Here's Why You Have Dry Skin Around Your Mouth—And What You Can Do About It

Dry skin is a common concern and can appear anywhere on the face or body. With dryness can come peeling and irritation and arguably most importantly, may be uncomfortable—both physically and emotionally. Experiencing dry skin around the mouth or on the lips can be especially bothersome. After all, it is located front and center on the face and in an area that's in use all the time. If your skin is drier in this spot, it is not uncommon and can often be explained by environmental factors.

We’ve reached out to board-certified dermatologists, Nava Greenfield, MD, and Debra Jaliman, MD, for a full breakdown on the issue. Keep reading to find out the most common causes of dry skin around the mouth, plus how to prevent and treat it.

Potential Causes

• Anatomy: The skin around the mouth differs from the skin on other parts of the face. Structurally, it is the same. Yet, fewer oil glands are found around the lips and mouth than on the nose or central face, explains Dr. Jaliman. This, in turn, makes the area more prone to dryness and sensitivity.
• Sun exposure: Because the lips and the area around the mouth is constantly exposed to sunlight, it can easily become more damaged by UV rays: "Chronic sun exposure contributes to dry skin," says Dr. Greenfield.
• Cold weather: In the same way that the cold may cause chapped lips or dry hands, it can also cause dryness on the skin around the mouth. It is recommended to wear a face covering and apply heavier creams than usual.
• Skin conditions: Angular cheilitis is a dry skin condition found on the corners of the mouth, Dr. Greenfield says. It is most common among people with deeper wrinkles around their lips and those prone to licking lip corners (saliva production can also be drying). Eczema or psoriasis can also occur on the skin around the mouth and cause dryness in this area.
• Mouthwash/toothpaste: Dry skin around your lips and mouth may be caused by external factors such as your mouthwash or toothpaste. Cinnamon is a common ingredient in both and can trigger an actual skin allergy or contact dermatitis, notes Dr. Jaliman. This can manifest itself as dryness, redness, itching, and flaking.
• Fragrance: Dr. Jaliman says any fragrance in your lip products can cause and exacerbate dryness.

How to Prevent Dry Skin Around the Mouth

As with most medical conditions, prevention is easier than treatment.

• Limit exposure to drying ingredients, suggests Dr. Greenfield. This means products that contain retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or sulfates. Although these ingredients may not cause dryness on other parts of your face, the area around your mouth has fewer oil glands. It is why you may experience dryness from these ingredients in this area specifically, Dr. Jaliman notes.
• Avoid fragrance and flavors in cosmetic products. Dr. Jaliman says to avoid both fragrance and flavors. It may taste good but makes you more likely to lick your lips (consciously or not). When you do so, saliva evaporates very quickly and can dry out your skin.
• Use dental products for "sensitive gums." Products labeled as such tend to be less irritating and generally better for sensitive and dry skin, Dr. Jaliman says.

How to Treat Dry Skin Around the Mouth

If you're seeking some practical solutions to treat dry skin around the mouth, you'll be happy to learn that they are similar to treating dryness on the rest of your face– so there's no need to reinvent the wheel.

• Apply hydrating creams and serums. Both dermatologists underscore the importance of loading up on such products. Dr. Jaliman recommends looking out for formulas containing ceramides (which help repair a compromised skin barrier), as well as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to attract and "trap" moisture in the skin.
• Use a gentle cleanser. Try to use a gentle foam or cream cleanser that is sulfate-free. This will limit further irritation, peeling, and dryness.
• Try a humidifier. Sleeping with a humidifier on ensures moisture remains in the air during the night. This is especially helpful if you live in a dry climate, and rely on air conditioning or space heaters.

When to See a Dermatologist

Although dry skin around the mouth can often be prevented and treated at home, there are some instances in which you may want to consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Make an appointment if your dry skin is accompanied by:

• painful cracking
• redness
• excess peeling

In such cases, you may require a prescription treatment, says Dr. Greenfield. Your dry skin may be due to a skin condition that needs professional treatment.