Dry skin around the mouth: Causes, symptoms & care tips

Dry, flaky, or irritated skin around the mouth can feel uncomfortable and sometimes even sore. Whether it’s a seasonal change, a reaction to a product, or simply a habit like lip licking, dry skin around the mouth is something many people experience at some point. The good news is that there are helpful ways to manage it and keep your skin feeling calm and cared for.

Let’s look at some common causes, signs to look out for, and gentle home care tips that can help.

Why the skin around the mouth gets dry
Common causes of dryness
Symptoms on dry skin around mouth
Home remedies and everyday care
Preventing dry skin around the mouth
Conclusions
FAQ: Dry skin around the mouth

Why the skin around the mouth gets dry

The skin around your mouth is thinner and more exposed to the elements than many other parts of the face. Because of this, it’s more prone to losing moisture and becoming irritated. Everyday activities like eating, talking, or wiping your mouth can also contribute to dryness around the mouth, especially in cold or windy weather.

Common causes of dryness

There are many simple reasons why you might notice dry skin around your lips or flakiness just above or below your mouth:

Weather: Cold air, strong winds, and central heating can all dry out the skin.
Lip licking: While it might feel soothing at first, saliva actually strips moisture away as it dries.
Skincare or dental products: Some toothpaste, lip balms, or face cleansers can irritate this delicate area.
Over-washing: Using strong soaps or cleansing too often can disrupt the skin barrier and result in dry skin.
Masks or scarves: Friction and trapped moisture can lead to irritation, particularly in winter.
Perioral dermatitis: Dry patches around the mouth can in some cases be a skin condition called perioral dermatitis. This often shows up as red, bumpy, and irritated skin around the nose and mouth. To treat mild perioral dermatitis, you can try some lifestyle changes and gentle skin products, but in some cases, medication may be needed (Source).

Symptoms on dry skin around mouth

If the skin around your mouth is feeling off, it may show in a few different ways. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, but here are some things to keep an eye on:

Dryness around the mouth: You might feel tightness or notice your skin looks dull or slightly rough to the touch.

Dry skin around lips: Flaking, itchy or peeling skin around the lip line is common, especially during colder months. Cracked corners can also occur, particularly if the skin has been dry for a while.

Dry, red skin around the mouth: Sometimes the area can become red or irritated. You might notice small patches of inflammation or feel a slight stinging sensation, especially when applying products.

Dry, flaky skin and dark discolouration: Over time, dry flaky skin around the mouth and dark discolouration may appear. This can happen when the area is repeatedly irritated, rubbed, or exposed to drying products.

Home remedies and everyday care

If you experience dry skin and redness around your lips, there are home remedies and everyday care tips you can try. A few small changes at home can help ease symptoms and support the skin’s recovery.

Be gentle with cleansing

Switch to a mild, soap-free cleanser, and avoid scrubbing or using very hot water on your face. E45 Face Foaming Cleanser is dermatologically tested and specially developed for dry skin on the face. It cleanses deeply while helping to preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier. After washing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.

Hydrate morning and night

Moisturising regularly is key to keeping the skin feeling soft and reducing irritation. Look for creams that are fragrance-free and specifically formulated for dry or sensitive skin. Applying a gentle moisturiser after cleansing, and again before bed, can help restore your skin’s natural barrier. E45 Face Daily Protect and E45 Night Cream are great examples of creams with these qualities—making them excellent additions to your daily routine.

Use a barrier cream or balm

Barrier creams or fragrance-free balms can help shield your skin from the elements. They’re especially helpful in cold weather or if you spend a lot of time outdoors. E45 Cream contains lanolin, light liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin—ingredients with moisturising and emollient properties. It is also a great cream to use if your baby develops dry skin.

Use a barrier cream or balm

Sun protection

To care for dry skin around the lips, it’s a good idea to use a lip balm with SPF. Sun protection isn’t just for summer—even in winter, the sun can dry and damage the delicate skin around the lips and mouth. Choose a balm with SPF for daily use. E45 SPF30 Protecting Lip Balm is dermatologically tested and provides up to 72 hours of hydration while softening and protecting the lips.

Try a humidifier indoors

Indoor heating can dry out the air, especially in winter. A humidifier can add moisture back into your environment and support skin hydration overnight.

Avoid common triggers

Simple habits like licking your lips or touching your face often can worsen dry skin around the mouth. Try to avoid known triggers, and consider switching out products if you suspect something might be causing irritation.

E45 SPF30 Protecting Lip Balm

E45 Face Night Cream

£14.99

E45 Face Daily Protect

£13.99

E45 Cream

£3.49

E45 Face Foaming Cleanser

£7.99

Preventing dry skin around the mouth

Use only fragrance-free products.
Avoid over-cleansing or over-exfoliating.
Use SPF daily on your lips, even during winter.
Cover your face with a soft scarf and use a barrier cream when out in cold and windy weather.
If you wear a face covering or mask often, clean it regularly and avoid tight materials that may rub or irritate the skin.

Conclusion

Dry skin around the mouth is something many people deal with, and it often improves with small changes and gentle care. Whether it’s caused by weather, skincare habits, or just daily life, focusing on moisture, protection, and simple routines can go a long way.
If you’ve tried home remedies and are still struggling, don’t hesitate to speak with a professional. Your skin deserves comfort and care, and support is always available when you need it.

FAQ: Dry skin around the mouth

How do you get rid of dry skin around your mouth?

Gently cleanse with a soap-free wash, apply a fragrance-free moisturiser regularly, and protect the area with a barrier cream. Avoid lip licking and irritating products.

Is petroleum jelly OK for perioral dermatitis?

It’s best to speak to a healthcare professional first. Some people find petroleum jelly helps reduce dryness, while others may find it worsens symptoms.

What vitamin deficiency causes dry skin around the mouth?

Low levels of B vitamins—especially B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin)—can contribute to dry or cracked skin around the mouth. A balanced diet usually helps.

Why is the area around my mouth extremely dry?

This could be due to weather, lip licking, skincare irritation, or a skin condition like eczema. If it doesn’t improve with gentle care, a GP can help identify the cause.

How can you get rid of dry skin around the mouth overnight?

You may notice improvement overnight with a rich moisturiser and protective balm, but long-lasting relief usually takes a few days of consistent care.