does Dryness Around the Nose Happen?
- Over-cleansing or irritating products: Cleansers with sulphates or abrasive foaming agents take natural oils away from skin, making it dry.
- Weather changes: Low humidity and cold weather dry out moisture on the surface of your skin.
- Frequent nose blowing: Cold and seasonal allergies may dry out and inflame the skin near your nostrils.
- Existing skin conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis often target this sensitive spot.
- Retinoids or acne drugs: Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinol cause peeling and drying.
The American Academy of Dermatology reported that dermatologists affirm that the area around the nose contains fewer oil glands than the rest of the face and hence becomes more susceptible to dryness and irritation, particularly when subjected to environmental or chemical stress.
Also Read: Do You Feel Itchy After A Bath? Here's What Might Be The Reason
How To Heal Dry Skin Around Your Nose?
Step 1: Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
If your facial wash leaves your skin squeaky-clean, that's a red flag. Harsh cleansers devastate your skin's barrier by removing its natural oils. Instead, use:
- Cream or lotion-based cleansers for dry skin
- Sulphate-free cleansers that contain moisturising ingredients, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid
According to the Journal of Dermatological Science, gentle cleansers preserve your skin's pH and limit barrier disruption, thus preventing more dryness.
Step 2: Layer on Moisture
When your skin's barrier is broken, it requires both water (hydration) and a seal (occlusion to keep it sealed in). Here's the correct way to do it:
- Apply a humectant like hyaluronic acid or glycerin serum to wet skin.
- Then use an emollient moisturiser that has ceramides, squalane, or shea butter.
- If the area is particularly flaky, finish off with a thin film of occlusiveness (such as petrolatum or a healing cream) to keep moisture in.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology established that ceramide-containing creams significantly improve hydration and restore the barrier in a few days.
Step 3: Skip the Scrub (and Go Gentle With Exfoliation)
It's tempting to simply scrub flakes away, but rough exfoliation aggravates. Instead:
- Gently exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant, such as lactic acid no more than a week.
- Avoid harsh physical scrubs since they cause microtears and increase sensitivity.
Dermatologists recommend 'less is more' when there is already a compromised skin barrier. Fix first, then exfoliate.
Also Read: How To Use Right Face Wash For Your Skin Type? Expert Shares Exclusive Insights
Step 4: Soothe and Heal
If your nose area feels raw or red, add calming ingredients like:
- Aloe vera
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Niacinamide
Studies highlight niacinamide’s ability to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness, according to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Step 5: Don’t Forget SPF
Even if your skin is dry, UV radiation can worsen it. Sun damage destroys the barrier function of the skin, making transepidermal water loss greater. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
When to See a Dermatologist
If dryness near your nose is chronic, sore, or accompanied by redness and scaling, then seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or even rosacea may be the cause. These require prescription creams or medicated therapy.
Bottomline
Dry skin around your nose isn’t just a winter woe, it’s your skin’s way of saying it needs a little extra TLC. A gentle cleanser, a moisture-locking routine, and some soothing ingredients can work wonders in a matter of days. And remember: repair first, exfoliate later, and always keep SPF in your corner.