Cracked skin around your nose and mouth is uncomfortable, unsightly and at times even painful. Dry and flaky skin is hard to cover with makeup and if treated incorrectly, the condition can worsen. Menopause, lack of moisture in the air, cold-weather conditions and using the wrong skin care products can all trigger dry, cracked skin. To heal your skin, it requires hydration and moisture, made possible by adjustments to your skin care routine and lifestyle.
Discontinue the use of soap, alcohol-based skin care products and anti-acne products; these dry out the skin and may worsen the condition.
Wash your face with a mild, moisturizing wash made for dry skin. Massage the cleanser over your face using gentle circular motions. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel; avoid rubbing the towel roughly over your face because this may aggravate already cracked skin.
Petroleum jelly moisturizes dry, cracked skin and helps your skin retain water. Apply a thin layer over the cracked skin patches around your mouth and nose. Dab with a tissue to remove excess grease.
If you don't want to apply petroleum jelly during the day, use a facial moisturizing lotion instead and apply petroleum jelly before bedtime.
Hydrate your skin from the inside out. Drink liquids such as juices and water through the day to stay hydrated. Add oils like olive oil and canola oil to the foods you eat. Here are 5 tips to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Take a daily multivitamin, as cracked skin may be caused by a lack of vitamins in your diet.
Place a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. A humidifier eliminates dryness by adding moisture to the air.
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Writer Bio
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.