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How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin Around the Mouth Fast
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How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin Around the Mouth Fast

12 April 2025


Dry Skin Around the Mouth: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Treatments




Dry skin is something many people deal with at some point, and while it can occur anywhere on the face or body, having dry skin around the mouth presents its own unique challenges. The skin in this area is highly visible, delicate, and constantly in motion. Whether you’re eating, talking, smiling, or just breathing, the skin around your mouth is almost always active—and this can make dryness there particularly uncomfortable and frustrating.



You might notice your skin flaking, feeling tight, or even burning or itching. For many, the condition is not only uncomfortable physically but also impacts their self-esteem and confidence. So, if you’re dealing with this type of dryness, know you’re not alone—and that there are both explanations and solutions available.




To help demystify this common skin issue, we spoke with board-certified dermatologists Dr. Nava Greenfield and Dr. Debra Jaliman. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of dry skin around the mouth, how to prevent it, and the best treatments you can use to keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.



Why Is the Skin Around Your Mouth Prone to Dryness?




It’s important to understand that the skin around your mouth is naturally different from the skin on other parts of your face. While it’s structurally similar to the rest of your facial skin, it contains fewer sebaceous (oil) glands. According to Dr. Jaliman, this lack of oil glands means the skin in this area doesn’t have the same natural barrier against moisture loss. As a result, it’s more prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity—especially when exposed to environmental stressors.



Let’s dive into the most common causes.




Common Causes of Dry Skin Around the Mouth



1. Environmental Factors




Environmental conditions play a major role in the health of your skin, especially around the mouth. Some of the most impactful environmental triggers include:



Cold Weather: Winter air is dry, and heating systems make indoor air even drier. Just as your lips can chap in the winter, so can the surrounding skin.




Wind Exposure: Wind strips moisture from the surface of the skin, causing chapping, redness, and peeling.



Sun Exposure: The skin around your lips gets a lot of sun but is often neglected when it comes to SPF application. Over time, this sun exposure damages the skin’s barrier and leads to persistent dryness.




Low Humidity Environments: If you live in a dry climate or use central heating or air conditioning, you may find your skin is always craving moisture.



2. Irritating Skincare or Dental Products




Sometimes, the culprit behind dry skin is sitting right on your bathroom shelf. Harsh skincare or oral hygiene products can contribute to dryness and even trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis.



Toothpaste & Mouthwash: Dr. Jaliman notes that certain toothpaste ingredients—particularly cinnamon flavoring or strong mint oils—can cause irritation for some people. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent found in many toothpaste brands, can also be drying.




Flavored Lip Products: Lip balms or glosses with fragrance or artificial flavors may taste or smell good but can trigger irritation, especially if you lick your lips more often because of them.



Fragranced Skincare Products: Anything with added fragrance—cleansers, creams, or lip balms—can increase the risk of dryness, particularly for those with sensitive skin.




3. Habits That Exacerbate Dryness



Some everyday habits might seem harmless but can actually make dryness worse.




Lip Licking: One of the most common habits that worsens dry skin around the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes meant to break down food—not moisturize skin. When it evaporates, it takes natural moisture with it.



Frequent Wiping or Touching: Constantly wiping your mouth (especially when eating or wearing a mask) can wear away the skin barrier.




Breathing Through the Mouth: Whether due to congestion or habit, mouth breathing can dry out the area around the lips over time.



4. Skin Conditions




Several medical conditions can lead to chronic or recurring dry skin around the mouth:



Angular Cheilitis: This condition affects the corners of the mouth and is often triggered by yeast or bacterial overgrowth. It can cause redness, cracking, and discomfort.




Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Eczema can appear anywhere, including around the mouth. It’s characterized by itchy, red, dry patches that may flare up due to stress, allergens, or weather changes.

Perioral Dermatitis: A more severe inflammatory skin condition that often presents as a red, bumpy rash around the mouth. It’s typically caused or worsened by overuse of topical steroids or irritating skincare products.

Psoriasis: Though less common around the mouth, psoriasis can cause dry, scaly patches here as well.

How to Prevent Dry Skin Around the Mouth

When it comes to skincare, prevention is key—and often easier than treatment. Here are dermatologist-approved tips to keep the skin around your mouth hydrated and healthy:

1. Simplify Your Routine

Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products, especially in the areas around your lips and mouth. Look for soothing and barrier-repairing ingredients like:

Ceramides

Hyaluronic acid

Glycerin

Squalane

Avoid products with retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or sulfates in this area unless recommended by a dermatologist, as these ingredients can strip moisture and cause irritation.

2. Use Lip Products Without Flavors or Fragrance

Flavored balms might tempt you to lick your lips more often, which only leads to more dryness. Instead, opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas, ideally with SPF to protect against sun damage.

3. Switch to Dental Products for Sensitive Gums

Dr. Jaliman recommends using toothpaste and mouthwash labeled for sensitive users. These tend to be free of harsh detergents and irritating flavors.

4. Cover Your Face in Harsh Weather

Use a scarf or face mask to shield your skin from the wind and cold. This provides a barrier against moisture loss and protects from environmental aggressors.

How to Treat Dry Skin Around the Mouth

Already experiencing dry, flaky skin around your lips and mouth? Don’t worry—there are effective ways to restore hydration and comfort.

1. Apply a Barrier Cream or Healing Ointment

After cleansing, apply a thick layer of a barrier repair cream or an occlusive ointment (like petroleum jelly or a lanolin-based balm). These seal in moisture and help the skin repair itself.

Great ingredients to look for:

Ceramides: Help rebuild the skin’s barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid: Draws water into the skin.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Soothes irritation and supports healing.

2. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Avoid foaming or exfoliating cleansers, which can strip natural oils. Instead, use a creamy, non-foaming, sulfate-free cleanser.

3. Add a Humidifier to Your Room

Using a humidifier, especially in winter or in dry climates, helps your skin retain moisture overnight. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to support your skin’s hydration.

4. Avoid Harsh Treatments in This Area

When using active treatments like exfoliating acids or retinoids, apply them carefully around the mouth or avoid the area altogether if you’re prone to dryness.

When to See a Dermatologist

While most cases of dry skin around the mouth are treatable at home, there are situations where professional help is needed. You should see a board-certified dermatologist if you experience:

Painful cracking

Persistent redness or swelling

Rashes or bumps

Bleeding

Oozing or signs of infection

These symptoms might point to more serious conditions like perioral dermatitis, angular cheilitis, or allergic reactions that require prescription treatment.

The Bottom Line

Dry skin around the mouth is a common issue that can arise from a mix of environmental conditions, habits, skincare products, or underlying skin conditions. While it may feel frustrating, there are plenty of effective ways to treat and prevent this type of dryness. The most important step is to treat the skin gently, avoid irritating ingredients, and nourish it with hydrating, healing products.

By making small changes in your skincare routine and daily habits, you can restore moisture, reduce irritation, and keep your skin looking and feeling its best—no matter the season.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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