The Best Rosacea Skincare Routine | Expert Advice for Sensitive Skin
Dry skin around the eyes and nose is a common skincare concern, often made worse by weather changes, harsh products or an impaired skin barrier. These delicate areas require a thoughtful, targeted routine to restore hydration and soothe irritation without causing further damage.
In this post, Dr Anita Sturnham, GP with a special interest in Dermatology and founder of Decree Skincare, shares her expert advice on the causes of and treatment for dry, sensitive skin around the most vulnerable parts of the face, as well as common mistakes to avoid.
Why Is the Skin Around the Eyes and Nose So Prone to Dryness?
The skin in these areas is structurally different from other parts of the face. It is thinner, contains fewer oil glands and is more exposed to external elements such as wind, central heating or pollution. These differences make the skin around the eyes and nose more susceptible to dehydration, irritation and flaking.
“Dryness in these areas is often linked to over-cleansing, using the wrong skincare products or simply exposure to environmental extremes,” explains Dr Anita. “And because the skin is thinner, it tends to react more quickly than the rest of the face.”
How to Treat Dry Skin Around the Eyes
Gentle, hydrating care is key. Dr Anita recommends using a non-stripping cream or gel-based cleanser that preserves the skin’s natural oils. “A product like Decree Light Cleanse is ideal. It removes overnight buildup without disrupting your barrier,” she advises.
Once skin is clean, apply a rich yet non-irritating moisturiser. “I recommend Decree Peptide Emollient Veil+ for this area,” says Dr Anita. “It contains barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramide boosters, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, alongside plant-based emollients such as jojoba oil, squalane and rice bran extract.”
If you wear eye makeup, opt for a gentle micellar water to remove it before your evening cleanse to avoid pulling or over-washing the area.
How to Treat Dry Skin Around the Nose
The skin around the nostrils can become dry and flaky due to frequent nose blowing, weather changes or skincare overuse.
“To treat dry skin around the nose, use the same calming routine you would for the eyes,” Dr Anita advises. “Avoid over-exfoliating and stick to replenishing, fragrance-free formulas that soothe and protect.”
She recommends gently pressing moisturiser into the area after cleansing, and avoiding aggressive rubbing or wiping throughout the day.
The Best Ingredients for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Look for formulations that include the following:
- Squalane – Mimics natural skin lipids and softens without clogging
- Glycerin – A humectant that attracts and retains moisture
- Niacinamide – Calms inflammation and supports barrier repair
- Hyaluronic Acid (High Molecular Weight) – Hydrates and plumps without irritation
“Always check for high molecular weight hyaluronic acid on your product label,” says Dr Anita. “This form tends to be better tolerated by sensitive and compromised skin.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people unknowingly worsen dryness through incorrect habits or harsh skincare choices.
According to Dr Anita, the most common missteps include:
- Using hot water while cleansing
- Double cleansing unnecessarily
- Using oils or balms around the eyes and nose, which may occlude or irritate
- Choosing sulphate-rich foaming cleansers
- Over-exfoliating or using scrubs in sensitive areas
- Applying essential oils or highly fragranced products
“The cleanse step is where many go wrong,” she says. “If you're struggling with dry skin, go back to basics and use gentle, non-foaming formulas with no fragrance or stripping agents.”
Final Thoughts
Dry skin around the eyes and nose is delicate and demands extra care. By choosing the right ingredients and avoiding common triggers, you can restore hydration and comfort while protecting the skin barrier.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a dermatologist for further advice. For expertly formulated, barrier-supportive products, explore our Skincare for Dry Skin collection, including our Squalane, Glycerin, and Niacinamide ranges.
