How to Treat Dry Skin Under the Nose

Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. The first step in caring for dry skin under the nose is to cleanse it thoroughly to remove dirt and dead skin cells. Dry, flaky skin can lead to open wounds and infections, so keeping the area clean is essential.

• Avoid using harsh soaps that can dry out your skin further. Instead, opt for a moisturizing cleanser or a mild soap that contains oils.
• Additionally, steer clear of antibacterial cleansers or fragrant face washes that contain alcohol, as they can worsen dryness.

Gently pat the skin dry. Avoid rubbing harshly or using rough towels to dry your face, as this can cause further irritation. It’s best to use a soft towel to gently dab the area under your nose dry.

Apply ice cubes to the area under your nose to reduce inflammation. If the skin under your nose is red, swollen, and/or painful (due to inflammation), wrap ice cubes in a paper towel and apply them to the skin for a few minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Do not apply ice cubes directly to dry skin, as this can worsen the damage. Always wrap the ice in a paper towel or clean cloth.
• If the skin under your nose is only dry and shows no signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, or pain), you can skip this step and move on to the next one.

Moisturize the skin. Lotions and ointments can prevent water loss and help restore the skin’s natural moisture. Therefore, apply a moisturizer to the area under your nose.

• Use a thicker or hypoallergenic moisturizer (such as over-the-counter options like Eucerin or Cetaphil). While these are often used for larger areas of the body, most regular moisturizers are not thick or hydrating enough for dry skin under the nose.
• Avoid moisturizers with fragrances, alcohol, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA).
• Do not use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory moisturizers without guidance. These products may contain chemicals that can further irritate the skin. Discontinue use if you experience burning or itching after application.

Use natural moisturizers. Some natural moisturizing products can help treat persistent dry skin. You can try the following options and choose the one that works best for you:

• Sunflower seed oil or hemp seed oil are gentle oils rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help repair dry skin.
• Coconut oil also has excellent moisturizing properties when applied directly to the skin.
• Raw honey has antibacterial, antiseptic, and moisturizing properties.

Reapply moisturizer throughout the day until the dry skin disappears. Factors like cold weather or conditions like eczema can cause the skin to lose moisture. Therefore, it’s important to keep applying moisturizer to the area under your nose throughout the day.

• At night, consider using an ointment containing petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor. These products are best applied before bed, as their greasy texture can be inconvenient during the day.
• For extremely dry skin, a dermatologist may recommend prescription ointments (such as those containing lactic acid or urea). These should be used as directed and not exceed the recommended daily application frequency.

Consult your doctor to determine if you need a prescription skincare product. Typically, dry skin under the nose is temporary and will heal quickly with proper moisturizing and care. However, if the dryness is caused by a serious skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe medicated ointments in addition to at-home care. These ointments often contain corticosteroids or topical antibiotics.

• If the dry skin does not improve or worsens despite home care, you should visit a general practitioner or dermatologist.

Be vigilant for signs of infection. Sometimes, dry skin can lead to infections. Impetigo, a superficial skin infection, is common in the area under and around the nose. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of infection, including:

• Increasing redness
• Red bumps
• Swelling
• Pus
• Boils
• Severe irritation, pain, or swelling under the nose could indicate an allergic reaction. If this occurs, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Take shorter showers. Prolonged or excessive bathing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to moisture loss. Limit showers to 5-10 minutes and avoid washing your face and the area under your nose more than twice a day.

Use warm water instead of hot water for bathing. Hot water can remove the skin’s natural oils, so it’s best to shower or wash your face with lukewarm water.

Use moisturizing cleansers and body washes. Avoid harsh soaps that can further dry out your skin. Opt for non-foaming, hydrating cleansers like Cetaphil and Aquanil, and moisturizing body washes such as Dove and Olay.

• If taking a bath, consider adding bath oils to the water.

Moisturize your skin immediately after bathing or washing your face. This step helps seal the gaps between skin cells and lock in moisture. It’s best to apply moisturizer within a few minutes of bathing or washing, while your skin is still damp.

• If the skin under your nose is extremely dry, you can apply oil (like Baby Oil) right after washing. Oils are more effective than creams at preventing water evaporation from the skin’s surface. If you have oily skin, use oils only at night before bed.

Use skincare products with added hydration. If you plan to use cosmetics (like foundation or shaving cream) on the area under your nose, choose products with moisturizing properties.

• Avoid products containing alcohol, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA).
• Opt for fragrance-free or sensitive skin-friendly products.
• If unsure about which products to use, consult a doctor to determine if a prescription ointment is necessary.
• When going outside, always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or use skincare products with built-in sun protection.

Be cautious when shaving. Shaving can irritate the skin under your nose. Shave after a warm shower or after applying a warm, damp cloth to your face for a few minutes to soften the hair and open pores. Follow these tips to avoid irritation:

• Never shave dry skin, as this can cause severe irritation. Always use shaving cream or gel. Look for gentle shaving gels if you have sensitive skin.
• Use a sharp razor. Dull razors require multiple passes over the same area, increasing the risk of irritation.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth, moving downward. Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.

Avoid scratching the skin under your nose. This can irritate dry skin and even deepen cracks, leading to bleeding. If the area feels itchy, try applying an ice cube for a few minutes to reduce swelling and itching.

• If bleeding occurs, apply a clean cloth to stop it. You can also use an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of secondary infection. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or the skin keeps reopening, see a doctor.

Use soft tissues to blow your nose. Rough tissues can further irritate the skin. Stick to facial tissues or those infused with moisturizing ingredients.

Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Winter weather is often dry and can strip your skin of hydration. Keep a humidifier running overnight, set at around 60%, to help replenish moisture levels in your skin.

• If you live in a dry or hot climate, consider using a humidifier year-round.