12 Herbal Remedies To Treat Dry Skin Around Mouth

Most of us have dealt with dry, flaky skin around the mouth at some point. That uncomfortable, tight feeling and the peeling ring of skin isn’t always just a side effect of cold weather—it can also be triggered by allergies, dermatitis, or even certain habits.

Whether it's due to environmental conditions or an underlying issue, dry skin around the mouth can be managed effectively using herbal and natural remedies.

One major culprit? Spending long hours 8 to 10 on average in air-conditioned environments at work. Centralized ACs tend to strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and patchy.

Other contributing factors include allergies, medications, consuming highly acidic foods, or the frequent habit of licking your lips. In some cases, it could be linked to a chronic condition known as angular stomatitis, which allows fungal growth on cracked skin, leading to swelling, crusting, or even bleeding.

If that sounds familiar, the first step is simple—stop licking your lips. Use a deeply nourishing lip balm with rich emollients, limit acidic foods, and stay clear of known allergens.

Once you’ve tackled the triggers, try these natural ingredients to heal and prevent dryness around the mouth:

# Shea Butter

Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter is a powerful moisturizer. Just dab a little pure shea butter onto your fingers and gently massage it into the affected area. Reapply as needed.

# Tea Tree Oil

With its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help soothe allergic reactions. Dilute a few drops in water and dab it onto the dry patches. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off.

# Olive Oil

Packed with antioxidants and vitamin E, olive oil repairs and rejuvenates dry skin. Apply a few drops before bedtime and massage gently.

# Aloe Vera

Known for its healing powers, aloe vera soothes irritation and mends broken skin. Apply fresh gel directly on the area, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse. Use it twice daily.

# Almond Oil

A natural moisturizer, almond oil nourishes and heals cracked skin. Massage a few drops into the skin each night before bed.

# Sugar Scrub

Sugar works as a gentle exfoliant. Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar with a few drops of olive oil and scrub the area in circular motions. Rinse and follow up with a moisturizer.

# Malai (Milk Cream)

Rich in proteins, antioxidants, and minerals, malai exfoliates and hydrates deeply. Massage fresh cream onto the area, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Use daily for best results.

# Coconut Oil

This antibacterial oil helps repair damaged skin and encourages new cell growth. Gently massage a few drops on the affected area and let it absorb fully. Use as often as needed.

# Banana Peel

Loaded with vitamin B, banana peels hydrate dry skin. Rub the inside of a peel on the affected area, leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse. Repeat twice a week.

# Glycerin

Glycerin locks in moisture and supports skin hydration. Mix a teaspoon of glycerin with water, dab it on using a cotton ball, and rinse after 5 minutes.

# Yogurt

The lactic acid and vitamins in yogurt gently nourish and restore dry skin. Massage a generous amount onto the area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Repeat twice daily.

# Water

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Staying hydrated from the inside out is key to preventing dry patches. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.