No matter how much I moisturize my face in the winter, there’s always one stubborn spot that refuses to cooperate: the dry skin around my nose. Sure, a little flaking and peeling are par for the course when it’s freezing outside, but this particular area has a way of staying extra rough, cracked, and tricky to soothe.
That’s because the skin in those creases is thinner than the rest of your face, which means it’s already super vulnerable to losing moisture compared to, say, your chin or forehead, Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota, tells SELF. Add dry air, harsh winds, and a few other possible triggers into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a seriously irritated nose.
The good news, though, is you’re not doomed to put up with itchy, crusty bits forever. In some cases, the right beauty swaps and lifestyle tweaks can make all the difference in finally seeing some improvement. But first, it’s helpful to know what, exactly, is triggering these flare-ups. Below, dermatologists break down the most common causes of dry skin around your nose—plus a few strategies to soothe it, stat.
Why do the corners of my nose get so flaky?
1. Dry weather
When the air gets drier, it’s normal for your skin to follow suit and lose moisture too, Yolanda Lenzy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Springfield, Massachusetts, tells SELF. Maybe your nose gets parched in the dead of freezing, windy winter or in the thick of summer’s arid heat—or you deal all year round thanks to a desert-like climate. Either way, you can’t exactly call up Mother Nature or move to a more humid country just to appease your nostrils. But once you’re aware when you’re vulnerable, you can at least double down on hydration when you need it most. More on that later.
2. Certain seasonal habits
Beyond just weather and low humidity, some of your seasonal habits might be to blame—namely, rubbing or blowing your runny, snotty nose during allergy season or when you’re battling a cold or the flu.
According to Dr. Liu, the constant friction of tissues (or your hands) against the sensitive skin around your nostrils can weaken its protective moisture barrier—the very thing that keeps your skin soft, hydrated, and shielded from irritants like harmful bacteria, chemicals, and allergens. So it makes sense that this area may become raw, tight, and slightly inflamed the more you aggressively wipe.
3. Going overboard with your skin care routine
Speaking of a damaged barrier, too much TLC can also make it harder for your skin to hold onto hydration. Most commonly, this can happen when you go ham on the strong actives, like retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Don’t get us wrong: They’re amazing at targeting specific skin concerns like acne, fine lines, and dark spots. But overusing them can strip away your skin’s natural moisturizing oils, Dr. Lenzy explains. So for parts of your face that are already parched, both derms suggest skipping retinol, acne-fighters, and exfoliants.
