dry nose and cheeks

[knickknacksmurf]

i live in canada but every season makes my skin worse and worse, i get red, itchy dry flakey patches on the side of my nose bridge where i wear my glasses, and my nose as a whole is always very dry and flakey! i’m getting a nose piercing soon and i don’t want to deal with it

my cheeks also get red flaky spots sometimes but they aren’t as bad as my nose 

i am currently using cetaphil’s daily nourishing lotion, and cliniques dramatically different moisturizing lotion 

i know absolutely nothing about skincare lol please help!

[JoSometimes]

Hi @knickknacksmurf! It could be a number of different things: sun burn, allergic reaction, or an infection. I’d recommend speaking with your doctor about it and maybe asking for a referral to a dermatologist.

In the mean time, there’s a few things you can try. If you find it itchy, take an OTC allergy medicine. Another option to relieve the itch is hydrocortisone cream, which you can also get at the pharmacy without a prescription. If it’s sun burn, this can help with the heal process too. If either of these help relieve your itch, take note and let your doctor know. Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid 4 oz/ 120 mL is also really great at soothing itchy, redness. Anything with aloe can also help sooth irritation, especially if it’s sun burn.

Definitely keep the area hydrated. A good hyaluronic acid serum helps me when I go through itchy, red, damaged skin. The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL is a good one. Put it under your usual moisturizer. Hydrating from within is helpful too, so keep your water bottle near by. 

When it comes to skincare, there are 3 basic steps: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. You mentioned that you’ve got two moisturizers that you’re using. If you find they aren’t doing anything for you, check and see if it’s meant for your skin type. If they work for you, then you just need to add a cleanser and sunscreen. If you like the Cetaphil moisturizer, they do make some good cleansers. CeraVe does as well. Another good but gentle one is The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser 5 oz/ 150 mL. For sunscreen, it would really depend on your skin type. If you’re active outdoors, you might already have one. If not, check out National SPF Day 2023 ☀️ for plenty of options. Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50 is one that I’ve tried. I have sry, sensitive skin, so it might be helpful for you while your skin is healing.

I would also suggest giving your glasses a good thorough cleaning to rule out an infection. The nose pads can collect oils, sweat, and bacteria, which could lead to an infection in the area.

You mentioned you’re interested in getting a nose piercing. If possible, try to postpone it until you at least figure out the cause of your irritation and your skin has had some time to heal. The last thing you want is your piercing getting infected and having to remove it. Good luck! I hope you find relief soon!

[ShayeZee]

Hello @knickknacksmurf  !!!  Fellow Canadian here! from the GTA.

One of the moisturizers that I think is amazing for dry skin is Skinfix barrier+ Strengthening and Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Refillable Cream with B-L3 

It has zero scent, is nice and thick (but not to thick you feel like its not absorbing) and my skin gets super soft when I use it. I have normal skin, so although I am not in the same situation as you are....I do use retinol. If I dont use Skinfix to combat the retinol then my skin gets super dry and flaky in a matter of days. Anything that combats my strong retinol I assume would be great for dry skin as well.

it looks like SKinfix has other versions of this cream as well...one specific for red/dry skin...so maybe that one might be good for you? I know its expensive, but one usually lasts me a few mths using it every night. They also have refills that is typically 10-12$ less

I think other than that one of the key things would be to make sure that your cleansor isnt drying you out. You didnt advise what your face wash is, but if it is also Cetafil, then that is kinda drying.  Try Farmacy Mini Whipped Greens Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser with Moringa and Papaya 1.7 oz / 50 mL  - this is like $17, will last you a few mths as well.  It is a nice moisturizing cleanser. This way your skin isnt already hurting for moisture heading into your lotion. Otherwise your lotion gets used to combat the drying of your cleanser rather than simply trying to moisturize your skin. 

Hope that helps!

Im sure Sephora would give you a sample if you ask them.