How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Your Nose

Co-authored by Shara Strand and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: October 1, 2021 References

Even with the most stringent skincare routine, you can still end up with dry skin on or around your nose. The good news is that you can typically remedy this problem on your own within a few days. If the dry skin fails to improve after a week or two, you may want to visit a dermatologist to make sure there's not a more serious condition causing your dry skin. Once you've gotten rid of the dry skin, take measures to prevent it from happening again.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating the Dry Skin

1
Wash dry skin gently and pat dry. If your nose is flaky or peeling, you may be tempted to scrub the flakes away or use a harsh exfoliating wash. However, treating dry, flaky skin that way can make the condition worse. Instead, use a gentle moisturizing cleanser and pat your skin dry.^{[2]
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- Take care not to rub the skin or encourage further peeling or flaking. You may want to simply splash water on your face to wash it, rather than using a sponge or washcloth.
2
Moisturize your nose at least 3 to 4 times a day. Keeping your nose moist will eventually heal the dry skin. Always wash your skin gently before reapplying moisturizer, then tap or dab the moisturizer on the dry skin. Do this more often if the skin appears dry or if it's flaky or itchy.^{[3]
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Shara Strand
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Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
- Take care not to rub the moisturizer into your skin too vigorously. It might exacerbate any flaking or peeling.
Tip: Dry skin is often itchy. Avoid scratching your nose as much as possible. You might want to use a moisturizer with aloe, which will help calm the itching and inflammation.

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3
Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. If your body is dehydrated, your skin may start to dry out as well. To figure out how much water you should drink each day, weigh yourself and multiply your weight by 0.5. The result is the number of ounces of water you should drink each day to keep your body properly hydrated.^{[4]
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- For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink 70 ounces of water a day. This is approximately six 12-ounce glasses of water.
- If you exercise on a regular basis, add 12 ounces of water for every 30 minutes of moderate exercise.
4
Use a thick cream or ointment during winter months. Creams are oil in water, while ointments are water in oil. Because of the oil included in both of these products, they last longer on your skin and don't have to be replaced as often. However, because they are dense and will feel heavier on your nose and skin, they may not be appropriate in warmer weather.^{[5]
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- The oil insulates and protects your skin from cold air, which can help ensure that the dry skin on your nose doesn't get any worse.
- Even in warmer months, a heavier cream or ointment will help your skin heal more quickly. However, you may find it uncomfortable as it will likely leave your nose feeling greasy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Identifying the Cause

1
Consider whether you've had a cold or allergies lately. If you've had a runny nose due to a cold or allergies, the constant nose-blowing may have caused your nose to become chapped. A moisturizing cream or ointment will help this dry skin heal.^{[6]
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- As long as you no longer have a runny nose, the dry skin on your nose should go away on its own without much attention from you.
Tip: If you frequently get a chapped nose after colds or allergies, you might want to get tissues that are infused with moisturizer or lotion. Putting petroleum jelly on the outside of your nose can also help protect your skin if you have to blow your nose frequently.
2
Eliminate the possibility of a more serious skin condition. Dry skin on your nose might be a symptom of a more serious skin condition, such as dermatitis or eczema. A dry, flaky nose may also be a sign of rosacea.^{[7]
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- If you suspect you might have a more serious skin condition, make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. They'll examine your skin and diagnose its condition.
3
Evaluate your diet and caffeine or alcohol consumption. If you eat or drink food and beverages that dehydrate you, this might lead to dry skin on your nose or in other places. Salty food can also suck up the moisture in your body, leading to dry skin.^{[8]
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- Certain beverages, including coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages, are severely dehydrating. For every 8 ounces of any of these beverages, you can lose 16 to 24 ounces of water that must be replaced.
4
Check the ingredients in your cosmetics and skin products. If you wear cosmetics or have skin products specifically for your face, they may be drying out the skin on your nose. Look for alcohols, which are drying ingredients.^{[9]
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- Clay-based cosmetics and skin products can also suck the moisture out of your skin, leading to flaky skin.
- If you suspect that your cosmetics or skin products may be the problem, switch to something for dry or sensitive skin and see if your skin's condition improves.
5
Determine if your nose has been sunburned recently. Sunburn can lead to dry and peeling skin. Sometimes, you'll end up with dry, flaky skin even if your nose was never red. If you've been outside without sunscreen, your nose may have gotten sunburned.^{[10]
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- It doesn't necessarily have to be bright and sunny, or even warm, for your nose to get sunburned. Your nose could get sunburned on a cloudy day if you're outside without wearing sunscreen. Protect your skin from the sun whenever you're outside.
6
Visit a dermatologist if the condition persists. If the dry skin on your nose worsens or doesn't go away after a week or two, despite the fact that you've kept your nose protected and well-moisturized, you may have a more serious skin condition. A dermatologist can evaluate your skin and determine how best to get rid of the dry skin.^{[11]
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- Dermatologists can prescribe medicated moisturizers that may be able to get rid of your dry skin more quickly than over-the-counter remedies can.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Dry Skin on Your Nose

1
Cover your nose with a scarf in cold weather. Dry, cold weather can cause the skin on your nose to get dry. You can protect it by covering your nose with a light scarf or balaclava when you're outside.^{[12]
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- Make sure you wear sunscreen even if you've covered your nose. Not all fabrics block UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Tip: Use a cotton or soft wool scarf if possible. Synthetic fabrics and coarse wool may irritate your nose, leading the dry skin to return.
2
Wear sunscreen any time you're outside. Sunscreen protects your nose from UVA and UVB rays, which can cause your skin to dry out and lead to flaking and peeling.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Look for a sunscreen with a moisturizer so you can protect your skin and moisturize it at the same time.^{[14]
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- If you're out in the sun for an extended period, remember to reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours — especially midday, when the sun's rays are strongest.^{[15]
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  Shara Strand
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
3
Use fragrance-free moisturizer regularly. Once the dry skin on your nose has healed, make sure it stays well-moisturized by applying moisturizer several times a day. Look for a moisturizer without fragrances or dyes, which can dry out your skin or cause a reaction.^{[16]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Wash your face with a gentle soap before applying moisturizer. Pat it dry and then apply moisturizer immediately.
4
Choose makeup that doesn't have dyes or fragrances. Makeup with dyes or fragrances can irritate your skin and lead to flaking or dryness, especially if your skin is sensitive to particular additives. You also want to avoid makeup and skincare products that have alcohols and other drying ingredients.^{[17]
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- Look for products that are made for sensitive skin and have as few additives or chemicals as possible. Organic products might be less likely to irritate your skin.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are some good natural options for dry nose skin?

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Shara Strand is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a makeup and image consulting studio based in New York City. She has over 15 years of image and makeup consulting experience including working as a regional artist for Bare Escentuals and Estee Lauder, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has been featured in WNBC, Fox 5, Direct TV ABC morning news, and Hamptons Magazine. She is the creator of Shara Cosmetics and is a two time Billboard charted singer. She holds a BFA from New York University.

Shara Strand

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Rosehip oil is amazing for dry skin. Micellar water is also really good when it comes to toning and adding hydration for dry skin. Topical CBD seems fairly promising as well.