Barrier beauty – why your nose needs care too

While your winter skincare routines often focus on layering serums and ‘slugging cheeks’, one area is frequently overlooked – the delicate skin around your nose and lips.

“People forget that the nose and lips have almost no oil glands,” explains Dr Lauren Knight, Cape Town-based dermatologist and founder of Derm Discovered. “This makes them especially prone to trans epidermal water loss, particularly in winter or if you’re using active skincare like isotretinoin.”

Lips and nostrils are highly exposed to friction from tissues, windburn, dry air and barrier-stripping actives, yet they are often last to get care.

The new barrier beauty checklist for winter:

• Use a lip and nose balm with occlusive and hydrating ingredients like cocoa butter, Centella Asiatica and vitamin E.
• Avoid strong fragrances and irritants. Many balms can worsen dryness.
• Reapply regularly, especially after blowing your nose or applying retinoids.
• Don’t exfoliate cracked lips – it worsens barrier damage

Myth-buster: Is your lip balm making it worse?

“If your lips stay dry despite regularly applying balm, it may be the balm,” warns Dr Knight. “Many balms contain irritants that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Some patients develop a reaction; the more they use the balm, the worse it gets.”

Editor’s Pick: LETIbalm Nose & Lip Repair

LETIbalm is South Africa’s first balm developed specifically for the delicate skin around the nose and lips – and it’s trusted by dermatologists and families alike. A true barrier-care essential, it’s ideal during flu season, for allergy sufferers, or anyone using retinoid treatments.

This cult favourite is available in three specialised formats: the original rich balm, a light hygienic fluid, and a gentle paediatric version suitable from 3 months (and ideal for sensitive skin at any age).

Find LETIbalm at selected Dis-Chem, Checkers, independent pharmacies and online at www.ivohealth.co.za for R113 (RRP).