Here’s why you have dry skin around your mouth—here’s what you can do about it
Dry skin is a common problem that can occur anywhere on your face or body. Dryness can lead to flaking, irritation, and, perhaps most importantly, physical and emotional discomfort. Dry skin around your mouth or lips can be particularly bothersome. After all, it’s front and center on your face and an area that’s often subject to stress. If the skin in this area is drier, it’s not uncommon and can often be explained by environmental factors.
We reached out to board-certified dermatologists Nava Greenfield, MD, and Debra Jaliman, MD, to get the lowdown on the issue. Read on to learn the most common causes of dry skin around your mouth and how to prevent and treat them.
Possible causes
Anatomy: The skin around your mouth is different from the skin on the rest of your face. Structurally, it’s the same thing. However, there are fewer sebaceous glands around the lips and mouth than there are around your nose or midface, explains Dr. Jaliman. This, in turn, makes the area more susceptible to dryness and tenderness.
Sun exposure: Since the lips and area around your mouth are often exposed to the sun, they’re vulnerable to UV damage: “Long-term sun exposure can lead to dry skin,” says Dr. Greenfield. Greenfield.
Cold Weather: Just as cold weather can cause chapped lips or dry hands, it can also cause dry skin around the mouth. Wearing a face mask and applying thicker creams than usual is recommended. 1
Skin Conditions: Canker sores are a dry skin condition that occurs in the corners of the mouth, says Dr. Greenfield. They are most common in people with deep wrinkles around the lips and those who like to lick their lip corners (saliva production can also have a drying effect). 2 Eczema or psoriasis can also occur on the skin around the mouth and dryness can be the cause of this area.
Mouthwash/Toothpaste: Dry skin on the lips and around the mouth can be caused by external factors like mouthwash or toothpaste. Cinnamon is a common ingredient in both of these products and can trigger a true skin allergy or contact dermatitis, notes Dr. Jaliman. This can manifest as dryness, redness, itching and peeling.
Fragrances: Any scent in a lip product can cause and exacerbate dryness, says Dr. Jaliman.
How to Prevent Dry Skin Around the Mouth
As with most conditions, prevention is easier than cure.
Limit contact with drying ingredients, advises Dr. Jaliman. Greenfield. That means products that contain retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or sulfates. While these ingredients may not cause dryness in other parts of your face, the area around your mouth has fewer sebaceous glands. That’s why these ingredients can cause that area to be particularly dry, notes Dr. Jaliman.
Avoid fragrances and flavorings in your makeup. Dr. Jaliman advises avoiding fragrances and flavorings. It may taste nice, but it makes you more likely to lick your lips (consciously or unconsciously). When you do that, your saliva evaporates quickly, which can dry out your skin.
Use dental care products that are targeted for “sensitive gums.” Products with this designation are less irritating and are generally better suited for sensitive and dry skin, says Dr. Jaliman.
How to Treat Dry Skin Around Your Mouth
If you’re looking for practical solutions to treat dry skin around your mouth, you’ll be happy to know that these methods are similar to those for treating dryness elsewhere on your face—so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Use moisturizers and serums. Both dermatologists stress the importance of stocking up on such products. Dr. Jaliman recommends looking for formulas that contain ceramides (which help repair a damaged skin barrier) as well as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to attract and “lock” moisture in the skin.
Use a gentle cleanser. Try a gentle foam or cleanser that’s free of sulfates. This will prevent further irritation, peeling, and dryness.
Try a humidifier. Sleeping with a humidifier on can keep the air moist all night long. This is especially helpful if you live in a dry climate and rely on air conditioning or space heaters.
Expert Tips
When using serums, creams, or salves, make sure the product is fragrance-free and has very few ingredients. This can reduce the chances of other ingredients irritating the skin, says Dr. Jaliman.
When to see a dermatologist
While dry skin around the mouth can often be prevented and treated at home, there are some situations where you should see a board-certified dermatologist.
Make an appointment if your dry skin is accompanied by the following symptoms:
Painful tearing
Redness
Excessive peeling
In this case, you may need a prescription treatment, says Dr. Greenfield. Your dry skin may be due to a skin condition that requires professional treatment.
