It’s a tricky little area; that’s for certain. So when you are trying to identify what your dry nose’s cause is, you have several avenues to consider. But don’t worry; we outline them here—with some fixes, too: We all have a plethora of fungal and bacterial strains on us (called the microbiome), and this is actually what helps keep our skin strong, healthy, and barrier protected. However, sometimes something triggers us internally to respond negatively to these organisms; that’s when you get eczema (or dermatitis). When this reaction is localized around the nose, we call it seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema. At this time we don’t fully understand why some people’s bodies react this way; however, some mechanisms (like our skin’s protein structure and our genes) seem to be involved. “A common cause is environmental exposures,” says board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D. “Environmental conditions like cold or dry air, cold wind, windburn, sunburn, or chronic sun exposure can all irritate the sensitive skin around the nose and cause dryness.” This is why the condition tends to be more prominent in the colder months or for those who live in arid environments. But it’s not just the powerful actives that can do damage; sometimes it’s your standard exfoliants or cleansing agents. “Your beauty regimen is another common culprit,” Rodney agrees. “Beauty products, like harsh scrubs, toners, and foaming cleansers can dry out the skin and lead to irritation and inflammation. The areas around the nose and mouth are especially sensitive. When dryness appears, many people try to exfoliate, or peel off the dry skin, which usually makes it worse.” And as Cochran Gathers notes, it’s also more exposed, or at least was pre-COVID: “The nose is a common area for dry, irritated skin because it’s almost always exposed to the elements. It sticks out from the face, making it a high-exposure area.” Even now, as we enter a reality where we wear masks far more frequently than not, the constant rubbing may also contribute to irritation in the area. Cochran Gathers agrees, advising a simple, gentle skin care routine stripped of irritating ingredients so as not to trigger inflammation or irritation. “When cleansing the skin, try to avoid harsh cleansers and soaps. Looks for gentle, hypoallergenic face washes,” she says. “After washing, pat your skin dry, leaving it a little damp, and apply a rich moisturizer. Moisture is key to fixing dry skin around the nose. Look for a moisturizing cream with ceramides to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture. Wearing a good sunscreen is key to helping prevent dry skin around the nose.” And while you’re washing, be mindful of the water temperature: “Avoid washing or rinsing your skin with hot water, as this can make dryness worse. Wash with tepid water instead,” says Cochran Gathers. Too hot of water, we know, can strip the skin of its natural lipids, compromising the skin barrier and adding to dryness. Finally, you may need to make your way to the derm’s office: “If your dry skin is caused by seborrheic dermatitis or other inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, then you should see your dermatologist for prescription-strength medication.”
