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Dry skin can be annoying. No matter how much you moisturize, exposure to the elements can wreak havoc on your skin, and, if you’re not sure what’s causing it, dry skin can be hard to treat.
Dry skin on the nose is a common skin complaint, especially during the winter, but what causes it? And, more importantly, how can you treat it and keep it from happening again?
Most of us have dealt with dry skin at least once, including around our noses. While it can be annoying and difficult to deal with, the causes of dry skin on your nose are pretty simple:
reasons for dry skin on nose
- Weather. Cold air, harsh weather, and dry air are all a recipe for dry skin especially if you’re not protecting your skin from the elements.
- Hot water. While it’s tempting to indulge in a long, hot shower during cold winter months, hot showers can actually make dry skin worse.
- Excessive dehydration. The average person won’t see much of a difference in their skin by increasing water intake. However, a 2018 review of studies
suggests that if you weren’t a big water drinker before you increase your intake, you may see an improvement in skin dryness. Most dermatologists recommend treating dry skin from the outside in.- Skin type. Different skin types are more likely to deal with dry skin around the nose, especially those with already dry skin. However, it is possible to have both dry skin and oily skin at the same time, and other skin issues like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can contribute to dry skin around the nose.
- Age. As we age, our skin grows thinner and tends to lose moisture, both of which can cause dry skin.
- Skin care products. Over-washing your skin and using harsh skin care products can both contribute to skin dryness. Make sure you’re using the right products to treat dry skin instead of making it worse.
The best way to get rid of dry skin around your nose is to apply ointments or creams immediately after washing while your skin is still damp. These products act as a barrier that traps existing moisture into your dry skin, which can help get rid of dry skin sooner.
Instead of using lotion, try using ointments or creams since they’re often better for treating dry skin. You can also try switching to a moisturizer specifically for dry skin, and look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea.
While it might be tempting to scrub off dry skin, exfoliating too much can damage skin further. Make sure you use the right exfoliant for your skin type, and always take extra steps to protect your skin after exfoliating.
If you’re interested in natural and home remedies to moisturize your skin, try using shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil.
If you want to prevent dry skin around your nose, there are plenty of ways to help keep your skin healthy.
- Wash with gentle cleansers. Avoid harsh soaps and products containing alcohol or fragrance. If your skin is prone to dryness, only wash your skin once a day. Shop for gentle facial cleansers.
- Moisturize. It’s important to keep skin hydrated even when your skin isn’t dry. In fact, a 2015 study
concluded that using a quality moisturizer regularly is actually more important than the specific ingredients. Shop for facial moisturizers. - Wear sunscreen. Protecting your skin from damage is an important step in preventing dryness. A 2017 study
suggests that sun damage contributes to both thin skin and dryness, so you should wear sunscreen year-round. Shop for sunscreen. - Use a humidifier. Your environment can contribute to dry skin. Try using a humidifier in rooms where you spend a lot of time — like your bedroom — to prevent skin from drying out. Shop for humidifiers.
- Take warm showers. Dermatologists recommend taking warm, not hot, showers and limiting your time under the spray to 5 to 10 minutes. Short showers add moisture to your skin, but long showers can actually leave your skin less hydrated than when you started.
- Protect your skin in winter. While sunscreen is an important step in protecting your skin, covering your skin in winter can help prevent windburn, which can cause additional dryness.
- Improve your diet. Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s can help boost your overall skin health.
While everyone is different, you should see an improvement in your skin’s condition within a week or so. However, if switching to a new skin care routine doesn’t seem to be helping, you may need to speak with a dermatologist to make sure your dry skin isn’t caused by something else.
While there’s a lot you can do to help eliminate dry skin and relieve the discomfort, sometimes you need a doctor’s help. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a dermatologist.
when to see a dermatologist
- Your skin hurts.
- There’s an unusual change in your skin’s color or texture.
- You aren’t seeing improvement after a few weeks.
- Your dry skin is getting worse, despite treatment.
If you’re struggling with dry skin around your nose, make sure to keep skin hydrated while protecting it from further damage. With regular treatment, you should be able to clear up any dry skin and prevent it from happening again in no time.