It’s that time of the year when cold, the flu, sniffles, coughs, and assorted variants of lurgi rule supreme. Add to that a work jolly or two, chances are all of us will come down with something in December. How do we treat our skin when we are not feeling well?
Switch your cleansers
Now is not the time for a foaming cleanser. Switch to balm, oil or cream cleansers. Chances are your skin is dry, dehydrated and irritated. Nourish, soothe and hydrate the skin.
Layer your steps
When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is a complicated skincare routine. We get it, we do. But it is essential to restore the moisture to the skin. Do a gentle cleanse, layer a Hyaluronic acid or a Ceramide serum and then seal it all in with a moisturiser. If your skin is excessively dry, it won’t hurt to add a facial oil, too. As a speedy fix and to soothe skin in an instant, you can also apply a hydrating mask.
Treat your nose
If you blow your nose all.the.time. it’s probably chapped, painful and red. Don’t know about you, but when we get a cold, we could stand in for Rudolph the Reindeer. We swear by Bepanthen Nappy Rash Ointment. We promise we haven’t lost our minds! Slap it on and experience instant relief. The formula uses Provitamin B5 to help the skin repair itself. Some people swear by applying a thin layer of Vaseline. Others prefer Aquaphor. Hey, whatever works!
Treat your eyes
Oh, the joy that is blocked sinuses! It’s a miserable experience. But to add the insult to the injury, they make the under eye area SO puffy! An eye cream with caffeine should help to minimise the puffiness. Alternatively, grab some Green Tea tea bags, steep them in hot water and leave them to cool in the fridge for a bit. Apply as a cold compress to ease the puffiness and swelling.
Moisturise the body
A long hot shower can help to relax the muscles and bring the fever down. That said – excessively hot water will dry out your skin further. Use warm water and a shower gel with Eucalyptus, Rosemary or Peppermint for some decongestant action. And don’t forget the body lotion to seal in the moisture!
Last, but not least – don’t forget to hydrate! Try to get in as much liquid as possible.
What are some of your tips and tricks to keep your skin in good shape when you are sick? Please do share in the comments below.
