10 Ways to Heal Dry Skin Around the Nose, According to Derms (and People Who’ve Been There)

1. Understand Why It’s Happening in the First Place

Before you start layering products like you’re frosting a cake, get to the root of it. Common culprits include:

• Seasonal changes (winter, anyone?)

• Harsh cleansers

• Allergies or constant nose blowing

• Eczema or seborrheic dermatitis

• Over-exfoliating or using strong actives like retinoids too often

Once you know what’s causing it, the solution becomes clearer. For example, if it’s allergy season, soothing and barrier-repair products will be your best friend.

2. Switch to a Gentler Cleanser

Harsh, foaming cleansers might feel squeaky clean, but they’re actually stripping your skin — especially around delicate areas like the nose.

Look for fragrance-free, low-pH cleansers with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides. These will clean without wrecking your skin’s barrier.

★ Try: this ultra-gentle hydrating cleanser that removes dirt without the tight feeling.

3. Exfoliate… But Very Carefully

Flakes make you want to scrub, but over-exfoliating can make dry skin worse. You don’t need a harsh scrub — you need a gentle chemical exfoliant, used once or twice a week max.

Look for products with lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). These are milder than AHAs and less likely to irritate already sensitive, dry skin.

★ Try: this gentle exfoliating toner with PHA that smooths without the sting.

4. Moisturize Like You Mean It

This is the big one. A good moisturizer should not only hydrate but also help lock in moisture and repair your skin barrier.

For flaky nose skin, opt for creams (not lotions) that include:

• Ceramides – rebuild the skin barrier

• Hyaluronic acid – hydrates deeply

• Shea butter or squalane – add nourishment without clogging pores

Pro tip: Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin after cleansing to help trap water inside.

★ Try: this barrier-repair cream that’s rich but doesn’t feel greasy.

5. Use a Healing Ointment Overnight

Sometimes, creams aren’t enough. Enter: the slugging trick. No, not literal slugs. We’re talking about applying a thick ointment over your moisturizer before bed.

This locks everything in, prevents water loss overnight, and can work miracles on dry nose patches.

★ Try: this multi-purpose skin ointment that works as an overnight healing mask.

6. Watch Out for Actives

If you’re using strong actives like retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating acids, they may be too much for your nose area. It’s okay to skip this area or buffer with moisturizer first.

Also, be extra cautious if you're using acne treatments or anti-aging serums — they’re often the hidden reason behind peeling around the nose.

Instead, switch to gentler actives or use them less frequently.

★ Try: this milder retinol alternative that hydrates while smoothing.

7. Don’t Forget SPF — Even on Dry Areas

Dry skin is extra sensitive to sun damage. And while it might seem weird to slather sunscreen on flaky spots, the right formula can actually help protect while adding moisture.

Choose a mineral sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide, and vitamin E. These are less irritating and often calming for angry skin.

★ Try: this moisturizing SPF that doubles as a barrier shield.

8. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Your skin’s health isn’t just about what you put on it — it’s also about what’s going on inside. Staying hydrated helps your body send moisture where it’s needed.

So drink that water. But also:

• Eat foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon or chia seeds)

• Add a humidifier to your room (especially in winter)

• Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol — both are dehydrating

★ Try: this compact humidifier that keeps your skin (and sinuses) happy.

9. Try a Calming Mask Once a Week

Give your skin some TLC with a once-a-week calming face mask — or even better, spot-mask just around your nose.

Look for soothing ingredients like:

• Aloe vera

• Colloidal oatmeal

• Centella asiatica (Cica)

These ingredients reduce inflammation and redness while hydrating and helping skin repair.

★ Try: this soothing mask made for irritated, dry skin types.

10. Stick to the Routine (Even When It Gets Boring)

Healing dry skin around the nose won’t happen overnight. It can take days or even a couple of weeks of consistent care. The key is to stick to a gentle, hydrating routine and not give in to the urge to scrub, pick, or switch products every other day.

Slow and steady wins the glow.

Keep your skincare routine minimal — cleanse, moisturize, protect — and only add extras like exfoliants or masks as your skin improves.

★ Try: this simple 3-step starter kit designed to support skin healing.

A Final Word: You’re Not Alone

This dry-nose situation is so common. Whether it’s from the weather, allergies, or overdoing it with actives, the good news is it’s totally fixable.

Focus on gentle care, barrier repair, and moisture — and give your skin a little grace while it bounces back.

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Next up: The Best Moisturizers for Flaky Skin (Face + Body Edition). Stay tuned!