How to help soothe and heal a dry nose

Whether you’re blowing your nose from a cold, wiping your nose during allergy season, or exposing your face to the cold, dry winter air, chances are you’ve experienced the frustration of having a dry nose. Dry skin around the nose can not only be unsightly, but can also be itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable.

If left untreated, dry skin can start to peel or crack, so it’s important to help restore and maintain skin’s moisture, particularly in areas prone to dryness like the nose. 

Read on to learn what causes a dry nose, how to help soothe it with Aquaphor, and how to help prevent symptoms from developing by properly protecting your nose.

Dry skin in, under and around the nose can be caused by several factors, so it’s important to identify the cause to help prevent it, and, when it does occur, know how to treat it. Here are a few common causes of a dry nose:

• Frequently wiping and blowing the nose: If you find yourself blowing or wiping your nose often, you may eventually start to notice nasal dryness and dry, chapped skin around your nose.
• Weather: Dry air—which is problematic no matter the season—can wick moisture away from the skin. You may notice dry skin around your nose if you’ve been spending time out in cold, dry winter air or dry heat1.
• Allergies: Seasonal and environmental allergies can contribute to dry nose2.
• Sun exposure: Unprotected exposure to the sun can cause skin to become dry3.
• Dry indoor environments: As with dry outdoor air, dry indoor environments such as buildings or cars with air conditioning or forced hot air can also contribute to dry skin4.
• Harsh Soaps or over-washing the skin: Washing skin with drying soap, using very hot water, or over-washing the skin can all contribute to dry skin5.
• Aging: As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil and is more prone to moisture loss6.
• Certain nasal sprays: Some cold and allergy medicines like antihistamines2 or steroid nasal sprays7 can have a drying effect on the skin, particularly when applied as a nasal spray.
• Eczema: Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy patches of skin8. Speak to a dermatologist to determine if dry skin around your nose is due to eczema and to obtain guidance on proper treatment.

If you are concerned or unsure what may be causing your nose to become dry, chapped or cracked, speak to a dermatologist.

To help soothe dry skin under and around your nose, use a protective cream or ointment multiple times per day to help protect from external irritants, create a healing environment for existing irritation from dryness, and add moisture back to skin.  

Aquaphor Healing Ointment® protects and helps relieve chapped, dry or cracked skin. Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is uniquely formulated with 41% Petrolatum (skin protectant), Glycerin, Panthenol and Bisabolol. It protects skin to create an ideal healing environment and helps restore smooth, healthy skin, and is available in multiple sizes for easy application that you can carry with you in your purse or gym bag.

Whatever the season, give your nose that extra bit of love! Preservative and fragrance-free Aquaphor Healing Ointment® provides effective care and long-lasting moisture.

*Based on ProVoice Survey (July 2024)

While not all causes of dry skin around the nose can be controlled, there are ways you can reduce the likelihood of developing dry skin on the nose:

• Wash your face with warm – not hot – water and use mild cleansers.
• Keep your nose covered outdoors in colder weather to protect your nose from harsh winds or extreme temperatures, which can trigger dryness.
• Avoid excessively blowing or wiping your nose if possible. If you do need to blow your nose, use a soft facial tissue and follow up with Aquaphor Healing Ointment® to help prevent dryness and chafing from wiping.
• Protect your nose from the sun by wearing sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated. Dehydration depletes your body of much needed water. Help moisturize from the inside out.
• Consider using a humidifier in your house, especially in the winter. You may also wish to try a gentle steam treatment or use a sauna.

Dealing with a dry nose can make the misery of allergies or a head cold all the worse. Thankfully with Aquaphor®, you can support your skin’s natural healing process while helping to keep skin moisturized no matter the season. Try Aquaphor Healing Ointment® today.

If your skin condition doesn’t improve, consult with your healthcare professional about an underlying medical condition.

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
2. Improve the appearance of the skin
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin