Dry skin can happen to just about anyone, anytime, anywhere—even on conventionally oilier areas like the nose. While dry skin around the nose is usually temporary (it’s often caused by exposure to environmental stressors), it can be persistent. And, it’s not uncommon for a dry nose to coexist with other skin concerns, like redness or sensitivity. The good news is that while sometimes dry skin on the nose happens, there are things you can do to help alleviate it and keep your skin happy. So if you’re someone who often struggles with dryness, read on to learn how to protect and hydrate dry skin around the nose.

Why Is My Skin So Dry Around My Nose?

First, let’s dive into the reasons why you might be dealing with dry skin around your nose. Those with dry skin types may be more prone to this concern, simply because their skin is drier to begin with. However, it can affect anyone. Exposure to cold, dry air can dry out the skin and lead to visible concerns like flaking and peeling, as can spending too much time in dry indoor heating (it’s a bit of a double-edged sword). Likewise, taking long, hot showers can strip your skin of moisture, making it more likely to become dry and irritated.

That being said, weather-related stressors aren’t the only reason you may experience dry skin on your nose. Having a cold—or even just run-of-the-mill allergies—may force you to blow your nose frequently. Over time, the friction from repetitive nose-blowing can irritate your skin and lead to dry skin under your nose or dry skin on the sides of your nose. Lastly, skincare plays a role, too. If you’re not caring for your skin properly, your skin’s natural moisture barrier can become compromised, which, in turn, can result in dryness.

How To Address Dry Skin Around Your Nose: 6 Tips

If you’re struggling with dry skin around your nose, the most important thing is to avoid whatever is causing it—if you can (as we mentioned, that’s not always possible). But moisturizing regularly and following a proper skincare routine can be immensely helpful as well. Here, we’re outlining six of our very best tips for protecting, restoring, and soothing red, flaky skin around your nose.

Tip #2:

Use a Mild Facial Cleanser and Toner

Washing your face is crucial, but over-washing can exacerbate dryness. To cleanse without stripping your skin, use a gentle facial cleanser, such as our Ultra Facial Cleanser. The paraben-free cleanser with squalane and avocado oil helps remove dirt and debris without over-drying the skin. Plus, it’s pH-balanced to help maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. We recommend using it twice daily—once in the morning and once at night—for clean, balanced skin.

After washing your face, reach for an alcohol-free toner to both soothe your skin and help prepare it for the rest of your routine. Try Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner. The cucumber-infused formula is our mildest facial toner and is suitable for all skin types, particularly dry and sensitive skin. Apply it to problem areas with a clean, soft cotton round after cleansing.

Tip #4:

Try Gentle Physical Exfoliation

When your nose is peeling, it can be super tempting to try and pick off the flaking skin. Ultimately, though, that’s not the best call—you can end up damaging your skin further. Instead, to help reduce flakes and peeling skin, try introducing our Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasion scrub to your weekly routine. Made with creamy shea butter and micronized shells, this effective exfoliant instantly smooths the skin. It also helps condition and facilitate the absorption of other skincare products—like moisturizers—to enhance their efficacy. When using this scrub, gentleness is the key. Dispense a small amount onto clean fingertips and massage it over your skin, using light pressure. Then, rinse with cool water and follow with a gentle, nourishing moisturizer.

Tip #5:

Moisturize Morning and Night

Moisturizing consistently is one of the best ways to manage dry skin in just about any spot, from your scalp to your armpits to your toes. And yes, your nose, too. For daily hydration and to help alleviate minor dryness, try our classic Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight daily moisturizer offers up to 24 hours of hydration while helping to smooth the skin. The unique formula also helps strengthen and protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it softer and healthier-looking over time.

Kiehl’s Tip: To create an occlusive barrier and help trap moisture, apply Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream over your face cream.

Next: How To Address Skin Peeling On Your Hands